You're in a Car Crash – What Florida Law Requires You to Do

Auto Accident in Plantation Leaves 2 Dead on Sunrise Boulevard

by Auto AccidentsAutomobile SafetyMulti Car AccidentsPersonal InjuryPersonal Injury Lawyer

 

 

  • A deadly auto accident happened in Plantation Florida near 441 on NW 47th Avenue and Sunrise Boulevard.
  • Two people were killed in a sedan after being hit by an SUV.
  • The impact tore the sedan’s front and rear axles completely off.
  • Sunrise Boulevard  was completely reopened just before 1PM

 

 

According to initial reports by Plantation police, the Honda sedan was attempting to turn from the eastbound lanes on Sunrise Boulevard with the intention of either going north on 43rd Avenue or making a U-turn to go west on Sunrise Boulevard. Lanes of West Sunrise Boulevard in Plantation were closed in both directions shortly after 5 a.m. By 9:45 a.m., only the two left lanes had remained closed.

 

 

 

 

The Honda can be seen missing its entire front end and almost appears to be split in half. The Mercedes SUV sustained significant front end damage. The accident is still under investigation by Plantation police and fire departments and charges are reportedly pending related to the accident.

 

 

auto accident on sunrise boulevard

Every driver has a responsibility to drive in a cautious and courteous manner. With so many drivers sharing Florida roadways, no amount of defensive driving can protect you from the negligent and reckless behavior of another driver.

 

For many Floridians, it isn’t if you will be involved in a crash, but when.

 

If you find yourself in a car accident, there are a number of different things that you should probably do. Get yourself medical help. Take pictures and gather evidence. Call a lawyer. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and even confused following a car accident. Let alone the concerns surrounding medical bills, repair needed and whether or not you will be able to return to work.

 

In fact, we’ve written guides about what to do after a crash. However, you don’t have to do many of those things. If you wanted to, you could skip a lot of them.

 

Not all of them, though. There are some things that Florida law actually requires you to do if you are involved in a crash. Below, we’re going to go over what those are.

Stop at the scene of the auto accident

 

Hopefully, this goes without saying, but you cannot simply drive away after the car crash. You must first stop and fulfill the other duties detailed below first. Otherwise, it could be classified as a hit and run.

Hurt in a Florida Spring Break Car Crash? You Can Fight BackIf you leave a crash where someone else was injured, this is a third-degree felony, and you can face up to five years in prison or five years of probation, a $5,000 fine, and driver’s license revocation. If someone dies in the car crash, then it is a first-degree felony, with penalties of up to 30 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and driver’s license revocation. There is a mandatory minimum prison sentence of two years if you were driving under the influence.

 

If it is only property that was damaged, then it is a second-degree misdemeanor, with penalties of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

 

Get help for anyone who has been injured

 

If the other person requires or requests medical treatment, you are obligated to provide “reasonable assistance.” This means things like transporting or making arrangements to transport the person to a doctor or hospital. Often, your best course of action is to call 9-1-1.

 

Move your car out of the way

 

If your car is blocking traffic, you are required to move your car or call for help, such as from a tow truck, if you are unable to do so.

 

Provide your name and address to the other driver

 

You must also show your driver’s license or permit and vehicle registration number if requested. In the situation where the other person is not able to receive that information, then you are required to report the crash.

 

Provide information to investigating police officers

 

You must share your driver’s license, vehicle registration, address, and other information. Don’t discuss fault at this point. Just answers questions honestly. You never know what the other driver may or may not have been doing.

 

Boca Raton Car Accident Attorneys

Report the accident in some cases

 

You are required to report the accident to the local police department, sheriff, or the Florida Highway Patrol if there are injuries, death, or damage over $500. You are also required to do so if either driver is intoxicated.

 

You don’t have to file a crash report if the investigating officer does so, but you should confirm that they actually did so. Also, your crash report should include up-to-date information about your car insurance.

 

Once you do these things, you can be on your way if you wish. However, you could be missing out if the other driver’s negligence caused the accident. This is something that’s not always easy to tell when you’re involved. The best way to know for sure is to reach out to a knowledgeable Florida car crash lawyer and talk to them about your case.

 

 

 

covid-19 coronavirus accidents

COVID-19 Auto Accidents in South Florida

by Auto AccidentsAutomobile SafetyChildren Injuries & AccidentsMulti Car AccidentsPersonal InjuryPersonal Injury ClaimsPersonal Injury LawyerProperty DamageWrongful Death

COVID-19 has created a dramatic shift in all of our lives and even on our South Florida roadways. With residents holed up at home, working remotely and running fewer errands than ever, rush hour traffic has dipped considerably. Shuttered bars and restaurants has meant fewer drunk drivers on the roads and less auto accidents.

 

Those who must and do go out may be under the impression that the roads are safer due to this dip in traffic congestion we’ve seen throughout the state. They have evidence to support that belief too.

 

Florida drivers were involved in 9,469 crashes in June compared to 31,128 in 2019.

 

However true, that belief for many drivers contributes to the most serious and fatal auto accidents that can happen.

 

 

The Need For Speed

A recent report by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) stated that many drivers across the U.S. are pushing the needle to speeds greater than 100 mph. FHP have also reported drivers are traveling at speeds of 20-40 mph over the posted speed limit on average.

“Law enforcement officials have the same mission as health care providers — to save lives. If you must drive, buckle up, follow the posted speed limit and look out for pedestrians and bicyclists. Emergency rooms in many areas of the country are at capacity, and the last thing they need is additional strain from traffic crash victims,” said GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins.

 

 

coronavirus south florida auto accidents

Caution Your Confidence

The roads may appear empty and safe for you to push the pedal a little further. Just a few MPH over the speed limit is no big deal, right?

Out of the 9,469 crashes in June, 54% were speed related and 37% of those were fatal.

 

Due to distracted driving, unsafe road conditions and a myriad of circumstances we’ve seen can happen here at The South Florida Injury Law Firm, we know the roads are never as safe as they may seem.

It’s difficult to foresee auto accidents, the injuries that can come from them and the lifelong effects they have. It can put even a bigger dent in finances that COVID-19 have already burdened so many with. It is even worse when you know somebody else through their negligence caused you suffering, and that’s why you need to fight hard to get compensated for your loss. Be cautious and remember these steps we’ve put together for you to be better prepared:

 

 

What to do at the scene of an auto accident during this time of COVID-19

  • Get medical attention for those who are injured.
  • Still Practice Safe Distance. Stay 6 feet away from the other driver.
  • If you are able to without discomfort, pay mind to and keep your mask on.
  • Get the name and the driver’s license of the driver of the car that caused the collision.
  • If the driver leaves, get the license plate number of the car. If this is not possible, at least get a description of the car including the make, model, color, and any descriptive information you can.
  • Call the police. If the car leaves, do not endanger yourself by following or chasing it. The police will do their best to track down the culprit.
  • Wait in a safe place for the arrival of the police.
  • If there are witnesses, try to get their names, contact information, and statements.
  • Take photos of the scene of the accident as well as of the damage to your car.

 

As soon as possible with auto accidents, make your own written statement about what happened. Include as many details as you can about how the accident occurred. Note exactly where the accident occurred, whether there were traffic lights or a stop sign, what you observed the other driver doing, and any other information that seems relevant.

 

If someone sustains a head wound, broken arm or puncture wound, the injuries are obviously serious, and medical assistance should be sought immediately. But many times, accidents result in aching or overall soreness. It can be tempting to shrug this soreness off, as the pain may even subside over the following days. Not seeking medical attention can be a major mistake.

 

 

Get an Attorney

When searching for the best personal injury lawyers in South Florida, or if you have experienced an auto accident or injury, be sure to check for experience, track record, and reviews from their past clients.

Our team have 100+ years of combined legal experience, so we’ve handled just about every kind of injury and accident case you can imagine. We also come from diverse legal backgrounds that help us when preparing for cases, counting a former public defender and a lawyer who worked for insurance companies and knows their tactics among our partners.

During this time, we urge you to be safe on the road and if you have been in an accident, know that you deserve to be compensated for your pain and suffering – and those responsible deserve to be held accountable for their actions. That was The South Florida Injury Law Firm’s goal when it was founded in South Florida in 1991, and it has remained the centerpiece of the firm’s mission ever since that time.

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8 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer

by Personal Injury Lawyer

Just as you wouldn’t hire a doctor, contractor, or a therapist who isn’t trustworthy or experienced, you should tread carefully when choosing a personal injury lawyer.

 

Your attorney will play an invaluable role in your personal injury case, often making the difference between a denied or successful claim.

 

With you and your family’s health and finances in jeopardy, you cannot afford to work with anyone but the best attorney possible.

 

But how do you distinguish a mediocre attorney from a great one? How do you find an attorney who is best suited to handle your unique case and accommodate your personal needs, values, and goals? Finding the right personal injury lawyer is no small task, especially since a simple Google search for “Florida personal injury lawyer” will yield thousands of results. Many lawyers claim to offer personal injury representation, but have very little actual experience in the courtroom. Others may not have the time or resources to give your case the individual attention it requires.

 

To help find the best attorney for your personal injury case as quickly as possible, we’ve included a list of questions you should ask before choosing a personal injury attorney.

 

  1. What kind of cases do you handle regularly?

Many lawyers who claim to specialize in personal injury are actually jacks of all trades, working in many different areas of the law. But the best personal injury attorneys are the ones who focus their practice on this unique area of the law and handle these types of cases every day. Only an attorney who specializes in personal injury lawsuits will know the unique nuances of personal injury law, and only a personal injury attorney will be able to practice at the highest skill level and obtain the best results for their client.

 

  1. Have you successfully handled similar cases before?

A good lawyer should be able to point to a track record of successful cases that are similar to your own. Inquire about past cases and results, and ask to speak to former clients. As with the vast majority of practices, experience helps.

 

bad faith insurance attorney

 

  1. Are you prepared to go to court?

This very important question is often overlooked. If you hire an attorney who always settles and never takes cases to trial, you can be almost certain you will not receive the compensation you deserve. Your attorney should be prepared to take your case to court and not be eager to secure a quick turnover. Lawyers who try to settle personal injury claims in as little time as possible may shortchange their client in their haste for their contingency fee.

 

  1. Do you have time to work on my case?

Oftentimes, big-name attorneys will sign up clients and wait months before filing the suit as they continue to sign other clients. The longer your attorney waits to file your claim, the longer you’ll have to wait to receive the compensation you need and deserve. Before hiring your attorney, ask how much time he or she plans on devoting to your case, and how many other cases he or she has pending.

 

  1. How do you handle upfront expenses?

Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they will collect a percentage of the amount recovered and will charge no fee if they lose your case. However, some attorneys will require clients to pay litigation fees upfront. Talk to your attorney about their firm’s unique approach to case expenses so you can understand exactly what you are getting into.

 

  1. How do you handle situations where you and a client are in disagreement?

Some attorneys may try to demand that you accept a settlement, even if you feel it is not fair or sufficient. While you should never feel pressured to settle a case against your wishes, some attorneys will withdraw from your case if you disagree with them and refuse to accept a settlement. Before choosing a lawyer, make sure your attorney will honor your wishes.

 

  1. What is my case worth?

You attorney should be able to provide you with a basic idea of how much your case is worth, free of charge. This can be a spectrum based upon unknown factors such as medical complications and liability.
8 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer 1 Personal Injury South Florida Injury Law Firm

 

  1. How can you help me improve my case’s chances for success?

Your personal injury attorney should invest extensive time, energy, and resources into your case to ensure you are in the best position to obtain a favorable outcome. That means collecting evidence, gathering witnesses, and consulting with experts.

 

When finding the right lawyer for your personal injury case, time is of the essence. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer today, and find out how an attorney help you get the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to recovery.

 

 

 

Construction cranes of high-rise residential buildings in the big city, view of the evening sky

Crane Accidents and Construction Injuries

by Children Injuries & AccidentsConstruction AccidentsHurricane Property DamageInsurance ClaimsParking Lot AccidentsPersonal InjuryPersonal Injury ClaimsPersonal Injury Law SuitPersonal Injury LawyerPremises LiabilityProperty DamageWork Related InjuriesWorkers CompWrongful Death

Crane Accidents and Construction Injuries 2 Personal Injury South Florida Injury Law Firm

 

Imagine sleeping soundly in bed and then a loud crashing crane comes through your roof.
It was a scene that happened this week in North Miami Beach, where a crane that was being used to repair a seawall slid off a barge and struck the roof of a condominium building.

“I was very lucky because that crane was in front of my apartment two days ago.” said by C. Spetsiotas, a resident of the condo.

 

Eight units of the building are now off-limits while structural engineers assess the safety of the building. The U.S. Coast Guard is also investigating, along with OSHA

Crane accidents have happened in the past, with unfortunately worse outcomes. In Hallandale Beach, a 27 year old was killed when a crane toppled over.  One man died and two others were left injured in Hollywood when the scaffolding collapsed.

 

Causes of Construction Accidents

 

Florida construction sites are littered with hazards at every turn. To execute dangerous tasks that these projects require, heavy construction equipment and tools are used, many of which are performed at great heights and under extremely hazardous conditions.

Although federal and state laws that require employers to maintain a safe workplace, some do not. There are instances where contractors take shortcuts to turnaround projects faster and reduce expenses, posing a risk to people who work on the sites and the local pedestrians.

 

Some common causes of construction accidents include:

 

  • Cranes, ladders and fixtures falling from buildings and walls
  • Toxic substance exposure
  • Defective construction and tool equipment
  • Improper use of equipment
  • Improper or insufficient training
  • Misuse of tools and other equipment
  • Poor safety precautions and oversight

 

 

Construction Site Safety and Your Rights

Crane Accidents and Construction Injuries 4 Personal Injury South Florida Injury Law Firm

Safety measures on construction sites are supposed to be followed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.  There are clear standards for cranes, crane operations, crane training, fall protection, scaffolding, ladders, hazard communication, machinery, and many other aspects of a construction site project and operations. A party’s failure to abide by OSHA standards may be evidence of negligence if that failure caused an accident.

If you or someone you know have suffered any construction related injuries, or others that are not listed, compensation may be awarded and should contact our experienced Florida construction accident lawyers at South Florida Injury Law Firm today to discuss your legal options with our Free Case Review

Also, you may be entitled to recover more money than a workers’ compensation claim alone could provide. You may also have claims for medical bills, pain and suffering, permanent limitations and past and future lost earnings.

Because of the numerous contractors, subcontractors and other parties often involved in construction sites, it can be difficult to determine exactly who should be held responsible for your injuries or the death of a loved one.

 

 

 

Types of Available Compensation

 

Worker’s Compensation
Almost every employer is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. These benefits can help an injured worker cover medical expenses and lost wages and are available to a worker regardless of the circumstances surrounding an accident that causes injury.

 

Personal Injury
Although a worker cannot file an injury lawsuit against their employer, it may be possible to file a claim against a third party whose negligent actions led to your injury. A personal injury claim is also available to non-workers who are injured on a construction site.

 

Product Liability
If a defective product caused your injuries, it may be possible to bring a claim against the manufacturer, retailer or wholesaler of that product.

 

Wrongful Death
If you have lost a loved one in a construction accident, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for your loss.

 

 

Construction Related Accident and Injury Help

 

With decades of experience handling these types of complex cases, our Injury Law Firm of South Florida construction accident lawyers have the skills and the resources needed to conduct a thorough investigation. You can rely on us to put your interests first and will work to help you recover the maximum compensation you are entitled.

 

Schedule a free consultation by calling 954-764-7377 (Fort Lauderdale), 561-209-2100 (Boca Raton & West Palm Beach), or 877-566-8759 (toll-free). You can also fill out this online form to set up your case evaluation. We’re a dedicated team of personal injury lawyers who work on a contingency basis and will take your calls at any time, on any day of the week.

Florida Personal Injury Claims: What Kinds of Damages Can You Sue for?

Florida Personal Injury Claims: What Kinds of Damages Can You Sue for?

by Personal InjuryPersonal Injury ClaimsPersonal Injury Law Suit

Florida Personal Injury Claims: What Kinds of Damages Can You Sue for?

If you have recently suffered a personal injury and are currently considering filing a claim, you are likely asking yourself whether the effort will be worth your time. Frankly, the answer to that question depends on what the incident has cost you.

In a personal injury case, when a judge or jury finds there is a person or company legally responsible for the incident, and subsequently, your injury, monetary damages can be awarded to you.

There are four general ways personal injury damages within a claim will be classified, and in this post, we will share information about each category and provide examples for each of them.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of examples within each category of damages, and an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer will be able to help you understand the best way for you to financially recover from your personal claim.

Economic or Special Damages

These are the actual costs of medical treatment, estimated future medical expenses, lost earnings, future lost earnings, property damage, or other out-of-pocket expenses.

The medical portion of damages should include every expense that the plaintiff has had to pay out over the course of receiving treatment, and should also factor in what future medical costs will be. These amounts alone can add up quickly, especially in cases in which a plaintiff has become permanently disabled and is in need of adaptive devices or lifelong nursing care.

Lost wages calculations will usually factor both work the plaintiff had to miss due to treatment (whether it was paid or unpaid time off) and work that will likely be missed in the future. Further, when a plaintiff has become permanently unable to work – or their capacity to work has been permanently reduced – lost wages over their lifetime may be calculated into the award.

Non-economic or General Damages

These are awarded upon the evaluation of elements like pain and suffering, inconvenience, emotional distress, loss of consortium (companionship of husband, wife, or partner), or loss of enjoyment of life.

Pain and Suffering is one form of general damages which juries tend to award generously. Often responsible parties (and their insurers) are inclined to offer a settlement to avoid this. During the settlement process, insurance companies typically employ a “pain multiplier” strategy in order to arrive at a fair and reasonable number which involves the total of actual financial losses multiplied by a number the insurer deems appropriate, usually between 1.5 and 5.

Emotional distress is often related to pain and suffering damages, but is usually a bit more difficult to prove. Psychiatric records and medical diagnoses of post traumatic stress disorder are a couple of ways you can provide evidence.

Loss of companionship or consortium is another one that can be tied closely to pain and suffering. These damages are sought when an injury has significantly altered the relationship between the victim and family member(s) or when a wrongful death has occurred, which means the complete loss of the relationship.

The previous two categories of damages are considered “compensatory” – or compensation for damages incurred through the case injury. But there are also two additional types of damages that are usually utilized by the courts to maximize the effects the proceedings may have on the defendant, specifically as it pertains to the deterrence of future similar actions.

Punitive Damages

These are specifically designed to punish the defendant for grossly negligent or particularly egregious actions, and are awarded at the discretion of the court. Often the judge wishes to make an example of the defendant, and feels compensatory damages aren’t enough to deter the offender or others from the same actions in the future. Another situation in which punitive damages may be awarded is if a judge does not believe that the other damages amount to a reasonable punishment.

Treble Damages

Treble damages are similar to the way an insurer might come to a settlement number, but these damages are determined by the court, as well. Under special circumstances, when the court rules in your favor, you may be awarded up to three times the amount of certain damages.

One scenario is that the offender must have knowingly and deliberately committed the acts. Another would be a case where the defendant violated the public good – excessive or repeated drunk driving charges which finally result in a fatality, for instance.

Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Law Suit

Additionally, when a defendant explicitly requests this type of award up front in the initial lawsuit, and can clearly establish intentional malice, judges and juries will deliberate on the request very seriously. In most cases, treble damages are awarded when punitive damages are not involved in the suit.

 

About the Author:

Jeffrey Braxton is a trial lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who has devoted his career to the practice of personal injury law. As lead trial attorney for the South Florida Injury Law Firm, Jeff has litigated thousands of cases and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an exclusive group of attorneys who have resolved cases in excess of one million dollars.

Will Florida's Recent Hit-and-Run Ruling Impact Injury Cases

Will Florida’s Recent Hit-and-Run Ruling Impact Injury Cases?

by Auto Accidents

Will Florida's Recent Hit-and-Run Ruling Impact Injury Cases

A recent ruling in Florida might make it a whole lot harder for victims of hit-and-run crashes to get the justice that they deserve. The ruling states that drivers who are responsible for hit-and-run crashes cannot be prosecuted unless there is definite proof that they knew they had been involved in a crash.

 

This decision comes following the appeal of a case in which a Florida driver was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison after hitting a 22-year-old skateboarder with his truck. The teenager was dragged nearly 90 feet and was in a coma for weeks as a result.

 

Now, Florida’s Supreme Court has sided with the appeals court, which stated that the driver in this case may not have known that he hit the boy. The Supreme Court reasoned that in order for a felony conviction to be made in any case, the prosecution must be able to prove that the offender knew what he was doing and chose to willfully disobey the law.

 

What Does This Mean For You?

 

Florida is well known for a lot of things, but unfortunately road safety is not one of them. Each year, Florida sees 200,000 automobile accidents, thousands of which involve pedestrians. Worse still, the rate of hit-and-run accidents in Florida has been on the rise. In 2014, hit-and-run accidents were up by 23%.

 

Unfortunately, this recent ruling is a step backwards for Florida’s ongoing journey to make the roads safer for drivers and pedestrians. Although intended to protect the rights of drivers, the new ruling seems destined to backfire and could wind up leaving countless hit-and-run victims in the dust.

 

Do Not Be Discouraged—Your Case Matters

 

This new ruling may send the wrong message to Florida citizens: that hit-and-run drivers can be excused. The lawyers at The South Florida Injury Law Firm know that that is not true. This ruling will likely change the way that hit and run cases are handled in court. However, it does not mean that it is now impossible for hit-and-run victims to receive compensation for their resulting injuries and trauma.

 

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On the contrary, it just means that your lawyer may have to do a little more investigative work. Maybe the driver responsible for the hit-and-run truly did not notice that he had been involved in an accident, but how could he have missed it? Was he distracted? Was he texting, toying with the radio, smoking, or talking on his phone while driving? Was he looking away from the road at the time? Maybe he was intoxicated or under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident, or maybe he was driving without insurance and so chose to flee the scene before cops could arrive. Whatever the scenario, you deserve a lawyer who will stop at nothing to uncover the truth.

 

Even though it may seem that the state of Florida is turning its back on victims of hit-and-run accidents following this, the lawyers at The South Florida Injury Law Firm will stand beside you and see to it that responsible parties are held accountable. If you have suffered personal injury as a result of a hit-and-run, do not let this new ruling prevent you from seeking the justice that you deserve and the compensation that you need to fully recover and get back to your normal life. Contact us today.

 

10 Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Personal Injury Case

10 Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Personal Injury Case

by Personal Injury Claims

10 Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Personal Injury Case
When you’ve just suffered injury in a traumatic auto accident, it’s understandable that you feel a little shaken, panicked, and perhaps even a bit disoriented. But how you conduct yourself after an accident is a huge determining factor in your ability to file a successful personal injury claim. Below, we’ve listed some of the most common mistakes injured parties make that can result in claims being denied or significantly reduced in value.

 

Failing to call the police. When another driver causes an accident, he or she may try to convince you not to call the police. However, a police accident report is vital to your personal injury case, since it’s one of the clearest ways to demonstrate that you were not at fault. Without it, the other driver may try to manipulate the truth when speaking to their insurance company in an attempt to appear not at fault. Even in Florida, which is a no-fault state, this can be important for an injury claim.

 

Failing to seek medical attention. Medical documentation is very important to your injury claim. It’s essential to seek medical treatment after an auto accident as soon as possible—even if you feel your injuries were minor. Oftentimes, car accident injuries don’t fully materialize for days or even weeks after the accident. If you wait too long to see a doctor, insurance companies may argue that you couldn’t have been hurt that seriously, and therefore don’t deserve compensation, or that your injuries were sustained in another way.

 

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Failing to be honest with your doctor. While visiting a doctor after your injury, make sure to answer his or her questions as honestly as possible. Don’t try to conceal any previous injuries or illnesses, which can both impact the quality of care you receive and harm your legal case. If you supply doctors with false or partial information, you give insurance companies grounds to have their opinions invalidated in court.

 

Missing doctor’s appointments. Your medical records can be accessed by both insurers and juries. Your records will contain information about any missed appointments, and this information can be used as evidence of your lack of commitment to recovery or the minor nature of your injuries.

 

Neglecting to take prescribed medications. Much like missing appointments, neglecting to take prescribed medications or follow your doctor’s advice can demonstrate a lack of commitment to recovery, and severely harm your claim.

 

Ending medical treatment prematurely. If you stop your medical treatment too early, insurance companies may argue that you must be completely recovered from the accident. Similarly, if there are large periods of times between your treatments, insurers may argue that you could have recovered from your initial injury and may now be seeking treatment for an unrelated injury. It’s a good idea to continue treatment until you are confident in your full recovery, or a doctor advises you to do so.

 

Posting sensitive information online. Insurance companies are likely to search the internet for information that can invalidate your claim. If you use Facebook, Twitter, or other social media sites, refrain from posting details or photos of your injuries or the accident online in status updates, comments, or blog entries. Remove previous posts that could limit your claim, such as a post on an old injury.

 

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Losing important documents and information. To help your case, it’s highly advisable to keep track of medical treatments, doctor’s orders, and work restrictions. If possible, take photographs of your visible injuries—including scars and bruises—and the damage to your vehicle at the scene of the accident. This information will be invaluable when evaluating your case with your lawyer.

 

Giving in to insurance companies. To dissuade you from getting an attorney, insurance company representatives may contact you to try and reach a settlement. Without an experienced and aggressive attorney helping you, insurers know they will be able to get away with paying you a substantially smaller settlement. Always remember that insurance companies are first and foremost a business, and their main goal is to secure maximum profit for their company by paying you as little as possible. Never give a statement or sign a document with an insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.

 

Waiting too long to contact a lawyer. Under Florida law, you only are allowed a brief window of time to file a personal injury claim. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance to consult with an experienced Florida auto accident attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can help you evaluate the true value of your claim, and keep insurers from bullying you out of the compensation you deserve. With your attorney’s assistance, you can fight for your right to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and overall pain and suffering.

 

 

Boca Raton Personal Injury Laweyer

Is the Personal Injury Stigma Stopping You from Fighting?

by Personal Injury Lawyer

Boca Raton Personal Injury Laweyer
Does seeing a personal injury ad on TV make you suspicious? Maybe the face of a lawyer on a billboard makes you cringe. If you’re hesitant to trust personal injury attorneys, it’s okay—you’re not the only one. Unfortunately, personal injury law is often one of the most stigmatized areas of legal practice, and personal injury attorneys are sometimes considered conniving thieves who only have their own best interests in mind.

 

But as anyone who has been injured in a personal injury case can attest, personal injury is a legitimate and very serious area of law that requires finesse and capability, and personal injury lawyers—as hard as it might be to believe—really do have the public’s best interest at heart.

 

What is Personal Injury Law?

 

Personal injury law refers to the legal disputes that arise after somebody suffers an injury as a result of someone else’s misconduct. Personal injury cases are some of the more common cases that people see or hear about, but this is simply because there are so many opportunities for individuals to be injured at the hands of others. Some injuries that may be eligible for personal injury lawsuits include those that result from:

 

 

The specific damages that qualify as “personal injuries” are just as numerous. In fact, personal injury damages can include such a wide array of grievances that it’s almost impossible to list them all. Some of the more common injuries include:

 

 

It is important to understand that the prevalence of personal injury cases in no way detracts from their severity. Personal injury cases are serious and require the utmost respect and professionalism when dealing with them.

 

West Palm Beach Personal Injury Lawyer

The Secret Lives of Personal Injury Lawyers

 

Sure, there is a lot of negative propaganda out there about personal injury layers. But the fact is that lawyers like myself and others do a lot of good that the public does not always see.

 

As BizJournals recently pointed out, it was a personal injury lawsuit that is credited with exposing the ignition switch issue that resulted in the major GM automobile recall in 2014. Had it not been for that one personal injury case that was held following the death of a victim, the issue might not have been brought to light at all and many more deaths may have resulted.

 

In fact, personal injury lawyers are often to thank for major recalls like this, and we contribute to consumer safety in a number of other ways as well.

 

  • Providing a system of checks and balances for major (and not-so-major) corporations.
  • Giving companies an extra incentive to move forward with product improvements such as better-quality safety belts and airbags in cars and the placement of warning labels on potentially dangerous products.

 

It would be nice if businesses did these things out of the kindness of their hearts, but it’s just not true. Most of the time, these changes only come about following successful legal proceedings in which lawyers fight tirelessly to defend their clients.

 

In cases like these, when personal injury lawyers are going up against huge corporations with mammoth legal teams on their sides, they need to fight vigorously and often to the point of exhaustion. However, the lawyers’ determination and belief in their clients’ claims push them forward. Personal injury lawyers put it all on the line not only so that their own clients receive the compensation and recognition that they deserve, but also so that major corporations must make necessary changes to make their products safer for everybody. Without these lawyers’ resolve, major corporations may never be held accountable.

 

South Florida Personal Injury Lawyer

Don’t Hold Yourself Back

 

Do not let other people’s negative portrayals of personal injury lawyers stop you from getting the defense that you deserve. The truth is that personal injury lawyers are here to protect you and will do everything it takes to make sure that your voice is heard and your suffering does not go unnoticed.

 

By failing to equip yourself with a smart attorney, you are allowing a negligent individual (or company) to evade responsibility for something that they should not be allowed to get away with. Responsible persons should be held accountable for their mistakes, especially if those mistakes cost you your or your family your peace of mind.

 

If you’ve been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, defend yourself. Don’t let negative media portrayal of personal injury lawyers prevent you from fighting for what you deserve. Contact a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer today.

 

About the Author:

Jeffrey Braxton is a trial lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who has devoted his 22-year career to the practice of personal injury law. As lead trial attorney for The South Florida Injury Law Firm, Jeff has litigated thousands of cases and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an exclusive group of attorneys who have resolved cases in excess of one million dollars.

 

Watch Out for Holiday Dangers at Stores

Watch Out for Holiday Dangers at Stores

by Personal Injury Lawyer

Watch Out for Holiday Dangers at Stores
Anyone who has gone to the mall on a Friday evening knows how dreadful and even downright threating the crowds can be—groups of teenagers everywhere, 20-somethings plowing through the crowds to grab the latest fashions for the weekend, parents shopping for whatever relatives have birthdays or parties coming up.

 

But now that holiday season is in full swing, running the mall gauntlet is riskier than ever. At this time of year, it’s important for consumers and storeowners alike to remember that stores are responsible for the safety of their shoppers—if accidents happen on company property, the storeowner or manager could be held accountable.

 

Problems to Look Out For

 

During the holidays, the decorative lengths that some stores will go to for the sake of festivity can sometimes be outright hazardous. Because of this, shoppers should be on their guard even more than usual, and should look out for potentially dangerous situations. Some of these situations include:

 

Crowds. Of course, there are always crowds in malls and stores. Around the holidays, though, the crowds are bigger, stronger, and more excitable than at any other time of the year. With so many people crammed into such small spaces, it can be easy for consumers to become disoriented and wind up injured. In addition to being hazardous in and of themselves, crowds can be distracting and can divert peoples’ attention away from other potential hazards in the store.

 

Boca Raton Slip and Fall Lawyer

Potential for slips and falls. Around the holidays, the risks of slip and fall accidents seem to be everywhere. Decorations that some stores place on their floors (e.g., confetti or fake snow) can make floors more slippery and therefore more dangerous. Furthermore, winter weather can sometimes lead to slippery patches on steps or in doorways, which can be extremely risky.

 

Oversized displays. Certain stores seize the opportunity presented by the holiday season to go above-and-beyond with decorations like giant Christmas trees, oversized menorahs, or enormous “Happy Holidays!” signs spanning entire ceilings. Often, these decorations can be delightful for shoppers and store employees alike—they can be beautiful, fun, and fill shoppers with holiday spirit. But as nice as they are, they can be dangerous as well. If decorations are improperly rigged or positioned incorrectly, they can cause injury to shoppers.

 

Given all the potential hazards that surround shoppers during the holiday season, it’s important for customers to always be aware of their surroundings and remain on their guard.

 

What If You’re Injured in a Store?

 

“Duty of care” laws state that retail stores are required to take all possible measures (within reason) to ensure that their customers are kept safe. In the unfortunate event that you sustain injuries in a store, this means that storeowners or managers can be held accountable.

 

If you are injured in a retail store and decide to take legal action against the storeowner, the first step will be to prove negligence.  To do so, you must prove that the following elements were in place:

 

  1. Your injuries were caused by dangerous conditions in the store
  2. The store was aware, or should have been aware, of these conditions
  3. The store acted negligently in addressing these dangerous conditions
  4. Your injuries were not your own fault
  5. Your injuries were caused as a direct result of the store’s dangerous conditions
  6. Your injuries are legitimate

 

Because of the complexities of going to legal battle with stores, store owners, or corporations, it’s always best to consult with a qualified lawyer before taking any action.

 

Of course, it is best to try to avoid these dangerous situations entirely. While perusing stores this holiday season, remember to use caution. Wear shoes that are easy to walk in, be careful when navigating through the crowds, be on the lookout for potentially unsafe areas that might be slippery, and stay away from decorations that look dangerous, like overly large signs or displays that could fall.

 

Boca Raton Accident Injury Claim Compensation

Sometimes, though, no matter how careful you are, accidents can find you—even during the holidays and even at major retail stores where things are supposed to be safe and welcoming. Remember that all retailers are responsible for the safety of their shoppers.

 

If you sustain an injury as a result of a storeowner’s negligence, don’t just assume that the business will do the right thing and pay for your medical expenses while taking steps to ensure something like this doesn’t happen again. Make sure that others are protected and you get the justice you deserve by contacting a qualified legal professional at The South Florida Injury Law Firm as soon as possible.