General Blogs

What Evidence Do I Need To Make A Claim? The incident report is central to a personal injury claim. In a car accident case, this would be the crash report, while in a slip-and-fall case, it would be the incident report from the property owner. These documents provide a detailed account of what happened, who was involved, and any initial observations. Witness statements are also critical. If there are any witnesses to the incident, getting their contact information and statements is essential. Witnesses not directly involved in the incident can provide unbiased and credible accounts, significantly strengthening your claim. Obtaining the 911 audio recordings can be very helpful in car accident cases. These recordings often contain real-time descriptions from witnesses or those involved, offering vivid details about the incident's severity. Phrases like major accident or…Read More

What To Bring When preparing for your first meeting with a personal injury attorney, gathering and bringing as much relevant information as possible will facilitate a productive discussion. Remember that, ultimately, as good as it is to bring these items, don't worry if you don't have everything. Your attorney can obtain the documents they'll need through their usual processes as necessary. However, having them upfront can dramatically streamline your case and speed up the initial evaluation. Driver Exchange Form This form contains critical details about the drivers involved and their insurance companies in car crash cases. Police Report If you have it, bring the police report. This document provides a detailed account of the incident, which can be a significant asset in understanding and building your case. Having this report will give you confidence and…Read More

Common Personal Injuries Cases In Florida, personal injuries tend to revolve around motor vehicle crashes. This includes cars, rideshare vehicles like Uber and Lyft, trucks, tractor-trailers, motorcycles, and golf carts. Bicycle and pedestrian crashes, typically involving motor vehicles, also fall into this category. Beyond motor vehicle accidents, there are many slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall cases. A common accident scene in personal injury cases is uneven sidewalks with more than a half-inch difference in elevation, creating a tripping hazard. Many cities and municipalities must regularly identify these areas and rely on residents to report them. Uneven or poorly maintained walkways, whether due to sinking sidewalks or slippery surfaces that need to be adequately maintained, are also common culprits. Slip and fall cases also often occur in stores, as do other premises liability cases. These require proving that…Read More

The Basics Understanding the distinction between a personal injury claim and a lawsuit is crucial. A claim, which is made directly with an insurance company, aims to resolve the matter without court involvement. This approach, if successful, can lead to an amicable settlement, thereby avoiding or preempting a lawsuit. Personal injury claims cover a wide range of incidents where someone is hurt due to another person's fault. These can include: Car crashes Slip and falls Trip and falls Pedestrian accidents Bicycle accidents Dangerous products Animal bites Medical malpractice Workplace injuries, including workers' compensation claims In essence, any injury that unexpectedly disrupts your life through no fault can qualify for a personal injury claim. This also extends to wrongful death cases, where someone has tragically passed away due to an accident or injury. Florida’s Comparative Negligence…Read More

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