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0 Will My Personal Injury Case Go To Trial? | South Florida Trial Lawyer
Will My Personal Injury Case Go To Trial? The reality is that most personal injury cases settle before a lawsuit is even filed. Of the few that are filed, 95% of those cases eventually settle also at some point before reaching an actual jury trial. The details of your case will determine whether your case settles or goes on to trial. There are many factors that come into play when understanding why most cases settle before going to court, but a major factor is that going to court rarely benefits either party involved, and could cost more and be more time-consuming than reaching an agreeable settlement. Why Do Most Cases Settle? When it comes to insurance companies, going to trial could mean considerably more money awarded to the injury victim. Usually, this comes from pain and suffering damages that could cost the insurance company way more than if they had settled outside of court. What Are The Benefits Of Settling? Typically, settlements mean less time, less money, less stress, and fewer costs. These reasons are significant to many people who truly need compensation quickly to pay for medical and living expenses. Guaranteed Compensation - Filing a lawsuit and going to trial does not mean a guarantee of money damages awarded. In fact, you risk walking away with nothing should the jury or judge side with the other party. When settling, you have more control over your negotiations and compensation. Trials are unpredictable, and by settling, the victim ensures they will be compensated for their injuries. Quick Access to Money - While trials could take years and render you zero dollars in recovery, a settlement is much faster. You could receive money damages within months of starting your case. This is a huge benefit to those who have recovered from injuries and need to pay off pending medical bills or those who unfortunately have a permanent injury and will need lifelong care. Less Risk - No party involved in a personal injury claim ever wants to go to court. Going to court is not only expensive and time-consuming, but it could also cost you as the losing side will end up bearing the cost associated with trial and court. Settling your case before court proceedings is a much more straightforward process. When Should I Take My Personal Injury Case To Trial? If the insurance companies involved fail to offer a fair settlement or any settlement at all, then your lawyer might determine that your case is a good candidate for trial, as it is the only option for receiving fair compensation for your injuries. Sometimes just the act of starting the process of a trial is enough to get the attention of insurance companies, and they might offer a more reasonable settlement offer. Some types of complex tort cases with serious injuries or death, and complicated issues as to who was responsible could require a jury trial to resolve the issues. These types of cases could involve traffic fatalities, work-related injuries, product liability cases, medical malpractice claims, spinal cord injuries, and more. Also, if the insurer does not respond to a demand for settlement in a timely manner, filing a lawsuit by your lawyer is an effective way to get their attention. At that point, they have a legal duty to respond to the court within 20 days of receiving the lawsuit. Other reasons a lawsuit might need to be filed would include procedural issues such as a statute of limitations approaching that would bar any recovery if the case is not resolved or a lawsuit is not filed within a certain period of time. (between 1 and 5 years in Florida, depending on the type of case). Hire An Experienced Lawyer In the vast majority of Florida personal injury cases, the risks and costs associated with going to trial are enough to encourage the insurance company to seek a settlement. In most cases, a settlement is likely in your best interest as well. It is always in any party’s best interest to find an experienced lawyer to help them during this troubling and confusing time. A lawyer can help determine whether to settle or go to court and have a better understanding of what a fair settlement is in regards to the types and severity of your injuries. If you have been injured in Florida and need legal representation, call my offices in Plantation and Naples, Florida for a free case evaluation. Our firm works on contingency fees, which means we don’t get paid unless you do. Call me today at (877) Gluck-Law. ___________________________________ You May Also Be Interested In: PREMISES LIABILITY STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS IN FLORIDA TWO TYPES OF BRAIN INJURY AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT 6 FLORIDA MOTORCYCLE SAFETY TIPS
0 How Do I Pay For Legal Services? | Florida Contingency Fee Lawyer
Florida Contingency Fee Lawyer How Do I Pay For Legal Services? The months and years following an injury tend to be financially straining for injury victims. Not only do the injured victims often lose a substantial amount of income due to their inability to perform their work, but they also find themselves with surmounting medical bills and living expenses. Robert Gluck offers a free case evaluation, relieving some of the financial stress during the injured victims’ recovery process. It is also typical for Robert Gluck to work on contingency fee arrangements, which place no financial burden on his clients. Robert gets paid if the case is settled and an agreement is made, or the Florida personal injury case ends up in court and is won. What Is A Contingency Fee? Not everyone has the funds to pay a lawyer to start a case on their behalf. Even less so if your financial situation has been bogged down by medical bills or lost wages caused by your injuries. The Law Offices of Robert Gluck, like most Florida personal injury firms, operate on what is known as a contingency fee. This means that what our law firm makes is contingent on the amount of damages we are able to recover for you. There will never be any upfront costs, and no hourly fees to worry about when you hire Robert Gluck. Contingency Fee Agreement Once a representation agreement is signed, lawyers will then request their clients to sign a contingency fee agreement. It is important to read through the agreement in detail. The lawyer should always explain the agreement to you clearly so that you have a good understanding of what terms you are agreeing to. While 33.3% is a typical fee for lawyers who settle your claim, or higher if the Florida personal injury case goes to court, the fee for attorney services can vary depending on different factors of the case. Usually, a fee of 50% of money recovered and higher is not typical and should be questioned. Make sure to not allow your lawyer to take advantage of you. No Fees Unless You Win Essentially, if our team does not collect money for you, we don’t get paid. This will further motivate us to win the case for you. Florida Bar Rules of Professional Conduct The Rules of Professional Conduct outline the percentage of contingency fees and costs that attorneys can charge. According to the Rules, lawyer’s fees may vary depending on the case. Florida personal injury lawyers are bound by these rules. Attorney’s may charge less than the fees set forth by the Florida Bar’s Rule of Professional Conduct, but they are prohibited from charging more. Additional Costs Often there are additional costs to a case that may be unknown at the beginning of the claim. These costs are separate from an attorney’s fees and are the responsibility of the injury victim. These can include medical records, expert testimonies, witness depositions, filing fees, any visuals for the case, and a number of other costs. There are several ways to handle these additional costs and can be discussed with your lawyer. Some additional costs are paid upfront by the lawyer in order to develop a strong case for you and are simply reimbursed once the case is settled or won in court. Be sure these terms are written out specifically in the contingency agreement, so there is no misunderstanding about additional case costs. Free Consultation Robert E. Gluck makes every effort to provide relevant general legal information in response to inquiries. The South Florida Law Offices of Robert E. Gluck requires a written representation agreement before an attorney-client relationship is created and before the firm represents you. Please take a moment to complete a quick form by clicking HERE and we will contact you in a timely manner. We look forward to our professional relationship and helping you get the justice you deserve. Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Our legal team is dedicated to each and every case while showing a high level of concern and empathy for each client's situation. Once you have hired personal injury lawyer Robert Gluck to represent you, he, along with his dedicated legal team, will work diligently and tirelessly to maximize the compensation you receive. Call our offices today at (877) Gluck-Law, and speak directly to Robert. No Fees Or Costs Unless We Collect Money For You! You May Also Be Interested In: PREMISES LIABILITY STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS IN FLORIDA MOTORCYCLE HELMET LAWS IN FLORIDA HOW ARE FLORIDA SLIP AND FALL SETTLEMENTS CALCULATED?
0 4 Steps To Take After A Personal Injury Accident | South Florida Injury Lawyer
South Florida Injury Lawyer Personal injury refers to any injury that someone sustains due to the negligence of someone else. The term ‘personal injury’ refers to a wide range of injuries, such as a car accident injury, an injury sustained from a defective product, a slip and fall accident where someone is injured, and more. In the aftermath of an accident, it may seem like your life will never be the same, especially when the accident has caused you or a loved one severe and traumatic injury. There are many emotions that often result from an injury, such as anger, fear, and helplessness. As the medical bills stack up, and lost wages surmount, it may seem as if getting your life back to normal is an impossible feat. However, there are certain actions you can take after an accident that can significantly help your future personal injury case. We have compiled a list of steps to take after a personal injury accident. Seek Medical Attention In the event you have sustained injuries caused by an accident, the most important thing you can do is seek medical attention. If the injuries are life-threatening or you are in an emergency situation, you should immediately call 9-1-1 and have an ambulance sent to your location. Receiving prompt medical attention could greatly increase your chances of making a full recovery. Not only that, being seen by a doctor or medical professional will provide documentation of your injuries that can help your case in the future. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney After medical care, this is the most important step to take. It is imperative you do not attempt to give a statement to your insurance company before obtaining legal representation. You should however quickly notify your insurance provider about an accident. Failure to notify your insurance company right away about an accident you are involved in could potentially lead to a rejection of your claim. While you may be required to notify your insurance company of an accident, you are under no obligation to give a formal statement to the other party’s insurance companies. The moment the insurance company senses you will be seeking compensation for your injury, they will begin collecting information that will help them limit the settlement amount they offer you. What may seem like an innocent and harmless statement can end up being used against you. Understanding the steps to take and your rights after an accident can feel overwhelming and challenging. That is where an experienced South Florida injury lawyer comes into play. The right lawyer will advocate for you and walk you through this stressful process and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Document the Scene and Collect Evidence If it is physically possible, it is a good idea to collect evidence of the scene where you were injured directly following an accident. In the moments following an accident, do your best to take photos of the scene and the surroundings. If there is something unusual or irregular at the scene, make sure to document it. Write down the time and location of the accident, as well as details such as the weather, lighting, road conditions, etc. It is also a good idea to collect the information of the other parties involved in the accident, and if possible get their insurance information. Take notes on exactly what happened leading up to the accident, the accident, and the aftermath of the accident. Speak to any witnesses and get their names and contact info. You may think you will remember these details, however, it is best to document the details of your accident when your memory is still fresh. Request Police Report A police report is full of vital information about your accident. Some of this information is the time, date, and location of the accident. Other important information within the police report is the contact and insurance information of all the parties involved in the accident. If for any reason you were unable to acquire this information following the accident, the police report will be of great help when you and your lawyer are piecing together your case. If you or someone you love was involved in an accident that caused bodily injury, it is important to contact a legal professional to better understand your options. Robert Gluck has over 32 years of experience helping injury victims receive the compensation they deserve to get their life back on track. If you want to discuss your case with Robert, call his office and schedule a free case evaluation at (877) Gluck-Law. Robert has offices in the Fort Lauderdale and Naples, Florida areas, and serves clients all over the state of Florida. You May Also Be Interested In: 5 Slip and Fall Prevention Tips 5 Steps to Take After A Car Accident What Are Common Injuries From A Slip and Fall Accident
0 Why Choose The South Florida Law Offices of Robert Gluck? | Ft Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer
Why Choose The South Florida Law Offices of Robert Gluck? Ft Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer Although we hope you never find yourself in the circumstance where you need to find a personal injury lawyer, sometimes unfortunate and unforeseen events happen in our lives that cause us to seek out the help of a lawyer. While you cannot prepare before an accident occurs, you can make important decisions in the aftermath that will have a significant impact on the final outcome of your personal injury case. One of these decisions is which personal injury lawyer you will hire to help you with your case. There are many injury lawyers in South Florida, and trying to decide which one you will hire can be overwhelming, especially in the aftermath of an accident. Below you can find a few of the reasons why clients from all over the state of Florida have chosen to work with Robert Gluck and his expert team. Experience: Robert Gluck has been providing dedicated legal representation to clients for over 32 years. His extensive legal experience provides his clients with the effective legal services they deserve. After Robert graduated from the University of Miami Law School (cum laude) in 1989, he went on to become an Assistant State Attorney, working for Janet Reno in the Miami-Dade County State Attorney's Office. In 1998, he went into private practice and opened The Law Office of Robert Gluck in the Fort Lauderdale / Plantation, Florida area. A few years later he opened his second office in Naples, to better serve his growing list of West Coast clients. Aggressive: Whether a case ends in settlement or trial, The Law Offices of Robert Gluck will make sure their clients get compensated exactly what they deserve. Robert will fight to make the at-fault parties responsible for the harm they caused. With his decades of experience, Robert Gluck has become an expert negotiator who will advocate for his client's needs in difficult mediation situations. If Robert finds the settlement offer does not align with the scope of the injuries and damages, he will not hesitate to go to trial. Determined: Robert Gluck will personally go to the scene of an accident and analyze every detail and fact of what happened, and how. Robert and his team take their time to build a strong case through interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, and bringing in experts when needed. Accessible: It’s great to find an experienced Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer to have on your side, however, it’s not so great if you have a hard time contacting your lawyer. Personal attention directly from South Florida personal injury lawyer Robert Gluck is a top priority for the firm. Each of their clients is treated as if they are the only client. Robert and his wonderful legal team are available around the clock to answer calls and emails. Robert gives all of his clients his personal cell phone number for any questions or issues that arise during the course of their case. Not only do Robert and his team strive to help their clients get the justice they deserve, but they also hope to lift the burden that legal matters may cause by being fully accessible to their clients at all hours of the day. While you are under no obligation to work with a personal injury lawyer, doing so will lessen the stress of negotiating with your insurance provider, and will likely substantially improve the amount of compensation you recover. If you have a case you’d like to discuss with Robert Gluck, don’t hesitate to call him for a free case review at (877) Gluck-Law. You Might Also Be Interested In: 3 Secrets Insurance Companies Don’t Want You To Know How to Prove the Seriousness of an Injury in a Personal Injury Case Why You Should Only Let Your Lawyer Speak to the Insurance Adjuster
0 Should I Settle My Personal Injury Case? | Personal Injury Lawsuit Settlement
Personal Injury Lawsuit Settlement Should I Settle My Personal Injury Case or Go To Trial? Whether you have suffered injuries during a car accident, a slip and fall accident, a cycling accident, or any other type of accident that has caused you to sustain injuries, you will be required to make certain decisions about your claim against the negligent parties responsible for your injuries. When you decide to go to litigation following an injury, it’s important you speak with your lawyer about the pros and cons of settling your personal injury case outside of court, or going to trial. The truth is, only a small percentage of personal injury cases ever make it to trial. The vast majority of claims settle outside of court. Below we discuss some important factors to consider when deciding whether to go to trial or to settle your claim. While each case is unique, for the most part, settling your claim without going to trial has some really strong advantages. Your lawyer can help you decide which route will be more favorable, depending on your unique circumstance. Timeframe Oftentimes, a personal injury lawsuit settlement is faster, meaning you will receive your benefits quicker than going to trial. Majority of cases settle outside of court. For most cases, a judge will request the two parties at least try to come to an agreement, through a process known as mediation, before the case reaches trial. Not only do settlements put money in your pocket faster to help you pay things such as medical bills and lost wages, they also require less effort and resources. Because courts are often backed-up with cases, getting to trial could take months or even years. Settling a case happens quickly, sometimes just weeks after your accident occurred. Costs There will be substantially less legal fees when settling your personal injury case. When a case goes to court, a lawyer is required to spend far more time and resources on your case than if it is settled, which means higher costs. Privacy What happens in court stays in court. Well, not exactly… What happens in court is on public record, and the transcripts of the court proceedings can be accessed by the general public. Settlement negotiations are done in private, and are not part of any public record. So, if you have sustained an injury that you may not want the general public to know about, or perhaps may tarnish your professional reputation, settlement could be the way to go. Assurance Another pro of personal injury lawsuit settlement is that you know you will walk away with some sort of compensation. A major risk of going to trial is that you may end up walking away with nothing, should the jury not side with you. One of the biggest benefits of settlement is the total control over the amount of compensation you receive. When your case goes to jury trial, you take a gamble. The end result of your case lies solely on the decision of the jury and court. While there is a good chance you end up receiving more money than you would if you had settled out of court, you also risk receiving nothing. Less Stress Even with a seasoned lawyer on your side, going to court can be a stressful experience. Testifying in front of a jury and judge can cause unwanted anxiety. Going to mediation is a much less stressful situation, as it is less formal, and typically there are far fewer people who will need to hear your side of the case. With just you, your lawyer, the defendant, the defendant’s lawyer and the mediator, there are less people in the room to cause intimidation. Conclusion It’s important to find an experienced personal injury lawyer who will advocate for you and help guide you through this sometimes stressful process. While your lawyer will help you in making important decisions regarding your case, it is ultimately up to you whether you settle your injury case or go to trial. A good Florida personal injury lawyer will negotiate with the insurance companies, and work tirelessly to obtain the best possible settlement for you. To learn more on the subject, watch our YouTube video by clicking HERE If you have any questions about this topic or other topics relating to Florida personal injury, don’t hesitate to call Robert Gluck at (877) Gluck-Law. You May Also Be Interested In: SOCIAL MEDIA AND PERSONAL INJURY | CAN A SOCIAL MEDIA POST AFFECT YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CASE? TWO TYPES OF BRAIN INJURY AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT | BRAIN INJURY LAWYER PLANTATION FLORIDA WHAT ARE THE TOP DANGERS OF MOTORCYCLES ON THE ROAD IN FLORIDA? | DAVIE FLORIDA MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
0 National Baby Safety Month | Baby Safety Tips
National Baby Safety Month | Baby Safety Tips September is National Baby Safety Month, which makes it a great moment to familiarize yourself with baby safety information. In honor of this national observance we have put together a list of baby safety tips and surprising home hazards for new parents. We hope that after reading our blog, you can walk away feeling a bit more confident and prepared while caring for your new baby. Parenting can be overwhelming and stressful, especially for new parents. There is a plethora of advice thrown at you, yet it is common to feel ill-prepared and nervous bringing a baby home. There are so many fears that many first time (and second and third!) parents feel. While we know you will do your very best to keep your new baby away from harm, it’s never a bad idea to familiarize yourself with a few safety tips and advice on keeping your little bundle of joy safe. Just keep in mind it is totally normal to feel overwhelmed and under prepared. Parenting is a continual learning process. Just remember, you are doing a great job, and it is ok to reach out and ask for help or advice. Baby Safety Tips Product Safety - Before adding those coveted items to your baby registry, make sure the products are age appropriate and safe for your baby. Always familiarize yourself with the instructions and warning labels. Using toys correctly, as outlined in the manufacturers documentation of said products, is very important for the safety of your baby. Remember to discontinue the use of the product once your baby outgrows the age specified on the packaging or instruction manual. Baby Proofing - While there are the obvious home hazards such as sharp objects, electrical cords and medicine cabinets, keep in mind there are always hazards that do not appear as obvious. These can be toxic plants, cleaning products, loose tablecloths that can be yanked down, toilets, dishwashers and more. Also remember to cover electrical outlets, install safety latches on cabinets, and remove hanging cords from curtains. Home, Stairs and Furniture - Place baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs. It is best to do this before the baby becomes mobile. Secure furniture to the walls, as babies like to climb and explore, and loose furniture can fall on children causing great harm and even death. Place bumpers on sharp corners. Another tip is to have your paint tested for lead, and either remove or seal it. Fire Safety - Install smoke detectors in every room, and test them at least twice a year. Also, have at least one working fire extinguisher in the home. Bathroom Safety - Never leave your baby alone in the bathtub. It takes mere minutes for a child to drown, and it can happen in less than one inch of water. It is best to bring everything you need with you to the bathroom before you begin to bathe your baby. If you need to leave, bring your baby with you. Never rely on other children to safeguard your baby. Check the water temperature before putting your baby in the bath. Always drain the water completely after use. Install safety locks on toilets, as it is possible for a baby to fall in. Car Seat Safety - Always familiarize yourself with the reading and instructional material provided by the manufacturer. Children should travel in a rear-facing car seat for as long as they are able to per the car seat manufacturer’s instructions. Register your car seat with the manufacturer so you can be notified for any issues or recalls. The back-middle seat is the safest place for young children to ride. It is best to not use second-hand car seats, as they may have functions that don’t work properly. Home Hazards Magnets - If ingested, magnets can cause great internal damage. Never leave any magnets lying around and avoid toys with magnetic functions. Tipovers - Tipovers of furniture and electronics are one of the leading causes of injury to young children. Remember to safely secure all furniture like dressers, cabinets and televisions using hardware or furniture straps. Loose Change - If ingested, coins can also lead to severe internal damage. Have a safe place where you keep your loose change, away from babies' reach. Kitchen Safety - Never have a baby or child in the kitchen while you are cooking. Scalding water or hot pots and handles can cause severe burns. Also, remember to keep coffee and tea mugs away from the reach of children. Carpets - Loose rugs and carpets can cause slip and fall injuries. Use a grip or pad underneath to avoid injury. Loose Cords - Any cord or string can be a potential strangulation hazard. Always check blinds and curtains for loose cords, as they have killed young children. Other cords can come from electronics, computers, exercise equipment and more. Cleaning Products - Keep all cleaning supplies and products away from children. Most products are toxic and deadly if ingested. Batteries - Batteries contain extremely toxic compounds that can lead to severe injury and death if swallowed. Never allow your child to tamper with toys or electronics that have batteries, and always properly dispose of unwanted batteries. Our goal is that after reading this blog, you feel a bit more confident about keeping your baby safe in your home. You may also want to extend these tips to households where your baby may spend a lot of time, such as their grandparent’s or babysitters’ home. You can never be too careful when it comes to baby safety. If you have any questions, feel free to call my office anytime at (877) Gluck-Law. If your baby was injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, I may be able to help you get the justice you and your child deserves. Call me for a free case review. Take care and stay safe. 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0 Premises Liability Statute of Limitations in Florida | South Florida Premises Liability Lawyer
Premises Liability Statute of Limitations in Florida If you were injured on someone else’s property in Florida, and wish to file a lawsuit against the property owner as a result, you must do so within four years of the occurrence or your claim will forever be barred by Florida’s Statue of Limitations. Florida, like many other states, imposes a time limit by statute (statute of limitations) for various types of cases. All 50 states have different statutes of limitation for different types of claims. For example, in Florida, while a premises liability lawsuit must be brought within four years of the occurrence, a medical malpractice claim must be brought within two years. A claim for breach of a written contract must be brought within five years of the date the agreement was signed by the parties. Although each of these different types of cases have slightly different statute of limitations periods, they are all designed to accomplish the same goal. That goal would be for defendants accused of a wrongdoing to not have such an accusation handing over their heads for an unlimited period of time. It was felt only fair that there must be some closure for one that is accused of wrongdoing after a certain number of years, without activity on the claim. For an injury on someone else’s property, the legislature in Florida felt that four years was more than enough time to recover from injuries and present a claim. By four years, an injured party would have either settled the claim with the property owner’s insurance company or would know by then that a lawsuit would be necessary to ask a jury to determine a fair outcome for the case. Additional reasons for not wanting a case to drag on so long is that witnesses may disappear and memories of what happened might fade. It wouldn’t be fair to make a defendant wait that long and to then have to worry about what evidence may remain, so many years later, to defend the accusations made against him or her. If you are hurt on someone else’s property, after four years, it is presumed you no longer wish to pursue a claim. At that point, the property owner can be assured that a lawsuit can no longer just “pop up” out of nowhere. If you have been injured on someone else’s property or have any other type of personal injury claim in Florida, don’t wait too long to hire a lawyer to assist you in seeking the justice you deserve. Waiting too long can be the end of your case. Call me if you have a claim that has been lingering for many years and may be getting close to approaching an expiration of a particular statute of limitations. We can file a lawsuit for you before time runs out, if necessary. Call us any time for a free case review at 877 GLUCK-LAW.
0 5 Slip and Fall Prevention Tips | Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer in Florida
Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer in Florida In Florida, Following these 5 Slip and Fall Prevention Tips Could Just Save Your Injury Case Over the past 32 years, I have seen how the value of a slip and fall personal injury case can be significantly reduced by the injured party’s comparative negligence. Comparative negligence is a legal term that in Florida, results in a reduction of any recovery you may be entitled to based on your own negligent actions that contributed to the fall or to the severity of the injuries you sustained. An example of this would be that the full value of an injury claim for someone who fractured an arm from slipping on a wet floor in a supermarket may be $50,000.00. (as an example only) If you failed to follow the basic fall prevention tips below, a judge or jury could say you were a certain percentage at fault for contributing to your own injury. If that percentage is 50%, by example, your $50,000.00 recovery would be reduced after the trial down by 50% to $25,000.00. If you have complied with the five slip and fall prevention tips outlined in this article, you would likely avoid any reductions in the full value of your injury claim, should you be forced to present such a claim to a judge or jury due to an injury on someone else’s property that was caused by their failure to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition, failure to warn you of the condition, and/or failure to timely remedy the condition. Footwear 1. Be sure to wear properly fitting shoes that have good grip and tread. If not, your footwear could contribute to causing your fall. As a result, even if the property had a puddle of dirty water that had been sitting there for many minutes, allowing the property owner adequate time to see it, put up wet floor signs and then clean it up, your claim could still be significantly reduced if your failure to wear the proper shoes caused you to slip. Wearing crocks or “flip flops” or other type shoes are a real problem in these types of cases. Vision 2. Make sure to have up to date vision screenings, and wear glasses and contacts if needed. If you fail to do so, the defendant in a slip and fall case could argue that your poor vision caused or contributed to you not observing a condition that others were able to see and avoid. Listen 3. Listen to your surroundings as your hearing can help you predict a future event, or hear a warning. Having up to date hearing screenings are also helpful and will prevent the defendant in your slip and fall case from arguing that your poor hearing prevented you from hearing an adequate warning regarding the condition that caused your fall. Be Aware 4. Be aware of and mindful of your surroundings and always be on the lookout for unexpected changes in your daily routine. This awareness of your surroundings might cause you to notice a hole in the ground, an uneven sidewalk, a foreign substance on the flooring surface in a food store or other such hazards that might cause a slip and fall incident or a trip and fall incident. Go Slow 5. Be more cautious during rainy weather. The slower you go the less likely you will slip and fall. If you do, your method of and speed of walking will be analyzed. Don’t forget that a reasonably prudent person will walk slower during rainy weather. In conclusion, remembering the fall prevention tips above will not only keep you safe but if they don’t, following them could save you thousands of dollars in terms of the value of your injury claim, in the event you do fall and get hurt on someone else’s property. If you or a loved one has such a claim pending and would like my case evaluation at no charge, call me at 877 Gluck-Law 24 hours a day. See below our 5 General Slip and Fall Prevention Tips:
0 Warning to Florida’s Distracted Drivers | How Distracted Driving Could Cost You Thousands
Warning to Florida’s Distracted Drivers: Distracted Driving in Florida Could Cost You Thousands Not Covered by Insurance What is a Distracted Driver? A distracted driver is a driver performing an activity of any kind that diverts attention away from the tasks necessary to drive safely, such as paying attention to the roadway, to other vehicles and to your vehicle. Thousands of crashes per year occur in Florida due to drivers being distracted by various things including: talking on the phone using a GPS texting using a phone for other apps eating while driving passenger distractions of various kinds loud music Using a Cell Phone While Driving Did you know that police officers can now stop someone they observe texting and issue a traffic citation for that? Section 316.305 Florida Statute, also known as Wireless Communications While Driving Law, states that a person may not operate a motor vehicle while manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers or symbols into a wireless communications device to text, email and instant message. Furthermore, Section 316.306 Florida Statute prohibits the use of a wireless communications device in a handheld manner in school and work zones. Wireless communications device refers to a cell phone, a tablet, a laptop, a two-way messaging device, or an electronic game that is used or capable of being used in a handheld manner. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were a reported 48,537 crashes caused by distracted driving in 2020, with 2,756 causing serious bodily injury, and 308 deaths. Risks of Distracted Driving What you may not know is that even if not observed texting in your vehicle by a police officer or other witnesses, you can still have major problems in the event of a crash while doing so. In fact, if you were talking on your phone, texting, making entries on your GPS app. or actively using other apps at the time of a crash, you could be facing money damages that will come out of your pocket that will not be covered by your insurance company. Typically, a lawyer for the injured party will attempt to obtain your cell phone records by issuing a subpoena to your cell phone company that will show your phone usage at the exact time of the crash. If they can show you were actively using the phone and as a result, due to inattentiveness to your driving, caused a car crash resulting in injuries to another party, you can be facing a claim for punitive damages. What are Punitive Damages? Punitive damages are money damages that a jury can award the injured party against you to punish you for driving while distracted by any electronic device, especially if it can be shown that you were texting at the time of the crash. Punitive damages, in almost all cases, ARE NOT COVERED by auto insurance so you could become personally responsible for many thousands of dollars in punitive damages out of your own personal savings, even if you have a one-million-dollar insurance policy. This risk of a claim against you for money damages that your auto insurance company would not cover you for could possibly extend to situations where your inattentiveness to the road was due to other reasons besides the use of electronic devices. These situations would include the reasons mentioned above, but for the most part, the real risk is getting caught texting while driving and causing a crash. Cases Involving Distracted Driving In conclusion, it is not just for your safety that you should remain attentive to the roadway while driving, but for your own economic well being also. Safe driving out there and call me if you have any questions about how texting or using electronic devices at the time of a crash might affect your case. Based in Plantation and Naples Florida, the Law Offices of Robert Gluck represents clients throughout South Florida who have suffered injuries in an accident caused by a distracted driver. Call us today for a free consultation at (877) Gluck-Law, or email us anytime.
0 What are the Top Dangers of Motorcycles on the Road in Florida? | Davie Florida Motorcycle Accident
What are the Top Dangers of Motorcycles on the Road in Florida | Davie Florida Motorcycle Accident I have been a trial lawyer since 1989 and since that time have represented hundreds of motorcycle accident victims throughout the State of Florida. I have garnered a great understanding of the nuances of this type of accident case. I have learned over the years that presenting motorcycle crash cases to a jury requires a unique set of litigation skills that not all trial lawyers possess. Motorcycle accident and injury cases are different than others and require the lawyer you select to understand the psychological predispositions and opinions (negative in most cases) many people have of motorcycles and motorcycle riders. Your lawyer would also need to recognize that Florida is one of the most dangerous places for a motorcycle rider in the entire country for several reasons. This blog addresses those reasons and what you can do to protect yourself if you ride in Florida. Top Dangers of Motorcycles on the Road in Florida First, there are just more motorcycles here than in other states. We have well over half a million registered motorcycles in Florida. The popularity of motorcycles here culminates each year with the Daytona Bike Week celebration, one of the largest type events in the country each year. With so many motorcycles concentrated in such a small area, that event alone results in significant injury crashes and motorcycle fatalities annually. We have a large population of senior citizens in Florida who are not required to take driving re-examination as they get into their 80’s. This is a significant factor in many crashes. Our younger population has their share of distractions as well. Especially with the elderly, the size of a motorcycle makes it difficult for them to judge its distance. Our brain sees a smaller object and quickly sends a message that this object must be far away. Since a motorcycle is smaller than a car, we sometimes misjudge the distance and the motorcycle is much closer than we originally perceived. This is the cause of many intersectional collisions when a vehicle turns in front of a motorcycle. An additional factor contributing to increased danger in Florida for motorcycles is that we have two highways that are made for biking. I-75 and I-95 are very popular and easy routs with long stretches of open roads. We also have miles and miles of roads along the various beaches of Florida and the beautiful beachside scenery up and down this very long state serves as a distraction to the motorcyclists as well as drivers of the cars and trucks around them. In regard to Fatalities and serious injuries, Florida’s increase in both these categories over the years is mainly due to the fact that our beautiful weather invites long open rides, until the thunderstorms and hurricanes hit and cause many roadway issues and an increase in crashes as a result. Contact our Davie Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney Wearing appropriate gear such as the right helmet, boots and clothing, along with riding at safe speeds with people you know and trust can significantly increase your chances of avoiding a Florida Motorcycle Crash. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle crash in Florida, call me now to discuss your situation. I can be reached 24 hours a day on my cell phone at 954-895-7455 or you can check out my website at www.robertgluck.com.