Blog - Auto Accident Attorneys in Naples FL

Because I Live Here

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 14:30:32 GMT

Because I Live Here: In this new series of posts, I will offer some thoughts to help you pick the right attorney for your car accident case. There are many advantages to hiring a local attorney, like me who remembers when the beaches weren’t so crowded.

Because I Live Here #1

Because I Live Here: Don’t hire an attorney before you meet them face to face. That is often not possible with a TV lawyer, or an out-of-town lawyer. This is important for several reasons:

You want to work with someone you like.
You want to make sure that they will communicate clearly.
You want to make sure that they won’t talk over you.
You want to know that they will take the time to explain things.
You will want to know that they will be courteous and respectful.

These are all the things that you will know only by meeting the attorney in person. Intake specialists, legal assistants, and case managers will not be your lawyer. This is your case, not theirs. You are the one who will have to live with the choice you make, so make it a good one!

Because I Live Here #2:

The TV lawyers often do not live here. Instead, they live on the East Coast or in Orlando. Some even live out-of-state. Before you hire an attorney for your car accident case think of all the ways in which this may interfere with your attorney-client relationship.

Because I Live Here #3:

My wife taught in the Collier County Public School system for 26 years. We know lots of teachers and administrators. She was selected as a Golden Apple Teacher in 2005 and was recognized as the Collier County Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2022. As a client, it's nice to work with an attorney who you know you can trust.

You are the Boss!

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 19:26:52 GMT

Dear car accident victims,

This is YOUR case! I am here to guide you and get you the best result, but I will always respect and understand that the final decision on your treatment and your settlement is up to you.

Keeping You Informed

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 19:18:44 GMT

Dear car accident victims,

I believe a lawyer should keep their clients well-informed about their case. That is why I send my clients copies of all emails, letters, pleadings and other documents that we send and receive.

Sincerely,

Rich Treiser

Accountability

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 16:22:40 GMT

Dear car accident victims,

I believe that lawyers should be accountable to their clients. Everyone is entitled to know what their lawyer is doing in their case. That is why I send each client a detailed monthly statement of what I have done.

Sincerely,

Rich Treiser

House Calls and Hospital Visits

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 16:56:05 GMT

Car accident victims,

Are you stuck on your sofa or in a hospital bed and have no transportation? I will come to you. I make house calls and hospital visits as needed.

I am a personal injury attorney who takes your injuries personally.

Rich Treiser, Auto Accident Attorney of Naples

MVA Victims

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 19:15:12 GMT

Checking In

Car accident victims, please note that I take a personal interest in every client. I check-in regularly with each client throughout their medical treatment and recovery to provide guidance and answer any questions.

Before You Hire A TV Lawyer

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 13:24:00 GMT

Before you hire a TV lawyer, be sure to ask the following questions:

Who will be the primary attorney for me on this case?
When do I get to meet with them?
When do I get to speak with them?
What is their education and experience with this type of case?

If you don’t like the answer you get to any of these questions, give us a call. At Auto Accident Attorney of Naples, you will speak with the attorney who will handle your case. You will meet with that attorney before you hire our firm and before we will accept your representation. Auto accidents are all we do. If you are injured in an accident, you are welcome to call us for a free consultation and the attorney who will represent you will answer your questions.

Seat Belts and Comparative Negligence

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 06:55:31 GMT

Comparative negligence is a legal concept that refers to the amount or percentage of fault that a person shares for their own injuries. In the context of an auto accident, comparative negligence may reduce the recovery of an injured party, even though the accident was someone else’s fault. Under Florida Statute Section 316.614(10) the failure to use seat belts can be considered “comparative negligence.” That is known as “the seatbelt defense.” Since Florida law requires all occupants of a motor vehicle (with only a few limited exceptions) to wear a seatbelt, failure to do so can be used against you if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, by reducing the compensation to which you would otherwise be entitled. The seat belt defense only requires that the following be proven:

The victim was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.
The victim had a fully functional seatbelt available.
The victim’s injuries were caused or made worse as a result of failure to wear a seatbelt.

Injuries caused by failure to wear a seatbelt are often the result of total or partial ejection from the vehicle. That is fairly obvious and easy to prove. However, seatbelt violation injuries can also often result from impact with other passengers in the vehicle, or with the steering wheel, dashboard, windows or other parts of the vehicle. The cause of those injuries is more debatable but still creates an unnecessary problem.

Buckle up, Stay Safe and avoid the “seat belt defense”!

At Auto Accident Attorney of Naples, we wish you safe travels. If you are injured in a car accident, you are welcome to call us for a free consultation.

IME/CME - DID YOU KNOW?

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 16:40:00 GMT

In Florida, after an auto accident, you may be required by your own insurance company to have an Independent Medical Exam (IME), also known as a Compulsory Medical Exam (CME). This is a medical exam by a physician of their choice. That doctor has no responsibility for your health. Beware! This doctor is not your friend. They are not your doctor. They are hired by the insurance company to cut off your benefits (if they can justify it). They do that by minimizing your injuries and finding that your condition does not warrant further medical treatment, because you are at “Maximum Medical Improvement” (MMI). So, they are hired to help the insurance company justify terminating your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance benefits. Often these doctors are not MDs or DOs but rather are chiropractors who are advising your insurance company that you are at MMI when they are not even licensed to prescribe medications or provide surgical treatment. Yet they are passing judgement on whether you need any more medical treatment.

Under Florida law auto insurance companies are required to provide PIP coverage which will pay up to $10,000 for your medical expenses, whether or not the MVA was your fault. That way there is immediate money to pay for (and you can then get) medical treatment. However, some insurance companies are more concerned about their profits than about the welfare of their insureds. So, if they can justify cutting off your PIP benefits, short of the full $10,000, they are saving money. Unfortunately, there is fine print in your policy which allows them to require you to submit to an IME. So, when you go to that exam, be sure to be complete about all of the medical problems, aches and pains the accident has caused. Of course, tell the truth, but don’t understate your medical problems. Insist on telling the IME doctor of any further treatment that you or your doctors think you need. Also, know that you are entitled to have the IME videoed by your own videographer so you can have a complete record of what was said and done at your IME. Call our office if you have any questions.

SEAT BELTS – CLICK IT OR TICKET!

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 13:39:04 GMT

Failure to use seat belts is a traffic violation that can get you a ticket in all states but one. New Hampshire is the only State where it is not against the law. It is a primary traffic violation in Florida.

That law, Florida Statute Section 316.614 became effective on June 30, 2009. It requires all drivers, front seat passengers and children under the age of 18 to fasten their seat belts. The driver, as well as the passenger can be cited for a violation. Children under 5 must be in child restraint devices appropriate for their age and size. As for backseat passengers over 18, it is a secondary violation, but they are still required to wear a seatbelt.

Primary enforcement means that a law enforcement officer is permitted to stop and issue a citation to a driver and passenger if they see a violation of the seat belt law. There are about 17 states that are secondary, rather than primary enforcement states. Secondary enforcement means that the officer can only issue a ticket for a seat belt violation if they have stopped you for some other traffic violation (like speeding). But, except for backseat passengers over 18, Florida is not one of those states.

There are several consequences for a violation. A seatbelt ticket carries of fine of $30 for an adult violation and $60 for a violation involving a child (under the age of 18). A court appearance is not necessary, however if the fine is not paid within 30 days it can result in suspension of your license pursuant to F.S. Sec.316.15(1)(a). If you chose to go to court and are convicted, court costs and administrative fees can be added. In addition, 3 points will go on your driving record. That is something that auto insurance companies will notice and can result in higher insurance rates. This ticket is a non-moving violation, so it will not count against or be a basis for suspension of your license (unless the violation involved a failure to use a child restraint for a child under age 5).

Buckle up, Stay Safe and avoid a ticket!

At Auto Accident Attorney of Naples, we wish you safe travels. If you are injured in a car accident, you are welcome to call us for a free consultation.

Seat Belt Safety: Your best bet is to buckle up

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 18:54:22 GMT

Seat belts are a life-saving necessity. According to the US Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

- In 2021 there were 26,325 passenger vehicle deaths. Approximately 50% of them were not using seat belts.

- Wearing seatbelts in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017.

- Wearing seatbelts reduces the risk of fatal injuries by 45% and moderate to critical injuries by 50%. Those benefits are even higher if you are travelling in a light truck.

Not buckling up is a bad choice, whether you are in the front or back seat. A seat belt will prevent you from being totally ejected from the vehicle, which is almost always fatal. Airbags are not a substitute for seatbelts. They are designed to work together. The force of the airbag can cause serious injury or death if you are not buckled up.

Seatbelts must be worn properly. They are designed to distribute force across your pelvis and rib cage, which are better able to withstand crash forces than other parts of your body. It is not a good idea to put the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm. Remember, in any collision, this simple action significantly increases your chances of survival.

Buckle up and Stay Safe!

At Auto Accident Attorney of Naples, we wish you safe travels. If you are injured in a car accident, you are welcome to call us for a free consultation.

SEAT BELTS – 3 GOOD REASONS TO USE THEM

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 23:10:17 GMT

Federal law first required manufacturers to equip all vehicles with seat belts in 1968. At first this only required lap belts. This was modified in 1991 to require 3-point lap and shoulder belts that are now common in all vehicles manufactured in the United States. The use of seat belts is a different story. That has been left up to individual state law, and those laws may vary from one state to another. Here are 3 good reasons to always use your seat belt:

Using seat belts has statistically been proven to save lives and reduce injuries.
Failure to use seat belts is a traffic violation that can get you a ticket in all states but one.
Failure to use seat belts can in many states be used against you if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, by reducing the compensation to which you would otherwise be entitled.

Please review the next posts in this series for further details on these reasons to use seatbelts. At Auto Accident Attorney of Naples, we wish you safe travels; but if you are injured in an accident, you are welcome to call us if you have any questions, for a free consultation.

HOW AN AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY CAN BENEFIT YOU

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 18:33:37 GMT

Have you been in a motor vehicle accident? You may be asking, “why hire an attorney?” An attorney can help you get the medical treatment you need. Many doctors do not work with car accident cases and will not accept car accident insurance. We are familiar with many good doctors in our community who do. Even if you do not have health insurance or are not able to pay up front, we can help you find and make arrangements with doctors who will provide the medical treatments you need. An attorney will also help you get compensated for the injuries you sustained in the accident and can also help alleviate much of the time and stress of dealing with the insurance companies. An attorney can deal with your health insurance (if you have any) and help take care of your medical bills after the PIP (Personal Injury Protection) runs out. Finally, an attorney will help you negotiate with the insurance company’s adjuster to reach a fair settlement which will pay the balance of your medical bills and compensate you for your losses and other damages. Give us a call (239)298-8375 for a free consultation.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

CAR ACCIDENT - WHY YOU SHOULD SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY ASAP

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 08:39:10 GMT

It costs nothing to speak to an attorney about your car accident. In Florida attorneys charge a contingent fee, which means a percentage of any settlement or recovery – so no recovery, no fee. But failing to get good legal advice promptly can cost you a lot! For example:

1) You lose $10,000 of PIP insurance coverage for your own medical expenses if you miss the PIP deadline for treatment.

2) You lose if you can’t prove that the accident was not your fault. Important evidence is lost if you don’t take photos of the scene, of your injuries or allowed your vehicle or the other to be totaled and salvaged before evidence is preserved.

3) You lose time and money if you don’t know what insurance pays for your medical treatment and how to coordinate the benefits of your PIP and your health insurance.

4) You suffer more pain, delay your recovery, and jeopardize your health if you don’t know which doctors or specialists to see.

Speaking to an experienced attorney ASAP after a car accident will cost you nothing. We will get your questions answered and will ensure that you are not missing something or making mistakes along the way. Call us. I am a personal injury attorney who take your injuries personally.

Waiving Uninsured Motorist Coverage-DON’T DO IT!

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 14:47:44 GMT

Did you know in Florida you can waive (not purchase) Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage on your car insurance policy. DON’T DO IT! - even if your insurance agent suggests it - and if they do, find a new insurance agent who cares about you more than making a quick sale. The problem is that in Florida you can also waive ( not purchase) Bodily Injury (BI) Liability Coverage. Many Floridians opt not to pay for BI coverage. So, when they hit you, they have no insurance to cover the damage they caused to you. In fact, Florida ranks number 1 in the nation for the highest proportion of uninsured drivers, with more than 30% of all drivers having inadequate or no BI insurance. The only way to protect yourself is to buy UM coverage.

UM coverage is probably the most important coverage you can buy if you are in a crash caused by someone who doesn’t have any or enough liability coverage because it protects you, your family, and your other passengers. It is sad when we see families who can’t get the medical care they need or are not prepared for the financial fallout caused by an auto accident where there is no coverage. Our advice is to buy as much as you can afford.

Don’t Be in a Rush to Settle Your Auto Accident Injury Claim

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 19:20:00 GMT

If you have been injured in an auto accident that was caused by someone else, don’t be in a rush to settle your injury claim. There are some unscrupulous insurance companies, and insurance adjusters, who make a habit of pressuring injured parties to settle quickly. We often hear stories from clients who have been contacted just a day or two after the accident by an adjuster who is offering them $2,000 or $3,000 to settle their claim. Beware! What they probably won’t explain is that the check comes only after you sign a liability release which lets them and their insured “off the hook” for any further claims. The problem is that some injuries are not immediately apparent. You may not realize the full extent of your injuries, or the medical care needed, for several months or more after an accident. The statute of limitations in Florida for automobile negligence cases is 4 years, so you have plenty of time to make sure that you are okay and get the care you need. That is not an excuse to delay treatment, but it is a reason not to be rushed to settle.

The same goes for the attorney you hire to represent you. If they are pressuring you or making you feel rushed to finish your treatment, they may not have your best interest at heart. Since almost all of these cases are handled on a contingent fee basis, some (few) lawyers may be more concerned about wrapping up your case and getting paid then they are about making sure that you get all the medical treatment you need and make the best medical recovery possible. If that is the situation you find yourself in, then it is time to discuss this with your attorney, and if you are not satisfied, it may be time to find another attorney to represent you. In the end, it is your injury claim, and your body. You are the one who will have to live with the results of these injuries. As I tell all of my clients, there is no amount of money that will make you glad that you were in a car accident, so don’t allow yourself to be rushed to accept a settlement until you know the full extent of your injuries and your medical treatment.

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Why Hire An Experienced Attorney for Your Car Accident Injury Claim

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 14:48:00 GMT

There are many good reasons to hire an experienced attorney right away to help you with your auto accident injury claim. Below are just a few examples that come up.

In the beginning of each auto accident case an experienced attorney can:

As your case progresses many other details and issues will arise that will make you glad that you have an experienced auto accident attorney on your side.

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Auto Accident Fatalities – Why You Need A Wrongful Death Attorney

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 15:20:00 GMT

Injuries from car accidents are problematic; fatalities from car accidents are tragic. Did you know that over 3,000 people die in Florida car accidents each year? Under Florida law, a claim for wrongful death caused by a car accident must be handled differently than a personal injury claim. Death claims must be brought under the Florida Wrongful Death Statute, F.S. § 768.16, et seq . A probate case must be opened because the wrongful death action can only be brought by the court-appointed Personal Representative of the decedent’s estate. Potential beneficiaries are entitled to recover the value of lost support and services; loss of spousal or parental companionship; mental pain and suffering; medical and funeral expenses; prospective net accumulations; and more. If this sounds complicated, that’s because it is. That is why you need a wrongful death attorney.

If you have a loved one who has died in a automobile accident or from other negligence, please give us a call to discuss your rights at 239-298-8375 .

The post Auto Accident Fatalities – Why You Need A Wrongful Death Attorney first appeared on Auto Accident Attorneys in Naples FL .

The Black Box

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 14:34:00 GMT

Did you know that almost all vehicles are now equipped with an Electronic Data Recorder (“Black Box”). On impact, these devices will freeze and save 5 seconds of information. This information will include (in half second increments); the vehicle speed (acceleration or deceleration); steering; use of brakes; use of seat belt and much more. Obviously, when there is a dispute about fault/liability and/or cause of an accident, this information can be very important. Call us if you have any questions at: 239-298-8375

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Car Accident- How Much Is My Case Worth?

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 16:24:00 GMT

Several key factors which affect the value of a car accident claim:

1. Liability: Is it clear that the accident was the other party’s fault?
2. Collectability: How much insurance coverage is available?
3. Severity of Injuries: Are your injuries minor or major impairments?
4. Extent of Treatment: How much are the medical bills?
5. Impact on Career : How much missed time from work and effect on future earnings?
6. Pain and Suffering: What are the past and future affects on the quality of your life, your activities, your relationships, and your overall wellbeing?

Please see our attached video discussing this issue:

The post Car Accident- How Much Is My Case Worth? first appeared on Auto Accident Attorneys in Naples FL .

Car Accidents and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 17:32:00 GMT

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is more common than you might think, for victims of car accidents. Hitting your head against the car window or steering wheel can cause a TBI, but even if you don’t hit your head, the sudden stop of an impact can jar your brain and cause damage.
Some of the signs of a TBI are:
• Confusion
• Amnesia
• Difficulty concentrating
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Slurred speech
• Blurred vision
• Headaches

These symptoms may be immediate or can be delayed for several days or weeks. Beware, do not ignore this. If you notice any of these problems, seek medical attention.

For a better understating of Traumatic Brain Injuries please see this article written by Dr. Novack and Dr. Bushnik in collaboration with the MSKTC: https://msktc.org/tbi/factsheets/Understanding-TBI/What-Happens-During-Injury-And-In-Early-Stages-Of-Recovery

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Are you cover for out of state accident?

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 18:58:00 GMT

For those of you who are planning on driving out of state this summer, you might want to take a look at these 2 websites.

They provide a good explanation of how your car insurance works and what to do in the unlikely event that you have a car accident out of state.

Happy and safe travels this summer!

https://www.thezebra.com/insurance-news/3698/car-insurance-cover-out-of-state/

https://www.dmv.org/insurance/traveling-with-car-insurance.php

The post Are you cover for out of state accident? first appeared on Auto Accident Attorneys in Naples FL .

Teens- Summer is here. Have fun, but be careful on the roads.

Tue, 08 May 2018 20:24:00 GMT

There is a good article in AAA Magazine this month (AAA Living May/June 2018, page 54) about the danger for teen drivers during the summer months. Memorial Day is just around the corner. School vacations are starting, so more people are on the road. Younger drivers are especially vulnerable to accidents at this time of the year. Here is a link to a previous AAA article:

So have fun, but be safe!

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Distracted Driving Isn’t Just Caused by Cellphones – Beware of Dashboards

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 17:52:00 GMT

According to an article in the January 2018 issue of AAA Magazine “Just because technology comes with a vehicle doesn’t mean they’ve been proven safe to use while driving.” The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety just completed a study on the level of attention required by such dashboard technology as GPS, texting or making a phone call (even by voice command). Listen to this CBS News summary of the AAA findings for a good overview of this issue.

AAA: Drivers Increasingly Distracted By Dashboard Technology

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Bicycle Accidents in Florida

Fri, 17 Nov 2017 17:58:00 GMT

Southwest Florida is a fun place to ride your bike. The weather is great all year round, lots of things to see and lots of places to ride. However it can be dangerous! Sharing the road with cars and other vehicles requires special care. This is even more true during season when the traffic increases. See the video below for a brief explanation from our Attorney Mary Fowler of the legal rights and responsibilities of bicyclists.

Also, click on the link below to read an article from Fort Myers News Press containing some interesting and scary statistics about bicycle accidents in our Southwest Florida area:

http://www.newspress.com/story/news/local/2015/03/06/surprising-facts-florida-bike-crashes/24431091/

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Back to School- Driving Safety

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 14:32:00 GMT

Here is a link to a good article on driving safety tips for this “back to school” time of year, from Safety Insurance Company. Pedestrian accidents often involve serious injuries, and those involving children can be particularly tragic. So please be careful in school areas and around school busses. If you know of a victim of a pedestrian vs. motor vehicle accident, give us a call. We are here to help.

https://www.safetyinsurance.com/resource_center/personalauto/schooltips.html

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Wildlife on the Road – To Swerve or Not to Swerve?

Thu, 13 Jul 2017 20:46:00 GMT

Driving in Florida, we don’t have to worry about running into moose, antelope, or even jack rabbits on the road. However, in some places wildlife on the road may include alligators, panthers, wild pigs, deer, bear, and smaller animals like raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, ducks and frogs. How you react to these wildlife hazards may endanger you, your passengers and other vehicles. Believe it or not, we recently had a client who was injured in a multivehicle pile-up resulting from a turtle in the road!

Take a look at the attached article so that you can be more prepared next time you encounter wildlife on the road.

http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/wildlife.php

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Driving in Heavy Winds and Rain

Tue, 13 Jun 2017 19:55:00 GMT

Driving in heavy winds and rains can be dangerous! These conditions happen quite often in Florida during summer.

Take a look at this short article by Travelers Insurance on how to stay safe on the roads during bad storms.

https://www.travelers.com/resources/auto/safe-driving/driving-in-heavy-rain-and-wind.aspx

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Rainy season has begun in Florida!

Wed, 31 May 2017 15:46:00 GMT

Many auto accidents are caused by wet roads. Check out this helpful article by State Farm on safe driving tips when it’s raining.

Some key points to remember:

Click here to read the complete article: https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/auto-and-vehicles/5-tips-to-remember-for-driving-safely-in-the-rain

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FLORIDA HIT AND RUN ACCIDENTS -THE IMPORTANCE OF UM INSURANCE- PART II

Wed, 17 May 2017 14:41:00 GMT

UM (uninsured/underinsured) is that type of automobile insurance that covers losses caused by drivers who have no insurance, or do not have enough insurance, to fully compensate for the losses they have caused. Under most auto insurance policies, this includes the losses caused by a hit and run driver who is never found. So, if you are the victim of a hit and run driver who has left the scene of an accident and who is never identified, your own insurance carrier can provide the insurance coverage you may need.

The amount of UM coverage you purchase is up to you, but you should keep several things in mind. Depending on what you can afford, the general principle is that more is better. First, consider the high cost of medical care, especially if hospitalization or surgery is required. You should realize that these days a typical trip to the emergency room simply to be checked out and released can often cost in the range of $4,000 to $7,000 for the ambulance and the hospital alone. If an emergency requires a medevac (helicopter) transport to the ER, this alone can be another $5,000 to $10,000. It is not uncommon for the cost of hospitalization and surgery to approach or exceed $100,000. So, UM coverage of at least $100,000 is highly recommended; while coverage of $250,000 or even $500,000 is preferable. However, by law, the amount your UM coverage will be limited to the amount of your BI (bodily injury) liability coverage. To enhance your UM coverage, one great option is “stacking.” Stacking allows you to add together the amount of the UM coverage you may have on other vehicles you own. So, if you have $100,000.00 of UM on vehicle involved in the crash, and you have another $100,000.00 of UM coverage on a second vehicle which you own, you can add those together for a total of $200,000 of UM coverage. That is the amount which would then be available if you elected to stack your UM coverage. Note, under Florida law, insurance carriers are required to offer and provide stacked UM coverage, unless the policy holders opts out. The insurance company is required to obtain the signature of the insured party documenting the decision to not have stacked UM Coverage. Without a signed waiver, stacking is required and is presumed. UM coverage will not prevent an accident, but, if you are the victim of a hit and run, it will insure that you have adequate insurance to pay for your medical expenses, your pain and suffering, and your other losses.

Conclusion: If you have been involved in a hit and run accident, or any crash in which the at-fault driver may not have enough insurance to cover your losses, we are here to help you review your insurance coverage and pursue a UM claim, if appropriate.

Drive safe!

Note: This article is provided as a public service and is for general information only. It is not intended, and should not be considered as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. For specific legal issues it is highly recommended that you consult with a qualified and experienced attorney. You are welcome to call us with any questions about your legal rights.

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FLORIDA HIT AND RUN ACCIDENTS – THE IMPORTANCE OF UM INSURANCE – PART I

Wed, 10 May 2017 20:05:00 GMT

Hit and run auto accidents are more common than you may think. According to the State Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were over 90,000 hit and run accidents in Florida in 2015. Of those, there were 19,000 injuries and 186 deaths. Almost 25% of all Florida crashes are “hit and run,” and nearly half of them involve pedestrians. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime [see F.S. §316.027]. The penalties are severe: driver’s license revocation for 3 years, plus punishment by fine and/or imprisonment as a first, second, or third degree felony, depending on the severity of any injuries caused. Sometimes these drivers are caught, but many times they are not.

The law (F.S. §§316.027 and 316.062) requires that a driver who is involved in a car accident do several things:

In addition to what the law requires, there are several things a driver can and should, or should not do, after a hit and run accident. The first thing you should not do is leave the scene of the accident. Chasing after the other driver can create problems for you. It may raise questions to law enforcement and to the insurance companies as to the actual circumstances of the accident. Also, you may miss the opportunity to obtain important information and evidence about the accident.

What you should do is:

Unfortunately, you cannot always control whether or not you are involved in a hit and run accident. What you can control is the insurance you purchase. One of the best things you can do to protect yourself from being the victim of a hit and run accident is to buy adequate UM insurance.

The post FLORIDA HIT AND RUN ACCIDENTS – THE IMPORTANCE OF UM INSURANCE – PART I first appeared on Auto Accident Attorneys in Naples FL .

Getting enough sleep is an important part of safe driving

Tue, 21 Mar 2017 11:27:00 GMT

Did you know that missing a couple of hours of sleep doubles the risk of a car crash? We have paraphrased the following excerpts from an article b y Ashley Welch that appeared on the CBS News site on December 6, 2016. Please see the link below for the full article.

According to the research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, drivers who get just one to two hours less than the recommended seven hours of sleep in a 24-hour period nearly double their risk for a car crash, according to new research from the AAA.

The report reveals that drivers who miss 2-3 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period more than quadrupled their risk of a crash — the same crash risk the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration associates with drunk driving!

The analysis showed that the crash risk for sleep-deprived drivers increased steadily when compared to drivers who slept the recommended seven hours a night or more.

Specifically, the results found that drivers who got:

Yet, alarmingly, more than half of drivers involved in fatigue-related crashes experienced no symptoms before falling asleep behind the wheel.
The National Sleep Foundation’s recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, is essential for safe driving.

Planning a road trip? AAA recommends these helpful tips:

For the full article click here:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/sleep-deprivation-doubles-car-crash-risk-aaa/

The post Getting enough sleep is an important part of safe driving first appeared on Auto Accident Attorneys in Naples FL .

Am I allowed to ride my bicycle on the sidewalk?

Sat, 18 Mar 2017 17:11:00 GMT

Yes, in Florida bicyclists are allowed to ride on the sidewalk unless it is prohibited by local ordinance. Bicycles have the same rights and obligations as pedestrians. When they overtake a pedestrian, however, they’re obligated to provide an audible signal and let the pedestrian know that they’re passing.

The post Am I allowed to ride my bicycle on the sidewalk? first appeared on Auto Accident Attorneys in Naples FL .

Did you know that daylight saving time reduces car accidents? Look at this article that was in the Naples Daily News.

Fri, 10 Mar 2017 17:35:00 GMT

This Sunday at 2 a.m., your clocks will jump ahead one hour, the start of more evening sunlight for months to come. To many a minor annoyance or a bit of relief, Daylight Saving Time reminds us of the sun’s daily effect on our lives and tells us spring is on its way. If only we could save ourselves from the seasonal allergies.

But no matter what the time change tells you, Daylight Saving Time is implemented for a reason. The tradition of springing forward and falling back is overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation and is rooted in saving energy.

Read full article here: http://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/03/09/here-comes-sun-daylight-savings-time-starts-sunday/98945918/

The post Did you know that daylight saving time reduces car accidents? Look at this article that was in the Naples Daily News. first appeared on Auto Accident Attorneys in Naples FL .

Atención Latinos!

Thu, 23 Feb 2017 16:03:00 GMT

¿Cuanto cuesta contratar un abogado de accidente? Vean este video para averiguar el costo de sus servicios.

The post Atención Latinos! first appeared on Auto Accident Attorneys in Naples FL .

Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Why You Need It

Thu, 09 Feb 2017 21:09:00 GMT

Typically, when you’re in an accident and the other driver is at fault, his or her liability coverage would help pay for your medical bills or damage to your car. But if the at-fault driver doesn’t have car insurance, you may have to pay out of your own pocket for your medical bills or damage to your car.

That’s where uninsured motorist coverage comes in: It may help pay for resulting costs, up to your coverage limits, when you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have car insurance.

Is uninsured motorist coverage required? Depending on where you live, uninsured motorist coverage may be required by law: 20 states and the District of Columbia have laws that make it mandatory.

The post Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Why You Need It first appeared on Auto Accident Attorneys in Naples FL .

Fatal crash shuts down Collier Boulevard in East Naples

Fri, 20 Jan 2017 14:50:00 GMT

A woman died following a fiery crash on Collier Boulevard and Veronawalk Drive Tuesday afternoon.

Kathe Lynn Ryan, 45, of Naples, was driving a 2011 Hyundai Sonata and turned southbound onto Collier Boulevard from Veronawalk Drive shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Luis Huerta Yero, 34, of Naples, was driving a 1990 Kentworth dump truck northbound on Collier Boulevard when he ran a red light and crashed into the left side of Ryan’s car, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report.

http://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/traffic/2016/10/18/fatal-crash-shuts-down-collier-boulevard-east-naples/92363540/

The post Fatal crash shuts down Collier Boulevard in East Naples first appeared on Auto Accident Attorneys in Naples FL .