5 Things to Know if you are Injured in a Car Accident

Published on June 30, 2011 in Car Accidents. 0 Comments
  1. Call the police.
  2. If you are able to, safely take photos of the scene and the damaged cars.
  3. Go to the hospital or urgent care center to get checked out – even if you do not see any visible injuries but are in pain.
  4. DO NOT give a recorded statement or interview to an insurance company or sign any paperwork for an insurance company until you contact a Personal Injury Lawyer.
  5. Stay away from investigators or “runners” that call to solicit your case.
  6. Call 247InjuryLaw for a free consultation with a lawyer.

You are involved in a car accident.  You are hurt, you have medical bills, and missed time from work, your car is damaged……….Who is going to pay you for all of this?

If you were not at fault in the accident, the insurance company of the person or company that caused the accident has to be held responsible for all your losses including the time you loss from work, the damage to your car, the unpaid medical bills, and most importantly your injuries and pain and suffering.

As a former insurance adjuster for more than 10 years, I know what little value the insurance company puts on your injuries and human suffering.

At 247InjuryLaw, we will help you get your life back together starting with the repair of your car through compensation for the injuries you suffered in the accident.

Here you will receive professional, honest, and aggressive legal representation. Because to us you Matter and Justice Matters.

Serving clients in Florida including the cities of West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Wellington, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Delray Beach Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Wilton Manors, Orlando, Miami, Hialeah, Doral, Tampa, Sarasota, Jacksonville, Naples, and the Florida Keys.

1 accident 2 cases
Many times people will have 2 cases as a result of 1 accident.  If you are working and you are injured by someone other than your employer… we may be able to present a negligence case against the person or company that caused the accident and at the same time a workers’ compensation case against your employer.

For example, say you are delivering parts for an automotive store and you are rear-ended.  Because you are working we can present a Workers’ compensation case with your employer but we can also present a claim against the insurance company of the person that rear-ended you.

1 Accident 4 claims
It’s not every day that someone gets hit by 3 different cars.  Well it happened to a client of 247InjuryLaw.  Our client was stopped at a red light when he was rear-ended by a 4 different cars.  It was a domino effect crash where our client’s car was rear-ended by the car #1 directly behind our client’s car; car #1 was then rear-ended by a car #2 which propelled car #1 into our client’s car; and so forth.  Our client’s car received 3 separate impacts to the rear.  The lawyers at 247InjuryLaw where able to obtain settlements from 4 different insurance policies on behalf of our injured client.

247 Injury Law, South Florida Personal Injury Law Firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case. Call now to schedule a FREE evaluation of your case – 1888-984-HURT or 1-888-984-4878.

Florida DUI

Published on June 24, 2011 in Car Accidents. 0 Comments

Florida Statute provides that a drunk driver can be punished for operating a motor vehicle when his/her normal faculties are impaired, either by alcohol or chemicals (see Florida Statute 316.193)  The Statute also provides that money damages can be awarded to “punish” this reckless behavior. These damages are called punitive damages, which Florida courts allow to “punish” the Defendant. In Florida, a driver who operates a car when his/her blood alcohol content is in excess of .08 is presumed to have operated the vehicle when their normal faculties are impaired. Therefore, if someone operates a vehicle (car, truck, motorcycle) with a blood alcohol level of .08 or above, under Florida law that person is presumed to be driving under the influence.

The lawyers at 247InjuryLaw, will offer a detailed and complete presentation of the DUI evidence to the insurance company representatives and attorneys, which will probably cause the insurance company to pay a significantly higher settlement than in a crash that does not involve a drunk driver. If suit is filed, the presentation will initially be made in mediation. The following is language that has been used in Motions before Florida courts by the lawyers at 247InjuryLaw in order to seek punitive damages against a DUI  Defendant: Defendant failed to adhere to Florida Statutes by his reckless disregard of /for the safety of others when he operated a vehicle when he was intoxicated.  Defendant’s negligence   “transcends the level of simple negligence, and even gross negligence (citation omitted) and enters the realm of wanton intentionality, exaggerated recklessness, or such an extreme degree of negligence as to parallel an intentional and reprehensible act.”  Como Oil Company, Inc. v. O’Loughlin, 466 So.2d 1061, 1062 (Fla. 1985). Monty v. Hayward, 451 So.2d 938 (Fla. 4th DCA 1984).

247 Injury Law, South Florida Personal Injury Law Firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case. Call now to schedule a FREE evaluation of your case – 1888-984-HURT or 1-888-984-4878.

Taking The Bite Out Auto Insurance

Published on June 20, 2011 in Personal Injury. 0 Comments

Even as payments by insurance companies for property damage and injuries shrink, insurance rates continue to rise. However, there are a number of things that the savvy consumer can do to lower his rates and reduce the auto insurance bite. The most important thing to remember is that auto insurance is a business and, just like any business, insurance companies want you to be their customer. They spend millions of dollars each year on geckos and other advertising, so it pays to shop around. Rates for the same coverage on the same driver in the same car can vary enormously from company to company, and even an hour spent shopping by telephone or over the Internet could end up saving you hundreds of dollars in premiums each year. Many insurers give discounts if you have more than one kind of insurance with them. For example, if you insure your home and your car with the same insurance company that may reduce the rate that it charges for both types of coverage. However, be careful: Just because you are getting a discount does not mean that you are necessarily getting the lowest rate.

You may also look into changing your coverage. Simply raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 per accident can save you a lot of money. Also, if you have an old car that is of little value, consider dropping your collision coverage because chances are that, if you are in an accident, the car will be “ totaled” and you will receive only a nominal amount. Some people may decide that they do not want common kinds of extra coverage (such as towing coverage), but you should carefully weigh their value before canceling them. In particular, Uninsured Motorist or UM  coverage is usually worth the extra cost.

Remember, not all cars cost the same to insure: The hot-rod muscle car will usually cost more than the family sedan. If you are buying a new or used car, ask your insurer about the rates charged for different vehicles you are considering. If you buy the car that costs the least to cover, you will save money on insurance as long as you own the vehicle. Also, ask your insurance company about discounts that may be available. Most insurance companies offer discounts for certain equipment that makes cars safer or more difficult to steal (such as car alarms, air bags, and anti-lock brakes) or for certain kinds of drivers that they believe are less likely to have accidents (such as those who drive less than the average, older drivers, and students who get good grades in school). Some insurers will give you an additional
discount if you take certain kinds of classes, such as driver’s education or alcohol awareness, classes they hope will make you a better, safer driver.

247 Injury Law, South Florida Personal Injury Law Firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case. Call now to schedule a FREE evaluation of your case – 1888-984-HURT or 1-888-984-4878.

Florida Child Drowning Accidents

Published on March 14, 2011 in Personal Injury. 0 Comments

Many families turn to the water when looking for fun and recreation in South Florida. Pools and canals are common fixtures in South Florida backyards, and family outings to the beach for sunbathing, or fishing excursions out in the Atlantic or Gulf Coast are popular weekend destinations. With all of these water-related activities so commonplace in Florida life, it is an unfortunate fact that our state ranks #1 for drowning incidents involving children under 4-years-old.

It is not always the child or the parents to blame in a child drowning accidents. Many cases involve faulty safety equipment, inadequate pool fencing or just an “accident that happens” even with good supervision and prevention. No parent should have to suffer the loss of a child by any means, and drowning accidents are too common of an incident to be ignored.

Even if your child survives a near-drowning experience, they risk suffering permanent brain damage because of prolonged lack of oxygen. This can result in costly medical treatments and permanent disability for your child. To ease the suffering and pain caused by the trauma of your child’s drowning accident, you may find it necessary to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent individual, public facility, or safety device manufacturer. Through a wrongful death lawsuit you can seek financial restitution for your loss and prevent other children from suffering the same fate.

247 Injury Law, a law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case. Call now to schedule a FREE evaluation of your case – 1-888-984-4878.

Wrongful Death

Published on February 28, 2011 in Wrongful Death Lawsuits. 0 Comments

Coping with the death of a loved one is stressful.  Dealing with loss can be especially difficult to accept when it results from a situation that could have been avoided. Wrongful death is death caused by the negligence, misconduct, or carelessness of another person or entity. Wrongful death actions can arise from medical malpractice, automobile accidents, nursing home abuse, drowning, shootings, airplane accidents, willful misconduct or negligence, product liability, premises liability and more.

A wrongful death lawsuit is designed to hold liable parties accountable for their actions and/or omissions and financially compensate the executor of estate (typically the family of the deceased) for the loss of a loved one. Damages that are most often sought after in wrongful death lawsuits include compensation for:

  • Funeral, burial, medical, hospital, expenses
  • Pain and suffering experienced prior to death
  • Losses incurred by the deceased’s family:
    • Loss of wages
    • Mental anguish
    • Loss of financial support
    • Loss of companionship
    • Loss of parental guidance (in cases where deceased has children).

If you have a questions as to whether or not you have a potential Florida wrongful death case, immediately contact the lawyers at 247InjuryLaw.com.

CALL US NATIONWIDE TOLL FREE 1888-984-4874

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Published on February 14, 2011 in Personal Injury. 0 Comments

Nursing Homes are often medical necessary for many families. Nursing Homes can be very expensive. They serve as the residents’ homes surrounded by professionals in charge of caring for them. The place they should always feel safe.
If you have a family member in a nursing home, it is important to be very observant and look around on each visit that you make to your family member. Be extremely vigilante in certain areas. Look for signs of Physical Abuse, Neglect, and Verbal/Emotional/Mental abuse. If you see any signs of abuse:

•Contact the Nursing Home Administrator and tell them your concerns.
•Contact the Florida Agency For Healthcare Administration  (call (888) 419-3456).
•Contact the police department in the municipality where the abuse occurred.

247 Injury Law, a law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case. Call now to schedule a FREE evaluation of your case – 1-888-984-4878.

Failed Traffic Light Preceded Fatal 3-Vehicle Accident in Lake Worth

Published on November 26, 2010 in Car Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

November 24, 2010 – Lake Worth, FL – A 78-year-old woman died November 16 after she was in a traffic accident that involved 3 vehicles at an intersection with a malfunctioning traffic light in Lake Worth, according to authorities.

Virginia Murray, who lived in the suburbs of Lake Worth, was traveling in a Lincoln sedan where Kirk and Lake Worth roads intersect. The 1992 Lincoln and a Dodge pickup truck collided at that intersection around 11:45 a.m., The Palm Beach Post reported.

Authorities are not sure whether either vehicle had stopped, but the Palm Beach County sheriff’s Office has confirmed that a traffic signal wasn’t working during the crash.

After the Lincoln and the 2006 Dodge collided, the Lincoln was thrown off course and barreled into the path of a 2007 Dodge SUV.

Murray was transported to Atlantis for treatment at JFK Medical Center. She died at the hospital.

Minor injuries were sustained by William Murray, 40, who was driving the Lincoln; Faustino Gonzales, 59, of Lantana, who was driving the pickup truck; and Dinorah Leon, 72, of Wellington, who was driving the SUV.

According to a police report, charges might be filed.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ 2009 Traffic Crash Statistics Report, there were 197,214 traffic crashes resulting in injury and 2,563 fatalities as a result of vehicle accidents in Florida.

As a service to the residents of South Florida, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in South Florida that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities.

Common accidents include, but are not limited to:

  • single-car accidents;
  • accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
  • accidents caused by distracted drivers or aggressive driving.

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim’s family member or friend and would like the blog posting removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request.

Bicyclist Struck on Dangerous Road in West Palm Beach

Published on November 25, 2010 in Car Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

November 24, 2010 – West Palm Beach, FL – West Palm Beach residents are concerned that Seminole Pratt Whitney Road is too dangerous, according to a report on WPBF.com.

On November 15, Andrew Busscher was on his bicycle when a car struck him on that road. As of November 19, he was comatose at St. Mary’s Medical Center.  

According to Tammy Neil, Busscher’s wife, he was bleeding internally and his pelvis was fractured. 

The bike accident is one of many that have occurred in the same location, perhaps because of the few sidewalks in place along the road. Bike lanes are absent in some areas of Seminole Pratt Whitney, as is the case where Busscher was struck. Also, because of the overgrowth of grass, bicyclists are forced into the regular travel lanes where they must attempt to share space with motor vehicles. 

Neil has expressed frustration with the stretch of Seminole Pratt Whitney from 60th Street to Seminole Ridge Community High School. This part of the road lacks favorable conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists.  

In October, a school bus struck Ryan Garcia, 17, on Seminole Pratt Whitney. The Seminole Ridge Community High student had to be hospitalized, but he has recovered from his injuries.    

Residents say they have fought for change, yet nothing has evolved from their pleas. 

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ 2009 Traffic Crash Statistics Report, there were 197,214 traffic crashes resulting in injury and 2,563 fatalities as a result of vehicle accidents in Florida.

As a service to the residents of South Florida, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in South Florida that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities.

Common accidents include, but are not limited to:

  • single-car accidents;
  • accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
  • accidents caused by distracted drivers or aggressive driving.

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim’s family member or friend and would like the blog posting removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request.

After a Slip and Fall Accident in Florida

Published on November 24, 2010 in Slip & Fall Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

An indoor slip and fall accident in Florida is an all too common occurrence. Conditions leading to these accidents could be the result of improper maintenance or negligent design. 

Some common causes of indoor slip and fall accidents include:  

  • handrails that are either missing, too large to firmly grasp or in disrepair;
  • doormats that are not adequate for removing water from your shoes;
  • floors that don’t meet slip resistance requirements; and
  • food or other objects left on a floor. 

After your slip and fall accident, you should seek medical treatment for your injuries and consult with a Palm Beach slip and fall lawyer. 

In order to protect your potential Florida slip and fall claim, you should also do the following:  

  • determine what caused your fall (poor lighting, wet or littered floor, etc.);
  • report your fall to the property owner;
  • take photos of the scene as soon as possible;
  • seek immediate medical attention;
  • don’t give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster before speaking with your Palm Beach slip and fall lawyer;
  • be truthful with your Palm Beach slip and fall lawyer regarding this and any past accidents;
  • avoid any gaps in your medical treatment (obey your doctor’s orders and maintain any follow-up appointments); and
  • don’t withhold medical information from your Palm Beach slip and fall lawyer (if walking or other tasks have been painful since your accident, tell them). 

If it has been determined that the property owner failed to address conditions that resulted in an indoor slip and fall accident, you might be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering and other accident-related expenses.  

Contact a Palm Beach Slip and Fall Lawyer 

A slip and fall accident in South Florida can completely change your life. If you have suffered a slip and fall injury in West Palm Beach or North Palm Beach, Florida, you should contact a Palm Beach slip and fall lawyer to learn about your rights and determine liability. 

24/7 Injury Law, a law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless one of our trained personal injury lawyers wins your case. Call now to schedule a FREE evaluation of your case – 1-888-984-4878.

Police Concerned About Road Rage Incidents on I-95 & I-75 in South Florida

Published on November 24, 2010 in Car Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

November 24, 2010 – South Florida – Aggressive driving and road rage are growing issues in South Florida, particularly on heavily traveled roadways like Interstates 95 and 75.

A story from SunSentinel.com details issues related to the apparent rise in road rage. According to a 2007 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, aggressive driving has increased 51% in the past 2 decades and was a factor in two-thirds of vehicular fatalities. Additionally, Florida was among the most notorious states for aggressive drivers.

Additionally, a 2010 survey conducted by GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test revealed that 25% of drivers in Florida are likely to fail the written driver’s license exam. 

Two incidents on November 15 underscore some of the issues of aggressive driving and road rage in South Florida in particular. The first incident was on I-95. According to Hollywood police, Don Shaul Cohen, 18, of Plantation, suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder, which led to him crash his Chevy Tahoe. 

Several hours after the I-95 incident, there was another incident near Miami Lakes on I-75. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Vahid McLaughlin, 37, of Weston, shot Itamar Silva, 40, of Virginia, who was en route to the airport.  Raphael Cardozo, Silva’s nephew, was driving. 

Police said road rage led the men to exit their vehicles and fight on I-75, at which time Silva was shot with a .40 caliber gun. Silva has been hospitalized and McLaughlin faces an attempted murder charge. 

The SunSentinel.com story details other cases of aggressive driving and road rage in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties:  

  • In 2008 – road ranger Yves Rho witnessed 2 vehicles cut off one another and race on I-95 in central Broward County. The race ended when one driver sideswiped the other and took off, Rho said. Although he has never witnessed motorists exchange gunfire, Rho said he has seen violent tailgaters leaning on the horn and cutting off drivers.
  • In July 2010 – a teenage driver in Lake Worth had a heated verbal exchange with a motorcyclist. The teen attempted to hide, but the motorcyclist, who was armed, found him and shot twice. The gunshot wounds led to a 2-day hospital stay.
  • In August 2010 – shots were fired from an SUV in south Broward County. The target: a Greyhound bus with 25 passengers en route to Orlando. FHP has not called that incident road rage.
  • In 2009 – Samuel Ferguson, 47, of North Miami, was fatally shot from another vehicle on Florida’s Turnpike near Griffin Road. Davie police are still investigating.

Alexander Annunziato, an FHP lieutenant, said road rage has increased in the past decade. In Miami-Dade, he said, the FHP receives about 15 cell phone calls each shift from frightened drivers reporting aggressive motorists.

Authorities say the best thing to do is breathe deeply and drive away when a motorist tries to provoke you.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ 2009 Traffic Crash Statistics Report, there were 197,214 traffic crashes resulting in injury and 2,563 fatalities as a result of vehicle accidents in Florida.

As a service to the residents of South Florida, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in South Florida that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities.

Common accidents include, but are not limited to:

  • single-car accidents;
  • accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
  • accidents caused by distracted drivers or aggressive driving.

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim’s family member or friend and would like the blog posting removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request.