Florida Semi-Truck Accidents
Because of their enormous size and weight, semi-truck accidents can be damaging or deadly when they are involved in a collision. Currently there are over 15.5 million trucks in the United States. Thirteen percent of these are semis, big rigs, 18-wheelers, and tractor trailers.
According to thetruckersreport.com, the legal weight for an 18 wheeler in the United States is 80,000 lbs. (40 tons). Compared with a car in the United States which has an average weight of 5,000 lbs. it is easy to see the dangers of car-truck collisions.
Semi-Truck Accidents: The Sobering Statistics
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- In 2015, 3,852 people died in large semi truck accidents
- Over 2/3 of the victims were occupants of cars or other smaller vehicles
- Annually, approximately 130,000 individuals are injured in truck accidents
- Roughly 98% of semi accidents result in one fatality
Causes of Semi Truck Accidents
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Loss Data Institute (IIHSHLDI), two of the major causes of truck accidents are truck braking capability and truck driver fatigue. Loaded tractor trailers for example take 20-40 times longer to come to halt than a car. Less than ideal road conditions or poor break maintenance can make it even more difficult for a large truck to stop in time.
Truck drivers are known to work long hours traveling great distances. Because of the amount of driving time truckers log, driver fatigue is a serious issue. Driver fatigue is responsible for approximately 30% of all commercial truck accidents. Federal hours-of-service regulations only allow truck drivers to drive 11 hours per stretch and 77 hours per 7 day week, however driver surveys show that often times these regulations go unfollowed.
Who to Call If Involved in a Semi Truck Accident
If you or a loved one have been involved in a semi-truck accident or lost a loved one due to a truck accident it is important to seek experienced legal representation. Truck accidents have many legal complexities and the right attorneys can help you navigate a truck accident claim. The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz have over 50 years in legal expertise. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation.
Many activities at our law office have gone virtual. But signing wills and trusts is an appointment that must be done in person.
That does not mean that wills and trusts cannot be created during the pandemic. In fact, many people are interested in getting their end-of-life paperwork in order. Still, the process has had to change to avoid spreading the virus.
Wills, trusts and other documents are necessary to make sure your wishes are carried out. Medical instructions make sure your health care wishes carried out.
The five key documents to have on hand include:
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- A will, the legal document that directs who receives your assets after death and can appoint guardians for minor children. Without one, the state’s law decides what happens after you die.
- Healthcare durable power of attorney, or health care proxy, allows you to name someone to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to.
- Living will, sometimes called an advance care directive, outlines the medical care you want if you are terminally ill, such as use of life-support systems, organ donation and resuscitation.
- Durable power of attorney for finances gives someone the authority to handle your financial affairs if you cannot.
- HIPPA authorization allows people you choose to have access to your medical records and information. This is especially important for parents who want to get medical information for their children over the age of 18.
Wills and Estate Planning Signature Requirements
Florida law requires that a valid will be signed in the presence of at least two witnesses, who must also sign it. Witnesses do not need to know the contents of the will but must complete a notarized statement that the person making the will signed in their presence. The client creating the will must be able to view all signings.
The Florida law changed in January to allow electronic will signatures starting July 1. However, the process and some issues including electronic storage are still being worked out.
The rules are from the Wills Act, which dates to the English Statue of Frauds passed in 1677. The act requires a will to be in writing and signed in front of others in the same room at the same time. The efforts are designed to make sure that wills are created voluntarily without fraud. Wills that have not followed each step can and have been challenged and annulled.
New Wills and Estate Planning Procedures
The Stanford Law Review and others are suggesting that these requirements change, especially because of the pandemic. Until such time, we have created a safe process for creating wills and trusts during the pandemic.
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- First, an appointment is made where one of our legal assistants collects and prepares information.
- Then, an in-person (using proper COVID-19 protocols or virtual meeting with the attorney is set to collect other necessary information.
- When the documents are created, approved and ready for signing, the client makes an office appointment.
- Clients are asked to bring masks and disposable gloves to their appointment. If they do not have them, our office will provide them as they are mandatory. A pre-sanitized table, chairs and a clipboard will be set up for the signing. The attorney, witnesses from our office and client will wear masks and disposable gloves. Pens for signing will be wrapped and new, and taken along with documents by the client after the signing.
Why Use an Attorney for Wills and Estate Planning?
Online legal services and templates are available for some documents. However, they do not have the same standards required for attorneys nor regulatory oversight. Their legal terms say their information and documents are not guaranteed to be correct or complete!
Also, each state’s laws for estate planning, probate and trust laws, are unique. As a result, an attorney makes sure you have the correct paperwork for your state. During the heartbreak of loss or illness is not the time to find out that paperwork is not legal.
If you already have a will, but it was written out of state, it is suggested to let a Florida attorney review it to ensure compliance with Florida law. Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz have been helping clients for nearly 60 years with their estate planning needs.
More than 52 percent of people over the age of 55 do not have a will or other key documents they might need during the pandemic. Creating your estate plan with an attorney protects you, the people you care for, and your savings and property.
Avoid Food Poisoning in Restaurants
Food Poisoning in Southwest Florida Restaurants
From 1998 to 2015, 52 people in Florida died due to foodborne illnesses, or food poisoning.¹ This is compounded by over 31,000 illnesses and over 2,000 hospitalizations. Food poisoning is actually a reaction to harmful bacteria, viruses and microbes that enter the body through food. While it is possible to contract food poisoning through food prepared at home, according to the CDC 68% of outbreaks occur from restaurants.² If a restaurant fails to properly source, manage, and prepare food responsibly, resulting in sickness or even hospitalization, it may be prudent to seek litigation, especially if the incident resulted in incurred debt.
Three common bacteria and viruses that lead to food poisoning are salmonella, listeria, and norovirus. These are by no means the only causes for affliction but do comprise the largest percentage of illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths related to foodborne illnesses.
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- Salmonella. There were more than one million people in the US from 2000-2008 that became sick due to the bacteria Salmonella.³ Salmonella results from undercooked meats and eggs, so make sure that a restaurant properly prepares your food to the proper temperature, especially if dining with small children or the elderly. Salmonella leads to flu-like symptoms that can last up to seven days.
- Listeria. This bacteria found mostly in dairy is especially important to monitor in Florida because over half of the cases of listeria in the US are in people 65 years or older. Listeria results in flu-like symptoms, which can cause dangerous levels of dehydration in the elderly. To prevent listeria poisoning, make sure to eat cheeses made with pasteurized milk, and refrain from eating soft cheeses.
- Norovirus. From 2000-2008, there were over five million cases of norovirus in the US, resulting in 150 deaths. This virus is incredibly contagious and just a small amount of it and can infect. Norovirus results in the inflammation of the stomach and intestines, causing flu like symptoms that are dangerous or the young and elderly. It is important that an infected person not prepare food for 48 hours after the symptoms stop, as food is often the biggest transporters of the virus.
Who to call
Many of us go to restaurants our whole lives and never contract food poisoning. However, if it happens to you it is important to determine if the restaurant acted in every way possible to prevent the illness. If you have become sick after eating at a restaurant and believe the establishment holds some responsibility, it is important to seek legal counsel. SWFL attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, and Purtz have over 50 years of legal experience in dealing with personal injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
What You Can Do With Extra Time in 2020
Plan Ahead: What You Can Do With Extra Time
During these uncertain times of the coronavirus outbreak, people may be finding themselves with available unplanned time. What you can do with extra time includes planning ahead for the future. It’s a great time to make sure all your insurance, estate and medical access documents are adequate and up to date and you and your loved ones know where to locate them are in case of emergency.
Many of us grew up in a different time. When a friend or relative was hospitalized, we could call the hospital to inquire about their well-being. Today with HIPAA regulations, hospitals and doctors are no longer able to give out any patient information or confirm a patient is even in the hospital, unless you are married. This is even true for parents whose children are over the age of 18! Parents have no rights to obtain medical information on legal-age children, even if the child is covered under the parent’s health insurance.
A signed HIPAA authorization and Medical Power of Attorney allows parents access to their adult children’s medical information, or unmarried partners to get information on their partner. Requirements for these documents can vary from state to state, so an attorney can make sure documents are appropriate for each situation.
Something that most people put off is to update or create a will or trust that makes sure your loved ones are cared for should something happen to you. Not having a will and/or trust may increase your family’s tax liabilities, not to mention the legal disputes or challenges that result when there is no estate plan in place. An experienced attorney can help guide your estate planning experience and tailor your documents to meet your needs and wishes for the future.
Why Plan?
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- There are people who count on you.
- The unexpected does happen.
- It’s not as complicated or time-consuming as you think.
What You Can Do With Extra Time
If you have already prepared your will or trust, know that it is not a one-time project but a lifelong process that requires revisiting. Now is a good time to review to make sure your wishes haven’t changed. Here are a few ideas about what you can do with extra time:
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- Are the beneficiaries you selected in your will and trust still the ones you would name today? How about alternates? Are they still willing and able to assume those responsibilities? Are the beneficiaries on your life insurance up to date?
- For those with minor children, are the guardians you named the persons you want to raise your children? What about pets? Have you designated who will care for them?
- Does your planning reflect all your assets, big and small?
- Have you created letters of instruction with key information in the event of an emergency, including names and contact information for key professional advisors, location of original records, how to find passwords and other key online information, key medical information, insurances summaries and other general instructions?
With hurricane season beginning May 1, you can take time to review your homeowners and medical insurance coverage. An attorney can review confusing homeowners and medical insurance policies and explain coverage and any limitations.
And while many people are staying home, time on the road or in grocery stores can still result in accidents, particularly with an anxious and stressed population. While it may seem like nearly everything is closed and you may feel like you are on your own, we are available and committed to providing our community and clients with service and representation you can depend on.
Speaking of what you can do with extra time: In the event of an accident, it is still important to take steps to collect information and get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible.
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- Check for injuries and start first aid if needed. Remain calm.
- Move yourself to a safe location if necessary.
- Call 911 for law enforcement and emergency medical personnel assistance.
- Take note of other vehicles, type, color, damage, license plate number, etc. Take pictures if possible.
- Identify witnesses and obtain their contact information.
- Speak to police only. Do not make any admissions to anyone.
- When being examined by EMS personnel, let them know how you feel everywhere on your body. Do not withhold injury information from them.
- Locate your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information for police.
- If your car is not drivable, ask for a towing company of your choice and have your vehicle towed to a location of your choice (dealer, body shop, or another storage free location). Towing companies charge $25 or more to store your car and if your bill is not paid within a specified time, the tow company may take ownership of your car.
- Have all injuries checked by a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant as soon as possible, but not more than 14 days after the accident.
- Report the accident to your own insurance company. (Do not give a recorded statement without legal representation).
- Seek all medical help recommended by your doctors.
Since 1962, we have weathered challenging times together. Our legal firm has been protecting our neighbors in Southwest Florida for nearly 60 years. We will continue to provide uninterrupted legal support through virtual services now available that include video conferencing and telephone consultations. Upon engaging our services, we offer secure electronic document signing and execution.
Our priority, as always, is the safety of the community and our neighbors. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the coronavirus (COVID–19) pandemic.
Broadside/T-Bone Collision
Broadside/T-Bone Collision
T-bone collisions are also known as broadside collisions or right-angle collisions. A T-bone collision is a car accident that occurs when a one-vehicle is struck by the front or rear of another vehicle, forming the letter “T.” A broadside/T-bone collision is likely to be more severe than other types of car accidents, however, the severity of the damage and/or injuries is dependent on the point of impact, the vehicles’ safety features, vehicle speeds, and vehicle weight and construction. Furthermore, in T-bone collisions drivers are often left less protected than in other types of collisions because only a door is protecting them from the other vehicle.
Stats (AVVO.com, a legal website)
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- 13% of all car accidents are T-bone collisions
- More than 50% of all car accident deaths involve a T-Bone style Collision
Causes and Avoidance
T-bone collisions can be caused by several different things, however most commonly are caused by one driver’s failure to yield right of way to another vehicle. Intersections are a common location for T-bone collisions because drivers may neglect to stop for traffic lights or stop signs. Additionally, power outages increase the risk of being involved in a T-bone collision because drivers may be unsure when it is safe to enter an intersection or may choose to enter the intersection at an unsafe time. There are several tips to avoid a broadside/T-bone collision for which drivers should be aware:
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- Cross intersections carefully, cautiously, and at a safe speed
- Check your brakes – Before you drive
- Follow traffic rules and signals – lights, signals, and signs were placed in their locations for a reason
- Be extra watchful for pickups and trucks with trailers
Who to call if injured in a broadside or T-bone car accident in Southwest Florida
T-Bone Collisions can be very severe. If you or someone you know has suffered injury, financial loss, or even fatality from a T-bone collision it is important to seek experienced legal counsel. The attorneys at Goldstein Buckley, Cechman, Rice, and Purtz have over 5 decades of legal expertise in dealing with personal injuries. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
Car Seat Safety for Child Passengers
Every 32 seconds, a child under the age of 13 was involved in a car crash in 2018. Many times, injuries and deaths can be prevented by proper car seat safety, boosters and seatbelts. Car accidents are the leading cause of preventable deaths and injuries to children in the United States, according to Safe Kids.
Car Seat Safety Facts
As a parent or caregiver, one of the most important jobs you have is to keep your child safe. Learning the proper use of safety seats and seatbelts can not only help prevent your child from getting injured in an accident; these safety measures could save your child’s life.
According to Safe Kids, correctly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent, but more than half of car seats are not used or installed correctly.
Selecting the Right Car Seat Safety Record
With many types of safety seats available, choosing a car seat for your child can be overwhelming. There’s help! The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers a comprehensive guide in English and Spanish with information about finding the right car seat, installing it correctly and other tips.
The guide includes a searchable list by area of places offering car seat installation inspections, as well as recommendations for the correct seat for your child’s age and size, as well as for your vehicle. It also allows adults to register car and booster seats to receive up-to-date information about any recalls and defective parts.
Tips on Child Passengers’ Car Seat Safety
The National Safety Council offers these basic tips for keeping children safe.
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- If you are pregnant, schedule a car seat installation with a certified child passenger safety technician before the child is born.
- Children should ride in the back seat, at least through age 12.
- If your kids complain about wearing seatbelts, do not negotiate. Do not drive off until they buckle up.
- Always be consistent and wear your seatbelt; driver safety belt use strongly influences whether your child will buckle up.
- The life of a car seat ranges from six to 10 years. Be sure to find the expiration date set by the manufacturer.
- Airbags can save the lives of older children and adults, but they can be fatal for young children when not seated correctly, particularly in the front seat; never place a rear-facing car seat in a front seat near an airbag.
- Always read instructions provided by the vehicle and car seat manufacturers for properly securing children.
Seatbelt Safety
Seatbelts or safety belts are restraints that are meant to supply protection in case of a crash. By using them properly, crash deaths and injuries can be significantly reduced. Except for New Hampshire, all states and the District of Columbia require adult front-seat occupants to use seatbelts. Florida law requires the use of safety belts for all drivers and passengers in all motorized vehicles.
Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia have primary enforcement. Primary enforcement laws allow a police officer to stop and cite a motorist solely for not using a seatbelt. In states with secondary enforcement, police can only enforce the law if the motorist has been pulled over for another violation first.
Safety Belt Fit Test
According to Safe Kids, children should stay in a booster seat until between the ages of 8 and 12, depending on the size of the child. Here is a recommended Safety Belt Fit Test (watch video) to determine if a child is ready for a safety belt without a booster seat:
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- Check knees and feet. Your child’s knees should bend at the edge of the seat when their back and bottom are against the vehicle seat back. Feet should touch the floor for comfort and stability.
- Check the vehicle lap belt. It must fit snugly across the hips or upper thighs.
- Check the shoulder belt. The shoulder belt must fit across the shoulder and chest, not across the face or neck.
- Remember, just because the seatbelt fits your child in one car does not mean the seatbelt will fit in all cars. Do the Seatbelt Fit Test in every car before permanently moving from the booster seat to just a seatbelt.
Car Seat Safety Attorneys
As careful and as safe as you may be with your driving, and with the use of good car seat safety, auto accidents still happen. Other drivers speeding, running red lights, driving drunk and the driving the wrong way have caused tragic accidents that have altered the lives of many innocent families.
The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice and Purtz have nearly 60 years of experience with personal injury cases. We have six offices in Southwest Florida in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres and Port Charlotte. Contact us today to set up an appointment for a free consultation.
Statistics About Rear-End Collision Accidents
Rear-End Collision Accident
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) there were 1.7 million rear-end collisions on U.S. roads in 2012. The rear-end collision is the most frequent type of automobile accident. The injuries sustained in a rear-end accident can be very serious and even deadly. The NTSB also mentions that many of these rear-end crashes could be prevented with more caution and better technology. Until these changes take place here are some things to know if you are involved in a rear-end collision.
Types of Rear-End Collision
A rear-end accident involves the front of one vehicle colliding with the back of another vehicle. There are two main types of rear-end crashes.
Front vehicle is stationary:
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- Stop light
- Sitting in traffic
- Parked
- Side of the road
The front vehicle would be moving in the other type of rear-end collision.
Speed will also be an important part of determining the severity of a rear-end accident. High speed crashes are more likely to result in serious injury or death. However, low speeds crashes can still result in severe injuries that might include whiplash, headaches or other injuries that develop over time.
Who Is At Fault?
Many people believe that the vehicle that runs into another vehicle will always be at fault. There are situations in which the front vehicle can be held liable for a rear-end collision.
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- Brake lights not functioning
- Disabled vehicle stopped in traffic
- Front vehicle backing into the other vehicle
It is important to work with an experienced attorney when you are involved in a rear-end accident.
Who to Call
If you or some you know have been involved in a rear-end accident it is important to know your rights. The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice and Purtz have over 5o years of experience with personal injury cases. We have six offices located in Southwest Florida. Call us today to set up your appointment for a free consultation.
Gulfshore Business magazine recently selected Christopher Smith, a managing partner, from hundreds of nominations for the publication’s 18th annual salute to 40 rising stars under the age of 40. “This year’s recipients draw experience from impressive backgrounds and have amassed significant accomplishments in their respective fields,” wrote Heidi Rambo Centrella, editor-in-chief for the publication.
Kudos to Christopher Smith!
The 40 people featured in the September issue of Gulfshore Business were celebrated virtually on Sept. 2. Smith remains humble as ever, crediting his father for the award. “My dad instilled in me that hard work will always get you where you want to be,” said Smith.
Smith joins his wife, Attorney Andrea Pleimling Smith, in receiving this distinction. She was selected in 2019 for Business Observer’s 40 Under 40.
Passenger Van Accidents
Passenger Van Accidents in Southwest Florida
Like any vehicle, passenger van accidents can be a common occurrence during the seasonal months in Southwest Florida. Passenger vans are large vehicles usually designed to transport 12-15 people. Organizations often use passenger vans because they are convenient for transporting small groups and are less cumbersome to drive than larger transport vehicles, especially for smaller, local business and community groups. There are over half a million 15 passenger vans registered in the United States today. However ubiquitous they are, it is important to understand the heightened risks unique to passenger vans.
The most prevalent risk is rollover during an accident. The rollover rate for passenger van accidents in a single vehicle crash when filled to less than half capacity is as low as 20%. However, this number jumps to 44% when a passenger van is loaded to over half capacity. This ratio is the highest of any vehicle type. Passenger vans have a higher center of gravity, like SUVs, so drivers must take extra caution, especially on winding roads.
Safety Procedures for Passenger Vans
If you have been injured in a passenger van accident, it is important to determine if the driver and/or owner of the vehicle operated and maintained the van to the utmost safety standards. All drivers of passenger vans should follow these guidelines to ensure occupant safety:
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- Tire pressure and tread should be checked before every use. Tires should not be loaded higher than the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Occupant load should never exceed 15, or fewer in the case of smaller vans. Overloading a van greatly increases your risk of rollover in an accident.
- Drivers should not carry loads on top of the van.
- Cautious driving is imperative to safety, especially if the van is over half capacity. Due to the high center of gravity in passenger vans, turns should be taken at a slow speed.
Who to Call If Injured in a Commercial Van Accident in Southwest Florida
If you have sustained an injury in passenger van accidents as a occupant, especially if you believe the driver or the owner’s negligibility resulted in that accident, it is important to seek legal counsel to get the justice you deserve. The Southwest Florida attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz have over 50 years of legal experience in dealing with personal injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
There are a number of good questions to ask when hiring a personal injury attorney. Knowing that accidents can happen does not detract from the pain and confusion that can result when an accident or injury happens to you or a loved one, as you try to deal with the aftermath.
Personal injury cases are legal disputes that arise when one person suffers harm from an accident or injury, and someone else might be legally responsible for that harm.
Some examples of personal injury include:
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- Car and truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Dog bites
- Boating accidents
- Home accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Wrongful death
There are many questions to ask when hiring a personal injury attorney to represent your rights. Many personal injury accidents involve insurance companies, which often have a lot of legal resources. To level the playing field, it’s helpful to have your own team of experts when dealing with insurance companies, whether your own carrier or the carrier of the other party. Bottom line: insurance companies will protect their own interests first.
It’s also important to have the right medical team handling your injuries. A personal injury attorney will be knowledgeable about laws in the state and help get you the right medical experts who will be able to explain how your injuries could impact you in the future.
An attorney can also spend the time to request medical records, review police reports, communicate with the insurance adjuster and be objective while you may be hurt, frustrated and angry. Attorneys also have many tools to pursue a fair settlement, including arbitration, mediation or even trial.
Questions to Ask When Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
The questions to ask when hiring a personal injury attorney should include several aspects such as education, legal skill and experience. The attorney you retain should have a proven record of winning cases similar to yours and should be willing to thoroughly explain his or her recommendations based on the specific details of your case.
In addition to experience, does the attorney you are considering have certifications and industry endorsements, such as the Florida Bar Association’s Board Certification? Peer reviews such as The Martindale-Hubbell Bar Registry, which has peer review ratings of more than 1 million lawyers across the country, The Best Lawyers in America), which are selected by peers, and Super Lawyers, which have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement are a few to look for.
It’s important that you feel comfortable with the attorney you hire, and confident that your interests will be a top priority – comfortable enough to bring your questions to ask when hiring a personal injury attorney.
Who will do the work on my case?
Will your initial consultation be with an attorney, or with a non-attorney staff member? It’s important to meet the attorney who will be working on your case and ask them about how communication will be handled and what level of access you will have to them. Are client reviews available? They can help you see the experience through a client’s eyes.
What is your level of courtroom experience?
Despite what television and films might portray, most civil cases do not go to trial, so why is it important to seek an attorney with trial experience? The prospect of a potential trial will have significant impact on your case and its value. If the insurance company knows your lawyer doesn’t typically go to trial, they may offer less. It’s more effective if negotiations reflect the fact that an unsatisfactory settlement offer may result in taking the case to trial.
What is my case worth?
There is no tried and proven formula to determine exactly how much a case is worth and it may depend on several factors including: how the evidence is received and evaluated by a jury; whether or not there are any inconsistencies in testimony; the availability of medical records; pre-existing conditions and other factors that would allow the insurance company’s lawyer to attack the credibility of the injured party.
Under the law, plaintiffs in personal injury cases are entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. These include:
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- Past medical bills
- Future medical bills
- Past lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Inconvenience
- Loss of capacity to enjoy life
- Mental anguish
- Disability
- Disfigurement
Because every case is different, even with all the information, it is very difficult for anyone to establish an exact figure as to the net worth of a case. But, typically, a range of value can be determined.
What are the attorney’s fees and costs for a personal injury case?
Fees in a personal injury case are contingent upon the financial recovery in your case. The fees are in accordance with guidelines set by the Florida Supreme Court. If there is no recovery, there is no fee. Therefore, lawyers share a common objective of obtaining a favorable result in your case.
Make sure your financial arrangement is clearly and fully explained at the initial interview as well as during pursuit of the case.
Why must I pay “costs” in my case?
In Florida, a lawyer or law firm is not permitted to obtain a financial interest in the client’s case. To ensure this does not happen, Florida Bar rules governing the conduct of lawyers allows a law firm to advance the costs of a case or litigation, but the client must remain responsible to the law firm to reimburse the costs of the matter.
Depending on the type of case involved, costs can be minimal or can run into thousands of dollars if complex litigation is involved. In cases that are settled before a lawsuit is filed, the costs are much less.
Costs can include:
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- Court filing fees
- Expert witness fees
- Administrative fees
- Information-gathering expenses
In certain cases, these expended costs can be recovered from the insurance company directly.
What is the level of experience of the firm?
Experience is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an attorney. With experience, a personal injury attorney will be able to anticipate problems before they occur, and effectively defend arguments against a victim’s compensation.
Any potential personal injury case requires a detailed understanding of the facts, the processes and the law. If an accident has impacted your life — and someone else is liable for that injury — then you may be entitled to compensation.
Hopefully this has helped you better understand the questions to ask when hiring a personal injury attorney. For a consultation, give us a call.