PROVING LIABILITY AFTER AN AUTO ACCIDENT

In order to make a claim for compensation after an auto accident, the first thing you will need to do is prove whose negligence caused the accident. In other words, you to prove that the other party made a mistake and that that mistake is what led to the collision. Even if it seems obvious who was at fault for an accident, an insurance company will want evidence before they’ll be willing to pay.

The following evidence can be used to establish liability for an auto accident:

Police reports. A police report can be one of the most important pieces of evidence about an accident. These reports include the officer’s observations about how the accident occurred, including evidence that a driver may have been speeding, whether any tickets were issued at the scene of the accident, and more.
Photos or videos. After an accident, the injured person should take photos or videos of any visible injuries, damage to their vehicle, and the area surrounding the accident scene. Not only is this proof that you suffered damages, but it may provide visual clues as to how the accident may have occurred and whose fault it was.
Witness testimony. The injured person should take the name and contact information of any passerby who witnessed the accident. This testimony can shed light on the circumstances of the collision.
The more documentation and evidence you have, the stronger your personal injury claim will be, and the more likely you may be to receive a fair payout. An experienced auto accident lawyer can investigate your accident and gather the necessary evidence to build a strong claim in pursuit of the compensation you deserve. Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be eligible to collect compensation based on Florida’s pure comparative negligence standard.

Examples of Liable Parties
Depending on the circumstances, the following entities may be held liable in an auto collision:

The at-fault driver for operating their vehicle in a negligent manner
The city for failing to maintain roads
The auto part or tire manufacturer for creating a defective product
A third party who caused you to get into the accident
Speak with a Tampa Auto Accident Lawyer About Your Case
If you’ve been hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, it is critical that you work with an attorney who can help establish liability for the accident so that you can pursue full compensation in a timely manner. At The Florida Law Group, we have handled countless car accident, truck accident, and motorcycle accident cases and recovered millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of our clients. With a reputation for success, we have become known for our trusted legal advice and extensive experience in personal injury law.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I'M INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH A PERSON WITHOUT INSURANCE?

In the state of Florida, it is mandatory for drivers to obtain car insurance when they register their vehicle. Due to Florida's no-fault laws, each driver involved in an accident must rely on their own policy to compensate them for any injuries and car damage, regardless of who was at fault. The minimum insurance is $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL).

If you suffered from a personal injury during a car accident, your PIP benefits are intended to pay for medical expenses and compensate you for lost wages or replacement benefits. PDL benefits will cover the cost of damage caused to your property. In Florida, it is illegal for a driver to be on the road without insurance. Those caught without insurance may have their license suspended until they can show proof of insurance and pay a fine of $500 for every violation.

So, what if the other driver is uninsured?
If you have been involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, you are not responsible for their damages. Insurance companies are legally supposed to offer UMI coverage to their clients, and if they refuse, they must sign a written document claiming they declined the offer.

It is strongly recommend to get UIM coverage in case you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist. This can also help that you are properly compensated for your injuries. Furthermore, since the state does not require you to obtain bodily injury liability (BIL), which covers costs of other's injuries, other drivers may not have this type of coverage to cover your costs.

If you suffered from a personal injury in a car accident with an uninsured motorist, you can also file a personal injury claim, so long as you can prove the other driver's negligence.

If you would like to receive further information regarding uninsured motorists and personal injury claims, contact The Florida Law Group to speak with a Tampa car accident attorney.

DISTRACTED DRIVING & HOLIDAY ACCIDENTS

In all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, sometimes safety is not the first thing on our minds. It can be easy to get distracted with everything there is to do during the season, including shopping for gifts, running errands, planning and attending parties, and taking long car trips to visit family and friends. With so much going on, drivers can often become distracted, which can have serious consequences.

Here’s what you can do to avoid being a distracted driver this holiday season:

Avoid anything that could distract you behind the wheel. This includes using your cell phone, eating, listening to overly loud music, etc.
Before reversing your vehicle in a crowded parking lot, make sure you take an extra few moments to check your surroundings.
If you are driving to an unfamiliar location, make sure you review your route before you set out instead of trying to read your GPS or map while you are driving. If you get lost, pull over to a location where you can focus on your GPS safely.
Make sure you get enough sleep before you get behind the wheel. Fatigue is a huge contributor to preventable accidents as it causes the driver to easily lose focus.
Slow down! The holidays can be a hectic time, but remember that it is not worth the risk to your safety or the safety of others to be in a constant rush. Be present and drive safely!

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER

Choosing a personal injury lawyer after an accident is not always easy. While there are many competent and honorable personal injury lawyers in practice, there are a number of unscrupulous firms that will engage in unethical (and sometimes illegal) practices in order to gain cases. Earning themselves the derogatory title of “ambulance chasers,” the conduct of these lawyers is not befitting what is necessary for high-quality representation. If you have been injured and are seeking legal representation, do some research beforehand and be wary of any lawyer who contacts you soon after an accident. When you know what makes a good lawyer and what questions to ask, it will be much easier to find the right person to represent you.

While researching a personal injury lawyer, seek answers to the following questions to make sure a potential candidate is the right fit for you and your case:

How many years has the lawyer been in practice?
What areas does the lawyer focus his or her practice on?
Is the lawyer board certified?
What kinds of awards, recognitions, ratings, and reviews has the lawyer received from clients, peers, and rating organizations?
What experience does the lawyer have with cases similar to yours, and what was the outcome?
Who will be working on your case? Is there support staff? How often will you be working with them?
Is the lawyer easily accessible when you have questions or concerns about your case? Are they available by phone or email? What is the average response time you should expect?
Will the lawyer keep you updated on the status of your case?
What percentage of the lawyer’s cases go to trial? Will they be willing to go to court to seek a better deal if a settlement offer is insufficient?
If you’ve been injured, you should be able to trust that your lawyer is experienced, qualified, and has your best interests at heart. When you sit down or talk on the phone with a lawyer during an initial consultation, asking these questions will go a long way in helping you make an informed decision about who you want representing you after an accident, and may mean the difference between winning and losing your case.

SEPSIS IS LIFE THREATENING AND AVOIDABLE

Sepsis is a very serious medical complication in which chemicals released into the bloodstream to fight bacterial infection trigger inflammation throughout the body. This can cause a number of changes in the body that can damage organ systems or cause them to fail if left untreated.

Sepsis can result in long-term injury, including:

Irreversible damage to vital organs
Acute kidney injury
Blood clots in the arms, legs, fingers, and toes
Sepsis usually occurs in people who have been hospitalized. If sepsis is not diagnosed or treated in a timely manner, or if the infection was hospital-acquired due to poor cleanliness and health practices, the doctor or healthcare facility may be guilty of medical malpractice.
Symptoms & Treatment of Sepsis
Symptoms of sepsis include:

Shallow or rapid breathing
Increased body temperature
Pale and/or clammy skin
Elevated white blood cell count
High fever or low body temperature
A significant decrease in urination
An abrupt change in mental state
Patients who exhibit the symptoms of sepsis may be treated in the ICU with IV fluids and antibiotics. If needed, dialysis or a ventilator may be used to support the kidneys and lungs.

When blood infections are not promptly diagnosed and treated, they can result in septic shock, brain damage, multi-system organ damage, encephalopathy, amputations, or death. The costs of additional medical care, or of funeral and burial costs in wrongful death cases, can be substantial. Victims should be aware of their rights in such scenarios.


If you or a loved one developed sepsis under the care of your doctor and suffered injury because of it, you should immediately contact The Florida Law Group to speak with a  lawyer about your legal options. Failure to diagnose or treat sepsis can be considered medical negligence in the eyes of the law, potentially entitling you to compensation.

REASONS YOU SHOULD NOT WAIT TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY AFTER YOUR ACCIDENT

Immediately following an accident, it is crucial to take action by filing a claim detailing your personal injury. The sooner you do this, the more access you will have to fresh documents and evidence. Whether you suffered from a broken bone or whiplash, you need to reach out to a Tampa car accident lawyer who is equipped to handle your case. To better assist your attorney, you should be sure to take photos of the scene of the accident, write down witness contact information as well as the other driver's information, and request a copy of the police report as soon as it is available.

By preserving this evidence, it will work to strengthen your case as you go through the claims process. It is also important seek immediate care from your doctor to ensure that you get a thorough analysis of your injuries and medical opinion to back your claims. Some injuries may seem minor at the time of the accident, but can worsen as time goes by. This is why having follow up appointments after an accident can be crucial. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to direct you to the best medical care professionals for your specific injury and ensure you get the treatment you need.

Benefits of Having an Lawyer on the Case
Car accident attorneys have a wealth of knowledge concerning personal injury claims and know how to effectively handle insurance companies. Many times, the goal of the insurance company is to protect their bottom line, which means you could be short-handed on amount of compensation you receive. But with a personal injury attorney on your side, you can be confident that they will fight for the maximum amount of compensation you need.

A Tampa personal injury lawyer can also provide valuable insight and guidance as you strive towards obtaining the results you desire. They can help you navigate the complex issues and procedures involved with filing a claim, as well as stand up and advocate for you in court when necessary. Furthermore, the right attorney will have extensive resources to offer your case, such as medical experts, investigators, and more.

Hiring a lawyer for your case may seem like a big price tag, but it is actually one of the best investments you will make, especially with compensation on the line. If you would like to receive more information, contact The Florida Law Group to consult with an experienced Tampa personal injury attorney.

WHICH U.S. CITY HAS THE MOST TV LAWYER ADS? TAMPA BAY

According to study released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Legal Reform, Tampa Bay has been identified as having the most trial lawyer ads on television in the country. A spot count of ads run on television in major metros since the beginning of the year has put Tampa Bay first with a grand total of 164,781 ads. Coming in a close second was Orlando with 142,607. A Tampa Bay Times article written by columnist Robert Trigaux called Central Florida “ground zero for saturation TV advertising.

Television advertising does not come cheap for these attorneys, either. As many Floridians are undoubtedly familiar, “For the People” personal injury firm Morgan & Morgan’s ads dominate the airwaves to the tune of $24 million per year. They are one of many Florida law firms paying big money to hammer their brand not only on TV, but everywhere you look, from billboards to public buses.

Read more about this story via the Tampa Bay Times.

Some injury attorneys believe that the best way to gain the trust of clients is to bury them in a barrage of advertising everywhere they look. Others rely on building a reputation for themselves based on earning the trust and respect of clients and other lawyers alike. The latter is the approach we at The Florida Law Group like to take. We feel that our knowledge, skill, and more than 100 years of collective experience speak for themselves, and our thousands of satisfied clients agree.

Not many firms, even those who spend millions on advertising, boast board certified attorneys. Attorney Chris Limberopoulos of The Florida Law Group is a Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist certified by The National Board of Trial Advocacy. While many of the lawyers you see on TV resolve the majority of their cases outside of the courtroom, our team is not afraid to take your case to court if it means you might receive more in compensation. This client-focused approach allows us to better serve the needs of injury victims throughout Florida.

PHARMACY LIABILITY: COMMON PRESCRIPTION MISTAKES

Pharmacy negligence is a big source of personal injury claims. Pharmacists are highly trained individuals with a special responsibility to ensure the health and safety of those they serve. When they are careless in this duty, they can be held responsible for any injuries or deaths they cause.

Here are some of the most common pharmacy mistakes:

Dispensing the wrong dosage of medication. This occurs when the pharmacist gives a patient too high or too low a dose of medication. Often, this is the result of negligent pharmacy policies that may value speed and volume over patient safety.
Dispensing the wrong kind of medication. A pharmacist may accidentally fill a prescription with the wrong medication. Poor penmanship, improper abbreviations, or labeling errors may cause this error.
Confusing drugs that have similar names. The FDA has acknowledged that this is a widespread problem. This type of error could have serious consequences for patients in need of timely treatment.

Failing to protect against harmful drug interactions. Pharmacists are supposed to warn patients of any potential drug interactions with other medicines they are taking when dispensing a new medication. Failure to do so could result in dangerous mixes of drugs that could potentially make the patient very ill.
Miscommunications between pharmacists and physicians. This type of error occurs when a pharmacist fails to confirm that a patient is not allergic to a medication, fails to verify prescription information with the prescribing doctor, or fails to learn of other medications that the patient is taking.
Failure to identify drug allergies. Failing to identify if a patient is allergic to a drug or any of its ingredients could be potentially deadly.

If you believe that you or a loved one has been harmed by pharmacy negligence, you should speak with an attorney about your potential case. The Florida Law Group has more than a century of combined experience handling all types of professional negligence cases, and has the knowledge, skill, and resources necessary to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. Our Tampa personal injury attorneys are standing by to offer you immediate help. Schedule your free case evaluation today.

5 TIPS FOR AVOIDING DISTRACTED DRIVING ACCIDENTS

Distracted driving has been an issue for a long time, but has become particularly threatening our technology-centered, fast-paced world. Things like cell phones, fast food, loud music, and even hands-free car infotainment systems all have the power to divert our mental, physical, and cognitive attention, putting drivers at a heightened risk of an accident. While many drivers are aware of the potential dangers of driving with distractions, the message bears repeating: keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel!

Keep these five tips in mind for avoiding distractions while you are driving:

Keep your phone out of sight. Try putting your phone somewhere out of reach (inside of your purse or briefcase, for example) or just switch it off. Out of sight, out of mind.
Stay organized. Have everything you need for your trip organized and in its proper place. This way, when you need something, you won’t have to take your eyes off the road or search around for it.
Use voice commands sparingly. While hands-free technologies were created to be less distracting to drivers, they still take your mind away from the primary task of driving. These systems are still a pretty big source of distraction, so try to only use them when you absolutely need to.
Don’t be afraid of a little quiet time. Most of us are so used to driving with noise that we may forget how easy it is to just shut off the radio and enjoy the silence. You might be surprised how much cutting out the background noise improves your focus and makes tasks like merging or finding the right freeway exit much easier.
Let your passengers do some of the work. As the driver, your job is to get yourself and your passengers to their destination safely, so let your passengers do some of the work! Need to adjust your GPS? Want to adjust the radio station or turn on the air conditioner? Their hands are free!
We at The Florida Law Group hope that you find these tips for minimizing distractions useful. As always, drive safely!

The Florida Law Group represents victims of car accidents caused by distracted drivers. If you have been injured in an accident caused by driver distraction or another preventable error, please consult with a Tampa car accident attorney at our firm about your legal options. Free consultations are available when you call (813) 463-8880.

FLORIDA LEADS NATION IN MOTORCYCLE DEATHS

Did you know that one in every five people killed in highway crashes in Florida is on a motorcycle, even though motorcyclists represent only seven percent of licensed motorists?

According to the most recent statistics provided by a 2013 NHTSA traffic study, Florida leads the nation in motorcycle deaths, with 462 deaths in 2013 alone. And if the past few weeks are any indication, 2016 is proving to be a dangerous year for Florida bikers as well.

In the first 10 weeks of the year, there have been nearly 20 accidents in which motorcyclists were killed in the Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough counties. The past two weeks alone have been extremely difficult for riders in the Tampa Bay area. So far, the average in Florida is one fatality every four days. If this trend continues, more than 90 motorcyclists will be killed throughout the course of the year, a significant increase over the tri-county average of 73 deaths per year.

The Helmet Wearing Controversy
Florida no longer requires motorcyclists to wear helmets. Since the repeal of the helmet law, motorcycle accident deaths have more than doubled in the state. A survey conducted by AAA has revealed that one-third of riders do not believe that they should be required to wear one.

According to national statistics, helmets saved the lives of approximately 1,630 motorcyclists in 2013, and it is estimated that if all riders had worn head protection that year, an additional 715 lives could have been saved.

100+ Years Experience Helping Injured Motorcyclists in Tampa
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, turn to the Tampa accident attorneys at The Florida Law Group. We have obtained millions of dollars in recoveries and settlements for injured people throughout our decades of practice. When you choose to work with our firm, your best interests are our number one priority. Our goal is to maximize your recovery and take care of all the paperwork while you focus on your recovery.

WARNING SIGNS OF ABUSE IN NURSING HOMES

While nursing homes are supposed to be places where we can trust that our loved ones will be safe and cared for, sometimes they are places where abuse and neglect take place. Usually, this mistreatment comes from the very people who have a legal obligation to provide care to the elderly person, including doctors and nurses. The types of abuse can range from physical and emotional abuse to sexual abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect.

If you are concerned about an elderly family member, watch carefully for these warning signs of abuse:

Your loved one’s hygiene has suffered due to a lack of assistance with basic care. Signs may include smelling of urine and feces, wearing dirty clothes, unwashed hair, body odor, and overgrown nails.
Your loved one has suffered sudden weight loss due to malnutrition or suffers from dry mouth, cracked lips, swollen tongue, and reduced urine output from dehydration.
Your loved one has unexplained injuries, including bruises, broken bones, scratches, or dislocations from rough handling during repositioning, transfers, feeding, and medicine administration.
Your loved one seems drowsy, confused, or sleeping all the time. This could be a sign that they are receiving an overdose of medication that has gone uncorrected.
Your loved one has become immobile due to a lack of assistance with walking and daily exercise programs.
Your loved one has developed one or more bedsores from not being regularly repositioned in their beds.
Your loved one’s personality and behavior has changed, leaving them agitated, withdrawn, fearful, embarrassed, or depressed. This may be a sign of bullying, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.
If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home, take immediate action by alerting the head of the facility. Then, consult with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney to discuss potential legal options. At The Florida Law Group, our attorneys are committed to holding negligent nursing homes responsible for their misconduct.
Let us help you seek justice on behalf of your loved one!