Monthly Archives: April 2012

Common soft tissue injuries from an auto accident

The most common result of personal injury from an auto accident are neck and back injuries. Because muscles and ligaments in the back and neck go into shock during the accident there is unnecessary pain creating the necessity for continuous medical expenses including doctor visits, prescriptions and physical therapy.

The frequent treatments and remedies needed to recover from these injuries will take place over six to eight week period. In addition, there are numerous side effects the patient will endure including:

  • chronic pain
  • sleepless nights
  • headaches
  • diminished sex life
  • inability to lift heavy things
  • depression

Failure to seek treatment for such injuries will result in symptoms persisting. Accident victims have legal rights including the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses. 

Also recent legislative news, the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) law was recently changed to ensure auto accident victims seek medical treatment quickly to qualify for full insurance coverage.

Florida’s PIP insurance law as adopted by House Bill 119 now requires those injured from an auto accident to seek medical assistance within 14 days of their injury.

With current soft tissue injuries resulting from an auto accident and these new changes in the law it is imperative to seek legal council after an auto accident to maximize your recovery and receive protection from insurance companies.

Call Attorney Michael Blickensderfer who has over 25 years legal experience. As a former prosecutor and a former Marine, he will fight for your rights and defend your claim. call 813-931-0840 today!

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Can I sue a company for Personal Injury?

Thank you for watching Minute with Mike, free legal advice answered by attorney Michael C. Blickensderfer every Wednesday at Noon.

Blick law Firm is a local Tampa Bay legal firm specializing in personal injury, criminal, bankruptcy and real estate law all across the state of Florida.

The owner, Michael C. Blickensderfer has 25 years legal experience in Florida, New York and New Jersey. Blick Law Firms practice areas include criminal law, DUI/ Traffic, real estate transactions, loan modifications, short sales, foreclosure defense, bankruptcy, title insurance and real estate litigation.

We also serve clients in personal injury, including auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and falls premises liability, dog bites, marine and aviation accidents and wrongful death.

For further information on this video visit Blick Law Firm on YouTube.

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Por qué contratar a un abogado de bienes raíces?

En el pasado, se pensaba que un agente inmobiliario era la única persona que se necesitaba para la venta de su propiedad. Una tercera persona, tan necesaria como el agente inmobiliario, es un abogado de bienes raíces. Mientras tu agente puede asistirte con la logística de venta/compra, junto con la negociación del precio y fecha del cierre, Michael Blickensderfer puede revisar cualquier oferta que usted haga o reciba y asegurarse que sus derechos y deberes sean protegidos.

Usted y Michael pueden discutir y llegar a un acuerdo con respecto a cuanto usted desea que el este envuelto en la transacción y los precios/cargos serán expuestos antes de cualquier decisión final.

Si compra una propiedad, Michael puede:

  • Ayudarlo a entender el contrato de venta y compra, incluyendo como a usted le gustaría tomar titulo de la propiedad.
  • Verificar que no haya deudas o problemas registrados contra la propiedad que impida el uso de ella.
  • Preparar y registrar todos los documentos legales.
  • Clarificar los términos de la hipoteca y trabajar con el banco, si es necesario modificarlos.
  • Inspeccionar los ajustes, incluyendo los impuestos que se deben y costos de utilidad pagados, antes del cierre.
  • Revisar e inspeccionar el cierre y los documentos que usted debe firmar.
  • Manejar el seguro de titulo para protegerlo de pérdidas debido a problemas con el título de propiedad.
  • Asegurarse que usted reciba una registración valida de su propiedad sujeto a las obligaciones que usted aceptó.

Si usted vende su casa, Michael puede:

  • Revisar o preparar el contrato de venta y compra, incluyendo la negociación y términos.
  • Preparar el titulo y poder, si es necesario.
  • Trabajar con los asuntos/problemas del título y ayudar a corregirlos.
  • Revisar e inspeccionar el cierre y todos los documentos que usted debe firmar.
  • Arreglar la transferencia de depósitos de seguridad.
  • Manejar los certificados de seguro, si es necesario.

Otros servicios reclaman que pueden hacer todo el trabajo legal por usted pero cuando se refiere a bienes raíces no es el momento de ahorrar algo de dinero o “hacerlo usted mismo”. Michael conoce todos los estándares que se deben llevar a cabo.  Aunque muchos documentos de bienes raíces son similares, el acuerdo/contrato de venta y compra pueden variar de acuerdo al estado/lugar.

Aun más, algunas compañías de titulo y bancos requieren el uso de un abogado para asegurarse que el titulo este correcto, no haya obligaciones en contra de la propiedad y la transacción se complete.

Si usted está listo para hacer o aceptar una oferta de una propiedad llame a Blick Law Firm hoy y hable con uno de nuestros miembros del  equipo de bienes raíces. Usted todavía puede firmar la oferta con la seguridad que Michael lo ayudara.

 

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Can I lose my home if I file bankruptcy?

There are ways to keep your home in bankruptcy. “Automatic Stay” is one of the first advantages of bankruptcy, which will prevent creditors from taking collection action against you. If you are facing foreclosure, the filing of a bankruptcy petition will temporarily suspend the foreclosure action. While the automatic stay will not last forever, it will give you more time to review all of your options.   Attorney Michael Blickensderfer of Blick Law Firm can help you review all of your options before deciding which type of bankruptcy is best for your situation.

Personal circumstances, such as the type of bankruptcy you file, the amount of equity in your home, and whether you own the house jointly with someone else are all factors to consider.  In a Chapter 7 case, while you will lose assets but get rid of debts, you can either formally reaffirm the mortgage loan or, in some judicial districts, just keep making payments. If you fall behind on payments, and have some equity in your home, Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be a better choice for you because it allows you to pay off the arrearages (mortgage) over time and therefore face less risk to losing your home. A critical consideration in a Chapter 13 case is whether a debtor whose home loan is in default can make the larger mortgage payments (the missed payments plus resuming the original payments) over the repayment period.

For more information regarding keeping your home when filing for bankruptcy or general questions about qualifying for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy call Blick Law Firm today at 813-931-0840.

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Tampa Bay DUI Check Points

Tampa Bay deputies and police officers are dedicated to values of integrity, professionalism and community involvement. As a result of their commitment the county’s overall crime rate dropped in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. Blick Law Firm assists efforts by posting DUI checkpoints to help enforce safety amongst the community.

What are DUI checkpoints? DUI checkpoints consist of police roadblocks at busy thoroughfares at which motorists are randomly selected for screening.  These stops help keep all parties safe so they can continue on with their life, without any tragic or fatal interruptions.

Sobriety checkpoints reduce alcohol-related crashes by about 20 percent, according to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control report combining the results of 23 scientific studies.

Although they tend to be controversial, DUI checkpoints have survived most legal challenges; even in some states where statutes require an officer to have reasonable suspicion of intoxication before initiating a traffic stop. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1990 that sobriety checkpoints are legal under federal law (Michigan Dept. of State Police v. Sitz), leaving it up to the individual states to decide.

Should you find yourself unable to drive because of intoxication, please call a friend, cab driver or ask the bartender to call someone for you. Do not drink and drive.

If you have been arrested for a DUI or other related incident, call Blick Law Firm today to assist you and seek legal representation you deserve! Think quick, call Blick! 813-931-0840

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Personal Injury? Watch out for ambulance chasers

Contrary to popular belief that personal injury attorneys chase ambulances and prey on victims, Florida law prohibits such action.

Furthermore, attorney Michael Blickensderfer does not practice such marketing techniques.  Our personal injury clients retain us because of current or previous satisfied clients who have used Blick Law Firm for their own legal matters.

A Personal injury is defined as any incident that causes physical harm or bodily damage due to the actions or negligence of others.

While injuries can be sustained in almost infinite ways, car accidents are a major cause of personal injury in the United States. Many car accidents and most motorcycle injuries can be severe and life-altering, even resulting in death.

Attorney, Michael has over 25 years’ legal experience. He is a former prosecutor, former Marine and will take your personal injury claim to court if necessary.

If the injury to yourself or a loved one was not your fault, you may be eligible for financial compensation for hospital bills, time out of work, and pain and suffering. To protect your rights and get what you deserve, contact Blick Law Firm today.

Forthcoming laws to prevent insurance fraud mandate that a victim is required to receive emergency care within 72 hours of the incident.  Also, immediate contact with us will ensure that information is still fresh in your mind and the minds of other involved parties.  If you are prevented from coming to us, we will come to you.

You or a family member or close friend should also gather as much documentation regarding your accident as you can. Bring records of accident reports, insurance forms, medical bills, and personal contact information of the other people involved in the accident to your free consultation with Michael.

Call us today and speak with an experienced Tampa personal injury attorney you can trust. Think quick, call Blick. 813-931-0840

 

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