Car Accidents
Should you go to urgent care after a car accident or go to the hospital emergency room for auto accident treatment? Both have their pros and cons. The most important thing is that you should always seek immediate medical treatment. This is for your overall health and the benefit of documenting your injuries after a car accident. Whether you choose to go to an urgent care or emergency room depends on the severity of your injuries and your personal preference. Both can generally handle your auto accident treatment. Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room Many people who are seriously injured are transported to the hospital emergency room for car accident injuries. The hospital emergency rooms typically treat more significant injuries, whereas urgent care facilities treat less severe ones. This is because hospital emergency rooms are set up to…Read More
Will my car insurance increase if someone hits me in Florida? Generally, your car insurance will not go up after a claim that is not your fault in Florida. This is according to Florida Statutes §626.9541(1)(g)3). Under this Florida law, it would be an unfair or deceptive practice for an automobile insurance company like GEICO, Allstate, USAA, or State Farm to refuse to renew or cancel a policy or increase rates because you made a claim or sought medical treatment. That doesn't mean your rates may not increase for some other reason, like a speeding ticket or a new driver listed on your policy. Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates What factors affect car insurance rates in South Florida? How do insurance companies calculate rates? While there is no exact formula and every insurance company…Read More
Distracted driving is no longer just about cellphones — and the research proves it. A new study released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals that those who consistently rely on driver-assisted technology, like adaptive cruise control, are nearly twice as likely to drive distracted. The reason behind this trend? Drivers becoming more complacent, letting their guard down. These findings are just another piece in an alarming body of research proving that there are many dangers for distracted driving, and that motorists must be more vigilant than ever in safeguarding themselves and others. Unfortunately, it’s a lesson thousands have learned the hard way, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 3,166 people were killed in tragic distracted-driving accidents in 2017. Keep your family safe and your monthly car insurance rates low…Read More
No one wants to be in a car accident, and certainly, no one wants to deal with the aftermath. If you have recently been involved in an automobile crash, you’re dealing with medical bills, insurance payments, physical pain, and emotional distress. You would never plan for something like this, so the sudden occurrence of this life-altering event can leave you dealing with issues that you never planned for. To make matters even worse, this car accident wasn’t even your fault. Maybe someone was texting and driving, or ran a red light, or got behind the wheel to drive while intoxicated. Whatever the reason, they caused a lot of pain and suffering in your life and it’s time to consider bringing in a Davie, FL attorney to start a lawsuit. A car accident settlement can reimburse…Read More
You take an Uber to be safer and have less worries. Most often, people use these ride sharing apps because they know they will be drinking and don’t want to risk the ramifications of driving drunk. Another common reason to take an Uber is that you’re visiting a city you don’t know well enough to get around in. In both these cases, you assume the Uber driver is a safe and competent individual. Then, the unthinkable happens. You’re in a car crash while the Uber driver is at the wheel. Afterwards, you may be shocked to find he or she doesn’t have the right kind of car insurance to cover your injuries. What is your next step? You have medical bills to pay! This is when a Davie, FL lawyer should get involved. Dealing with an insurance…Read More
While Florida is certainly one of the most beautiful places in the country, it should not surprise you to find out that our roads are some of the most dangerous. The combination of a large population rushing to get to work, tourists who are trying to follow a GPS, part-time northern residents who are aging, and pedestrians and bike riders enjoying the sunshine all combine for many, many traffic accidents. In fact, some of the worst-rated roads in the state, and the entire country are right here in our area! Florida Turnpike This is also known as the Sunshine State Parkway and the Ronald Reagan Turnpike. It travels through 11 counties in Florida, covering some of the most congested areas in the state. To make matters even worse, it’s somewhat confusing for drivers who aren’t…Read More
In this article I’m going to explain Florida’ PIP emergency medical condition (“EMC”) 14-day rule. Suppose you go to the ER immediately after an accident, but don’t see another doctor until 20-days later. Are you entitled to the full $10,000 in PIP benefits? Initial Treatment: 14-Day Rule In Florida, you have 14-days to seek “initial treatment” after an accident to get the full $10,000 of PIP benefits. The key phrase is initial treatment. Initial treatment can be with a chiropractor, medical doctor, emergency room, or urgent care clinic. You’ll still need a certification from a doctor (other than a chiropractor) confirming you’ve suffered an emergency medical condition (“EMC”). An EMC certification doesn’t have to be issued within 14-days, only initial treatment. Often times a patient goes to the ER after an accident but doesn’t follow-up with another doctor for…Read More
Every once in awhile I get to step into the shoes of my clients. Recently I was doing some heavy lifting and I hurt my trapezius muscle. The trapezius muscle is one of the major muscles of your back and extends into your neck and shoulders. Today, I’m in excruciating pain. It hurts to even move. Forget about turning the right. I have to move my entire torso to look to my right while driving. The thing is in a few days the pain will go away. I will have little memory of the living hell I’m going through today. That is why keeping a daily journal after an accident is so important. Write Everyday After an accident I suggest that you pick up a small composition notebook. In that book you’ll document how your feeling and…Read More
Every accident case is different. This makes answering how much an average herniated disc settlement in Florida challenging. Florida accident attorneys rely on experience and jury and settlement reports. Here, we’ll discuss what exactly is a herniated disc and how we prove it. We’ll also look at several actual herniated disc settlements and verdicts in Florida. What Is A Herniated Disc? First, what is a herniated disc? A health disc is a two dimensional round or oval structure having four (4) 90-degree quadrants. Think of a pizza pie cut into 4 equal pieces. The discs sit between the vertebra and act as shock absorbers. A herniated disc occurs when the jelly-like disc material leaves the center of the disc. The chemicals from the disc can leak out acting as an irritant. This usually causes pain. A herniated disc can also indent the spinal canal,…Read More
After an accident the insurance company will ask you to give a recorded statement. Should you give a recorded statement to the insurance company? The answer depends on who is asking. You are under no obligation to make a recorded statement unless your own insurance policy requires it. Almost every insurance policy has such a provision. Then, and ONLY then, should you make a recorded statement. Do Not Volunteer Information If you must give a recorded statement please remember DO NOT volunteer information. This cannot be emphasized enough! You should never volunteer statement to ANYONE if you don’t have to. Not to the police, witnesses, or insurance adjusters, unless required by law. Florida is a comparative negligence state. This means, if you are found partially at-fault, your claims can be reduced by the amount of…Read More