Automobile & Motorcycle Accidents
If you have been in a car accident, there are certain steps you should take to protect your rights.
If you have suffered a serious injury, you may be unable to take these steps to protect your rights. Your safety comes first. Do not attempt to do any of these steps if you are not in a condition to move. Wait for someone to call 911.
If You Are Involved in an Accident:
- Call the police. An officer will appear to investigate the scene of the accident and write an accident report.
- While waiting for the officer, gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
- Take pictures of both vehicles involved in the accident.
- Obtain names, email addresses and phone numbers for any occupants in each vehicle involved, and any witnesses.
- If you have suffered an injury, seek medical attention. Florida law requires that you seek medical attention within 14 days from the date of the accident to be eligible to recover PIP benefits.
- Call an attorney before giving a sworn statement to the insurance companies. Insurance companies are not your friend, and they are not looking out for your best interest.
- Do not sign any documents that the other driver or the insurance company presents to you without consulting an attorney.
What NOT To Do if You Are Involved in an Accident
- Never leave the scene of an accident, no matter how minimal the damage appears to be to each vehicle.
- Never leave an accident scene without calling the police. Always call the police to have a police report drafted, no matter what excuse the other driver provides.
- Never agree to handle the situation without insurance. What appears to be minimal damage could turn into something very expensive that the other driver may not want to pay outside of insurance.
- Never ignore pains and symptoms that may have been caused by the accident.
- Never give a sworn statement to the insurance company, or sign any documents, without the advice of an attorney.
Slip & Fall
When you slip and fall on someone else’s property, the property owner may be held liable for your injuries. A property owner should take reasonable steps to ensure that you are safe on the property. Liability may occur, and you could potentially recover compensation for your injuries, if the following apply:
What to do when you Slip and Fall
- The owner of the property or his or her employee caused the condition that led rise to your injury, such as a spill, a worn or torn spot, or other slippery or potentially dangerous condition,
- The owner of the property knew or should have known of the dangerous condition, but failed to do anything to correct it,
AND
- Your injury was related to the dangerous condition.
If you are the cause of the injury, you may not be able to recover your medical bills. If you are unsure, contact us to determine who should be responsible for the injuries.
Fire Cases
If you insurance policy documents allow, you may be entitled to full compensation for your loses due to fire. If you have been a victim of a fire, and your insurance company does not want to compensate you under your fire policy for the damages to your home or property, contact us.