Tag Archives: accident law firms

Hit and Run Accidents

Auto accidents can be devastating, and often times result in not only property damage, but also severe injuries that require extensive medical attention and treatment. The stress and pain associated with automobile accidents can be extensive, and there are many situations when the victims of a car accident cannot afford the medical assistance needed to treat their injuries. To make matters worse, each year motorists across the country become victims of hit and run accidents, and are left devastated by the actions of another driver.

If you have been hit by another driver who fled after the accident, it is important to immediately attempt to gather as much information as possible about the vehicle and/or driver. It is extremely helpful to your case if you can provide a description of the vehicle that hit you, and any identifying information that can be helpful when filing a police report and an accident claim with your auto insurance company.

If you cannot obtain identifying information about the vehicle or other driver, at least write down the location and time of the accident, and as many other details about the sequence of events as you can, including any potential witnesses to the accident, their names, and contact information.

It is very important to contact law enforcement and file a report immediately after the accident; even when it seems like a waste of time due to lack of information about the other driver or incident. Having a police report can be helpful to you when filing the auto claim with your insurance, and memorializing at least some of the details of the incident in writing.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of an auto accident and have questions concerning your rights, call Blick Law Firm today at 813-931-0840 to schedule a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick!

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Sealing and Expunction: Application to Remove Criminal Record

The consequences for being arrested and charged with a criminal offense extend beyond just the criminal penalties associated with the particular charge; they can also impact your job opportunities, reputation in the community, future earnings, and can even affect personal relationships. In the information age we live in today, details about arrests, charges, and even convictions are readily accessible to the public at large….even if the charges were ultimately dropped or dismissed!

As a remedy for first time criminal offenders, expunction and sealing are available to remove the traces of certain criminal charges. Florida Statutes 943.0585 and 943.059, set forth the criteria that must be met in order to be eligible to have an adult criminal history record sealed or expunged.

It is important to consult with an experienced attorney regarding any questions you may have relating to sealing and expunction, and whether these options are available for your particular situation. Certain offenses are not eligible for expunction; likewise, there are specific guidelines relating to the entered plea and final disposition of the criminal matter that may prevent eligibility for sealing or expunction.

If you or a loved one have been arrested or charged with a crime, have had criminal charges dropped or dismissed and would like to seal or expunge the criminal record, call Blick Law Firm today at (813)931-0840. Think quick, call Blick.

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Texting and Driving

Across the country, distracted driving continues to be a rising cause of automobile accidents and has resulted in numerous fatalities over the past decade. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving accidents in 2010 alone.

On May 2nd, 2013, the Florida Senate vote was nearly unanimous in favor of the texting and driving bill. The proposed bill cleared the House of Representatives with a 110-6 vote the day before, and has now been sent to the governor for his approval. The new texting and driving law calls for fines of $30 plus costs; as well as additional penalties for subsequent offenses, causing a crash, and/or for texting in school zones.

In an effort to stop texting and cell phone use behind the wheel nationwide, the U.S. Department of Transportation has been encouraging all states to enact tough laws prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving. Furthermore, several celebrities, media sources, and automobile companies have made efforts to raise awareness of the growing problem by reaching out to the community and promoting the dangers that can occur when driving distracted.

If you or a loved has been a victim of an accident involving distracted driving and you have questions concerning your rights, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840 and schedule a free 15-minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick!

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Personal Injury Auto Accidents

Auto accidents can be devastating, and injuries sustained in an accident can begin a timeline of treatment and therapy that can take months to complete. If you are involved in an auto accident, it is always important to know what steps to undertake to protect yourself and your potential personal injury case.

If you are involved in an auto accident, it is critical to first seek medical attention. After an auto accident, it is best to go immediately to the hospital or other treatment facility to determine the extent of your injuries and pinpoint the necessary steps of rehabilitation that might be required.

If the injuries sustained in the accident are not severe or life threatening, it is important to gather necessary information about the accident for purposes of supporting your potential legal suit. Important information to gather includes:

Identification of all occupants: including names, phone numbers, addresses and even emails.

Photos of the Damage: photograph all damages, including both vehicle and surrounding property damage.

Photos of the Accident Scene: photograph any debris, skid marks and also the position of the vehicles involved in the collision; and

Information of Responding Officer(s) and Ambulance: Request any and all identifying information on the officer(s) and Ambulance that respond to the incident

Injured parties should also always contact an attorney for legal consultation and general information on how to proceed following an accident. In the event an insurance company contacts you regarding your injury claim, do not offer any recorded statements without first consulting with an attorney.

If you or a loved one have been in an accident and need legal advice, call Blick Law Firm today at  (813) 931-0840 . Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer.

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Short Sales vs Foreclosure

Homeowners are often unsure of what options are available when they reach financial hardship and are faced with foreclosure. A short sale can be a helpful tool when trying to alleviate the burden of a looming foreclosure.

A short sale is an agreement by a mortgage lender to sell property for an amount lower than the balance owed in order to relieve the buyer of the mortgage obligation.  Depending on the negotiated amount of the sale and the timeliness of past mortgage payments, a short sale may help avoid the huge hit to your credit score that foreclosure causes. Additionally, short sale participants can later purchase a home in a shorter time than those who foreclose on their property.

A short sale can be completed by finding a buyer to purchase the home who is willing to pay current market value, and having the mortgage provider agree to the sale. Any shortage after the sale will then either be written off by the lender and an IRS 1099 is issued to the seller, or a deficiency remains which the lender may pursue to collect against the seller.

The short sale process can be complicated, and the lender may not be willing to negotiate. It is important to know that a real estate attorney can help negotiate the sale and terms with the mortgage lender and provide you peace of mind that your sale is being handled by an accountable professional.

If you have legal questions regarding your short sale or you are considering your options, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840 to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer.

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Blick Law Firm is Helping the Hurting

If I get into an auto accident, does filing a claim affect my insurance rate?Blick Law Firm offers a wide array of legal services to help serve the public including Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Real Estate, and Bankruptcy; we also provide help in Family and Probate Law matters. We are now servicing Immigration legal needs as well. As a result, our blog topics range from auto accidents to short sales.

Grounded in Christian values, Blick Law Firm strives to not only meet the legal needs of its clients and their families, but also to provide physical and emotional support. We treat each client equally and with the utmost respect, offering high-quality legal representation and counsel to those who need us most. We pride ourselves on our motto of Helping the Hurting, and reach out to the community in a variety of ways.

With a reputation built on professionalism, service, and integrity we enjoy long-standing relationships with our clients. We will pursue your case with exceptional service. We pride ourselves with being able to assist your needs, even if you are not able to come to us. Our exceptional staff offers many years of experience and is constantly up-to-date with current legal news and training to make sure your case is properly handled.

Our website www.Blicklawfirm.com provides useful information on our blog that may be helpful in addressing your legal concerns. Additionally, we offer details about our services aimed at providing reassurance that your legal needs will be handled effectively. With over 25 years of knowledge and practice, including a broad range of trial and courtroom experience, we will work hard for you.

If you or a loved one have legal concerns and are seeking quality legal representation, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick.

 

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