Florida Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Blog

Pinellas Deputy Rearends Women Slowing for Ambulance | Palm Harbor Car Crash Lawyer

A Pinellas County Deputy rearended a vehicle in Palm Harbor on US 19 near Curlew Road after the car had slowed down to let an ambulance pass by.

We represent Florida Personal Injury clients in: Clearwater,  Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, and Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Indian Shores, Redington Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Clearwater Beach, Palm Harbor, Crystal Beach, Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Ellenton, Kenneth City, Belleair Shores, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg Beach, Tierra Verde, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Bayonet Point, Holiday, Land O'Lakes, Odessa, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Wesley Chapel, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and all other Florida Counties. Contact US NOW for FREE Consultation! 727-446-0840!!

Florida Drivers Who Text and Drive Could Be Fined | Personal Injury Attorney in Clearwater

Text messaging while driving could become a secondary offense in Florida. The distracted driving behavior causes 6,000 fatal accidents each year on U.S. highways. The intention of the bill is to reduce fatal car accidents and injuries and save lives in Florida.

GET YOUR FREE COPY
The Five Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Florida Accident Case  was written by Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Jim Dodson to  help accident victims who have been injured in Florida. This must-read  book addresses many  aspects of the insurance claims process, what you need to know about hiring an attorney (if in fact you need to), as well as the myths associated with injury and accident claims. Learn  "What is a Personal Injury or Accident Case?", "How  You Determine the Value of a Personal Injury Case", and "Do you really need an attorney?" This  free consumer guide also provides you with a list of "What Every Injury Claim Must Have." Arm yourself with this valuable information before you hire an attorney, speak with an insurance adjuster or sign any forms. Click here to get your free copy. 

Running a Red Light? The Camera Will Catch You | St. Petersburg Fatal Car Accident Attorney

Fatal accidents in St. Petersburg and Tampa because of a driver running a red light through a dangerous intersection could be curtailed with the installation of red light cameras the cities are set to adopt in coming weeks.

GET YOUR FREE COPY
The Five Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Florida Accident Case  was written by Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Jim Dodson to  help accident victims who have been injured in Florida. This must-read  book addresses many  aspects of the insurance claims process, what you need to know about hiring an attorney (if in fact you need to), as well as the myths associated with injury and accident claims. Learn  "What is a Personal Injury or Accident Case?", "How  You Determine the Value of a Personal Injury Case", and "Do you really need an attorney?" This  free consumer guide also provides you with a list of "What Every Injury Claim Must Have." Arm yourself with this valuable information before you hire an attorney, speak with an insurance adjuster or sign any forms. Click here to get your free copy. 

Three Injured in East Lake Car Bicycle Accident | East Lake Accident Lawyer

In a 3 injury car accident involving a cyclist, 2 cars struck each other on East Lake Road at Ridgemoor Boulevard in East Lake. One of the cars then struck bicyclist Julian Conley.

We represent clients in the state of Florida in the following areas:

Car Accidents & Truck Collisions
Motorcycle Accidents
Pedestrian|Crosswalk Collisions & Bicycle Accidents
Wrongful Death & Fatal Accidents
Injuries to Minors & Children
Slip|Trip|Fall Accidents and Premises Liability
   
CALL US NOW  to schedule your FREE consultation Toll-Free at 1-888-340-0840. There is no obligation to hire a lawyer.  You may also  submit your FREE case review  online.

Report:Deadly Car Accidents Caused by Aggressive Driving | Florida Car Accident Lawyer

Fifty-six per cent of all deadly car accidents involve driving behaviors consistent with unsafe driving behaviors or aggressive driving. Aggressive driving behaviors includes:running red lights and stop signs,preventing other drivers from passing,illegal driving on the shoulder, failing to yield and speeding.

GET YOUR FREE COPY
The Five Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Florida Accident Case  was written by Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Jim Dodson to  help accident victims who have been injured in Florida. This must-read  book addresses many  aspects of the insurance claims process, what you need to know about hiring an attorney (if in fact you need to), as well as the myths associated with injury and accident claims. Learn  "What is a Personal Injury or Accident Case?", "How  You Determine the Value of a Personal Injury Case", and "Do you really need an attorney?" This  free consumer guide also provides you with a list of "What Every Injury Claim Must Have." Arm yourself with this valuable information before you hire an attorney, speak with an insurance adjuster or sign any forms. Click here to get your free copy. 

Fatal Car Crashes Less Likely for Senior Drivers | Florida Fatal Car Accident Lawyer

Senior drivers are often criticized for failure to yield, driving too slow, failing to use signals, not obeying traffic signs, drifting into other lanes and hitting the brakes. But, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports senior drivers in Florida are far less likely to be involved in fatal car crashes and nonfatal car crashes, than Florida teen drivers are.

GET YOUR FREE COPY
The Five Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Florida Accident Case  was written by Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Jim Dodson to  help accident victims who have been injured in Florida. This must-read  book addresses many  aspects of the insurance claims process, what you need to know about hiring an attorney (if in fact you need to), as well as the myths associated with injury and accident claims. Learn  "What is a Personal Injury or Accident Case?", "How  You Determine the Value of a Personal Injury Case", and "Do you really need an attorney?" This  free consumer guide also provides you with a list of "What Every Injury Claim Must Have." Arm yourself with this valuable information before you hire an attorney, speak with an insurance adjuster or sign any forms. Click here to get your free copy. 

Click It or Ticket It Campaign Starts | Pinellas County Car Accident Lawyer

Click It or Ticket seat belt safety campaign information and awareness starts today in Florida. Learn about Click It or Ticket here and more information about seatbelt safety.

GET YOUR FREE COPY
The Five Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Florida Accident Case  was written by Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Jim Dodson to  help accident victims who have been injured in Florida. This must-read  book addresses many  aspects of the insurance claims process, what you need to know about hiring an attorney (if in fact you need to), as well as the myths associated with injury and accident claims. Learn  "What is a Personal Injury or Accident Case?", "How  You Determine the Value of a Personal Injury Case", and "Do you really need an attorney?" This  free consumer guide also provides you with a list of "What Every Injury Claim Must Have." Arm yourself with this valuable information before you hire an attorney, speak with an insurance adjuster or sign any forms. Click here to get your free copy. 

Alex Rodriguez "A-Rod" in Car Accident in Tampa | Car Accident Lawyer Tampa

Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees was involved in a minor fender bender car accident here in Tampa last week. It happened on his way to spring training.

We represent Florida Personal Injury clients in: Clearwater,  Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, and Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Indian Shores, Redington Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Clearwater Beach, Palm Harbor, Crystal Beach, Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Ellenton, Kenneth City, Belleair Shores, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg Beach, Tierra Verde, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Bayonet Point, Holiday, Land O'Lakes, Odessa, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Wesley Chapel, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and all other Florida Counties. Contact US NOW for FREE Consultation! 727-446-0840!!

Lack of UM Coverage Could Cost Client Thousands of Dollars | Florida Car Accident Lawyer

A low speed impact car accident resulted in a client suffering cervical injury including: damage to nerves, pain, numbness, tingling and headaches after the accident. She did not have UM (uninsured motorist) coverage. The insurance company of the car that hit her, denied the driver who hit her coverage. If she had purchased UM coverage, her medical bills and damages (lost wages) would have been covered.

Important Steps to Take if You Are Involved in a Florida Car Accident :  

 First Step is to Report the Claim:

• Report the accident to your insurance company and get a claim number, you will need this for your No-Fault medical benefits.
• Make sure the accident is reported to the at-fault party's insurer. Briefly describe the facts of how the accident occurred, but do not discuss your medical condition or treatment with them. Your attorney should be the person who communicates your medical information to them.
• Your insurer may require you to give them a statement under your policy terms. Advise your company you are willing to give them a statement; however you would like your attorney to be present for the meeting.
• There is no requirement to give a statement to the other party's insurance company, therefore do not give them a statement (recorded or non-recorded) until you speak with your attorney.

                                                           Repair or Replacement of Your Car

Your Car Was Totaled:

• Research the value of your vehicle. Consult NADA, Edmunds, and Kelly Blue Book, or call a dealer.
• Request the at-fault insurer to pay your total loss plus sales tax.
• If the at-fault insurer refuses to pay or the other party is uninsured, your insurer may pay if you purchased collision coverage, less any deductible.
• If the at-fault party's insurer pays the loss, your insurer should seek your deductible from the other party's insurance carrier, however it could take months before you receive it. Make sure your company is pursuing the recovery of your deductible.
• Remember, you are only entitled to be paid the fair market value of your car at the time of its loss, not what it was worth to you and not its replacement value.

Your Car Needs Repair:

• It generally will be repaired if costs are less than 80% of the value of the car.
• Look to the at-fault party's insurer first; your insurer may pay if necessary, provided you have collision coverage.
• Be proactive, get the adjuster to get you an estimate and authorize repairs. You can use any repair shop of your choice, BUT if you use a shop with which the insurance company has a special relationship, they can help you if unusual delays or problems occur in the repair process.
• Supplemental repair estimates are common.
• You have the right to new parts if the at-fault party's insurer is paying.
• If your carrier is paying, your policy language will dictate parts to be used.

Rental Car:

• If your car is a total loss: the insurer for the at-fault party will pay for the rental vehicle. Once they tell you what they will pay, you have a limited time to get a replacement vehicle. Make sure you understand how many more days they will continue to pay the rental.

• If your insurer is paying the total loss, they will only pay for a rental car if your policy has rental coverage. Make sure you understand how much they will pay per day and for how many days.

If your car is NOT a total loss and is being repaired by the at-fault party's insurer: they will pay for a reasonable period of time for its repair.

Loss of use: If the at-fault party's insurer is paying your repairs and you do not get a rental vehicle, you may be entitled to be paid for the loss of the use of your car, usually a comparable rental value.

                                                                               Florida No-Fault

Medical Treatment:

• No-Fault is not fault based. It pays your medical bills even though the other person caused the accident.
• Every car is required to have $10,000 in benefits per person.
• It pays 80% of covered expenses (subject to any deductible and the fee schedule.)
• You go to the hospital, doctor, chiropractor or other medical provider of your choice, no pre-approval required. Give them the claim number you obtained from your insurer for them to bill.
• If you own a car insured with No-Fault, your policy will be primary and will pay your bills even if you are a passenger in a friend's car or are hurt as a pedestrian.

Lost wages:

No-Fault also pays 60% of your average weekly wage if you are unable to work (get a doctor's order taking you off work.) Remember, both medical expenses and lost wages will be taken from the No-Fault coverage (typically a $10,000 limit.) If you will be out of work for an extended period of time, it is possible to set-aside a part of the $10,000 specifically to pay your wages while you are out of work, assuming there are No-fault benefits remaining.

Death Benefit:

In the most serious situations, No-Fault will pay $5000 as a death benefit.

A more detailed description of No-Fault and how it is applied in Florida is available on our website in the Library under Florida Car Accidents & Truck Collisions.

I-75 Manatee County Adds Barriers | Manatee County Car Accident Lawyer

Wire barriers along I-75 in Manatee County are being installed by crews to protect drivers from the impact of a car accident when a car crosses over the median and into oncoming traffic.

GET YOUR FREE COPY
The Five Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Florida Accident Case  was written by Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Jim Dodson to  help accident victims who have been injured in Florida. This must-read  book addresses many  aspects of the insurance claims process, what you need to know about hiring an attorney (if in fact you need to), as well as the myths associated with injury and accident claims. Learn  "What is a Personal Injury or Accident Case?", "How  You Determine the Value of a Personal Injury Case", and "Do you really need an attorney?" This  free consumer guide also provides you with a list of "What Every Injury Claim Must Have." Arm yourself with this valuable information before you hire an attorney, speak with an insurance adjuster or sign any forms. Click here to get your free copy. 

Can the Driver of Car Who Rear-ends Another Car Not Be at Fault?

The driver of a car who rear ends the car ahead is presumed to be at fault in Florida but this can be overcome if the driver has evidence they were not at fault in the rear end collision.

GET YOUR FREE COPY
The Five Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Florida Accident Case  was written by Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Jim Dodson to  help accident victims who have been injured in Florida. This must-read  book addresses many  aspects of the insurance claims process, what you need to know about hiring an attorney (if in fact you need to), as well as the myths associated with injury and accident claims. Learn  "What is a Personal Injury or Accident Case?", "How  You Determine the Value of a Personal Injury Case", and "Do you really need an attorney?" This  free consumer guide also provides you with a list of "What Every Injury Claim Must Have." Arm yourself with this valuable information before you hire an attorney, speak with an insurance adjuster or sign any forms. Click here to get your free copy. 

Fatal Injuries in Florida Tour Bus Car Crash | Florida Personal Injury Lawyer

A Florida tour bus carrying senior citizens on an educational trip crashed with the driver of a car who failed to yield the right of way on US 27 near Lake Placid, in Central Florida. The crash which caused the bus to roll over killed two people and critically injured three others.

We represent Florida Personal Injury clients in: Clearwater,  Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, and Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Treasure Island, Madeira beach, Indian Shores, Redington Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Clearwater Beach, Palm Harbor, Crystal Beach, Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Ellenton, Kenneth City, Belleair Shores, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg Beach, Tierra Verde, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Bayonet Point, Holiday, Land O'Lakes, Odessa, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Wesley Chapel, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and all other Florida Counties. Contact US NOW for FREE Consultation! 727-446-0840!!

Florida's Top 10 Insurance Companies by Premiums Collected | Florida Accident Lawyer

The number of Florida drivers on the road who are uninsured or underinsured is on the rise. State Farm, Allstate and Geico are among a list of Florida insurance companies who are raising their rates. If you are considering buying UM coverage, the St. Petersburg Times provided a list of the Top 10 Florida Insurance Companies by premiums collected.

FREE Car Insurance Review! Simply complete the information requested on the Free Auto Insurance Review Form and send it to us.


*There is no obligation to hire us at all! We will gladly review your coverage and make suggestions on how you might better protect yourself. Be assured, the information you provide will be shredded after we complete our review.

Click the image to the right to download the PDF Form.

Teen Injured in Crash with Hillsborough Deputy | Citris Park Car Accident Lawyer

Accident involved a 19 year old teen, Foust Delandier, and Hillsborough Deputy Lisha Gogolin near Citrus Park Mall at the intersection of Gunn Highway.

We represent Florida Personal Injury clients in: Clearwater,  Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, and Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Indian Shores, Redington Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Clearwater Beach, Palm Harbor, Crystal Beach, Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Ellenton, Kenneth City, Belleair Shores, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg Beach, Tierra Verde, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Bayonet Point, Holiday, Land O'Lakes, Odessa, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Wesley Chapel, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and all other Florida Counties. Contact US NOW for FREE Consultation! 727-446-0840!!

Need for Uninsured Motorist Coverage Increases in Florida Part 1 | Florida Accident Lawyer

Florida drivers need to protect themselves from the rising number of uninsured and underinsured drivers in Florida. State Farm has announced a hefty rate increase in Florida due to rising costs of medical payments, and bodily injury claims caused by the increasing number of uninsured motorists and underinsured motorists on Florida roads.

FREE Car Insurance Review! Simply complete the information requested on the Free Auto Insurance Review Form and send it to us.


*There is no obligation to hire us at all! We will gladly review your coverage and make suggestions on how you might better protect yourself. Be assured, the information you provide will be shredded after we complete our review.

Click the image to the right to download the PDF Form.

Driver Runs Red Light Injures Two | Florida Accident Lawyer

A driver who ran a red light caused a car crash that resulted in two people being injured, including a sheriff's deputy near the Westfield Citrus Park Mall at Gunn Hwy and Citrus Park Drive. The driver of the Toyota suffered serious injuries. It was not stated whether the car experienced sudden unexpected acceleration in the crash.

GET YOUR FREE COPY
The Five Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Florida Accident Case  was written by Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Jim Dodson to  help accident victims who have been injured in Florida. This must-read  book addresses many  aspects of the insurance claims process, what you need to know about hiring an attorney (if in fact you need to), as well as the myths associated with injury and accident claims. Learn  "What is a Personal Injury or Accident Case?", "How  You Determine the Value of a Personal Injury Case", and "Do you really need an attorney?" This  free consumer guide also provides you with a list of "What Every Injury Claim Must Have." Arm yourself with this valuable information before you hire an attorney, speak with an insurance adjuster or sign any forms. Click here to get your free copy. 

Manatee School Bus Accident Injures 1 Student | Bradenton Accident Lawyer

A student was injured in a school bus accident when the bus was sideswiped by the driver of a Ryder truck at State Rd. 64 and Lorraine Rd, in Manatee County.

We represent Florida Personal Injury clients in: Clearwater,  Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, and Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Indian Shores, Redington Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Clearwater Beach, Palm Harbor, Crystal Beach, Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Ellenton, Kenneth City, Belleair Shores, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg Beach, Tierra Verde, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Bayonet Point, Holiday, Land O'Lakes, Odessa, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Wesley Chapel, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and all other Florida Counties. Contact US NOW for FREE Consultation! 727-446-0840!!

Toyota May Recall Corrolla Due to Power Steering Problems | Auto Defect Lawyer Tampa

The Toyota Corrolla recall might be due to a power steering pump malfunction related to the braking system of the vehicle as reported from Toyota.

GET YOUR FREE COPY
The Five Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Florida Accident Case  was written by Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Jim Dodson to  help accident victims who have been injured in Florida. This must-read  book addresses many  aspects of the insurance claims process, what you need to know about hiring an attorney (if in fact you need to), as well as the myths associated with injury and accident claims. Learn  "What is a Personal Injury or Accident Case?", "How  You Determine the Value of a Personal Injury Case", and "Do you really need an attorney?" This  free consumer guide also provides you with a list of "What Every Injury Claim Must Have." Arm yourself with this valuable information before you hire an attorney, speak with an insurance adjuster or sign any forms. Click here to get your free copy. 

Florida Highway Work Zone Accident Facts | Florida Accident lawyer

Florida Highway Work Zone accidents, in 2007, resulted in 8,228 injuries and 105 fatalities. Transportation officials cite driver fatigue, speeding, and impaired and distracted driving as factors in work zone accidents. Negligent contractors and highway planners have also been under scrutiny in a number of these accidents.

We represent Florida Personal Injury clients in: Clearwater,  Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, and Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Indian Shores, Redington Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Clearwater Beach, Palm Harbor, Crystal Beach, Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Ellenton, Kenneth City, Belleair Shores, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg Beach, Tierra Verde, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Bayonet Point, Holiday, Land O'Lakes, Odessa, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Wesley Chapel, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and all other Florida Counties. Contact US NOW for FREE Consultation! 727-446-0840!!

Medical Emergency May Be Cause of Woman's Fatal Accident

A potential medical emergency suffered by 95-year-old Teresa Hyer may have been responsible for her reported erratic driving on Park Blvd in Seminole which ultimately resulted in a crash. Hyer suffered life-threatening injuries in the accident and later died at St. Anthony's Hospital. The driver of the car she hit was uninjured.

We represent Florida Personal Injury clients in: Clearwater,  Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, and Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Indian Shores, Redington Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Clearwater Beach, Palm Harbor, Crystal Beach, Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Ellenton, Kenneth City, Belleair Shores, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg Beach, Tierra Verde, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Bayonet Point, Holiday, Land O'Lakes, Odessa, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Wesley Chapel, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and all other Florida Counties. Contact US NOW for FREE Consultation! 727-446-0840!!

Elderly Woman Critically Injured in Car Crash | Seminole Car Accident Lawyer

95 Year old Teresa Hyer was in critical condition Thursday night after she ran a red light, side-swiped another vehicle and crashed into a street light guide wire in Seminole at Park and Ridge Road.

We represent clients in the state of Florida in the following areas:

Car Accidents & Truck Collisions
Motorcycle Accidents
Pedestrian|Crosswalk Collisions & Bicycle Accidents
Wrongful Death & Fatal Accidents
Injuries to Minors & Children
Slip|Trip|Fall Accidents and Premises Liability
   
CALL US NOW  to schedule your FREE consultation Toll-Free at 1-888-340-0840. There is no obligation to hire a lawyer.  You may also  submit your FREE case review  online.

Man Killed in Accident in St. Petersburg | St. Petersburg Fatal Car Accident Lawyer

A fatal car accident in St. Petersburg leaves one dead as a truck crashed into a utility pole near 38th Avenue and 53rd Street.

Commercial Truck and Bus Drivers Banned from Texting While Driving | Truck Collision Lawyer

The U.S. Transportation Department has placed a federal ban on texting and driving for commercial truck drivers and bus drivers effective immediately as of January 26, 2010. It is the latest in a series of actions taken by the department to combat distracted driving and to make our highways safer for big rigs and buses and those who share the road with them.

Important Steps to Take if You Are Involved in a Florida Car Accident :  

 First Step is to Report the Claim:

• Report the accident to your insurance company and get a claim number, you will need this for your No-Fault medical benefits.
• Make sure the accident is reported to the at-fault party's insurer. Briefly describe the facts of how the accident occurred, but do not discuss your medical condition or treatment with them. Your attorney should be the person who communicates your medical information to them.
• Your insurer may require you to give them a statement under your policy terms. Advise your company you are willing to give them a statement; however you would like your attorney to be present for the meeting.
• There is no requirement to give a statement to the other party's insurance company, therefore do not give them a statement (recorded or non-recorded) until you speak with your attorney.

                                                           Repair or Replacement of Your Car

Your Car Was Totaled:

• Research the value of your vehicle. Consult NADA, Edmunds, and Kelly Blue Book, or call a dealer.
• Request the at-fault insurer to pay your total loss plus sales tax.
• If the at-fault insurer refuses to pay or the other party is uninsured, your insurer may pay if you purchased collision coverage, less any deductible.
• If the at-fault party's insurer pays the loss, your insurer should seek your deductible from the other party's insurance carrier, however it could take months before you receive it. Make sure your company is pursuing the recovery of your deductible.
• Remember, you are only entitled to be paid the fair market value of your car at the time of its loss, not what it was worth to you and not its replacement value.

Your Car Needs Repair:

• It generally will be repaired if costs are less than 80% of the value of the car.
• Look to the at-fault party's insurer first; your insurer may pay if necessary, provided you have collision coverage.
• Be proactive, get the adjuster to get you an estimate and authorize repairs. You can use any repair shop of your choice, BUT if you use a shop with which the insurance company has a special relationship, they can help you if unusual delays or problems occur in the repair process.
• Supplemental repair estimates are common.
• You have the right to new parts if the at-fault party's insurer is paying.
• If your carrier is paying, your policy language will dictate parts to be used.

Rental Car:

• If your car is a total loss: the insurer for the at-fault party will pay for the rental vehicle. Once they tell you what they will pay, you have a limited time to get a replacement vehicle. Make sure you understand how many more days they will continue to pay the rental.

• If your insurer is paying the total loss, they will only pay for a rental car if your policy has rental coverage. Make sure you understand how much they will pay per day and for how many days.

If your car is NOT a total loss and is being repaired by the at-fault party's insurer: they will pay for a reasonable period of time for its repair.

Loss of use: If the at-fault party's insurer is paying your repairs and you do not get a rental vehicle, you may be entitled to be paid for the loss of the use of your car, usually a comparable rental value.

                                                                               Florida No-Fault

Medical Treatment:

• No-Fault is not fault based. It pays your medical bills even though the other person caused the accident.
• Every car is required to have $10,000 in benefits per person.
• It pays 80% of covered expenses (subject to any deductible and the fee schedule.)
• You go to the hospital, doctor, chiropractor or other medical provider of your choice, no pre-approval required. Give them the claim number you obtained from your insurer for them to bill.
• If you own a car insured with No-Fault, your policy will be primary and will pay your bills even if you are a passenger in a friend's car or are hurt as a pedestrian.

Lost wages:

No-Fault also pays 60% of your average weekly wage if you are unable to work (get a doctor's order taking you off work.) Remember, both medical expenses and lost wages will be taken from the No-Fault coverage (typically a $10,000 limit.) If you will be out of work for an extended period of time, it is possible to set-aside a part of the $10,000 specifically to pay your wages while you are out of work, assuming there are No-fault benefits remaining.

Death Benefit:

In the most serious situations, No-Fault will pay $5000 as a death benefit.

A more detailed description of No-Fault and how it is applied in Florida is available on our website in the Library under Florida Car Accidents & Truck Collisions.

Hit and Run Accident Involving Police Officer Under Investigation | Florida Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

Hit and run accidents occur all too often in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco county. We frequently publish news reports about hit and run acccidents- but a hit and run accident involving a police officer is very unusual.

We represent Florida Personal Injury clients in: Clearwater,  Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, and Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Treasure Island, Madeira beach, Indian Shores, Redington Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Clearwater Beach, Palm Harbor, Crystal Beach, Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Ellenton, Kenneth City, Belleair Shores, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg Beach, Tierra Verde, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Bayonet Point, Holiday, Land O'Lakes, Odessa, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Wesley Chapel, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and all other Florida Counties. Contact US NOW for FREE Consultation! 727-446-0840!!

Deadly Truck Collision on I-4 | Florida Truck Collision Lawyer

I-4, near the 301 exit in Hillsborough County, was the scene of a deadly semi truck crash today. FHP reported a wheel on a truck broke loose and rolled into the path of a second semi truck on the highway. That semi hit the tire causing the driver, William Morales, to lose control of his truck and crash into a concrete barrier wall and a pillar for the overpass to U.S. 301.

We represent Florida Personal Injury clients in: Clearwater,  Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, and Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Indian Shores, Redington Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Clearwater Beach, Palm Harbor, Crystal Beach, Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Ellenton, Kenneth City, Belleair Shores, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg Beach, Tierra Verde, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Bayonet Point, Holiday, Land O'Lakes, Odessa, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Wesley Chapel, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and all other Florida Counties. Contact US NOW for FREE Consultation! 727-446-0840!!