Author Archives: Blick Law Firm

Tampa opposition to red-light cameras

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Blick Law Firm

Hillsborough traffic court judges, Ober, Weis and Vogel, recently ruled that the county is using valid methods of enforcing tickets and collecting fines for running through a red-light caught on camera.

Several arguments have been presented against the law, but so far have met with little success.

Arguments to counter the new law:

Right now violators have 30 days to respond to the traffic citation. The argument has been to allot 30 days from the time the violator has been notified, verses when the official traffic citation has been mailed.
Another argument: government officials should not be allowed to testify because they have no first hand knowledge as to when the citation was actually mailed.
Dispute of surveillance videos should not be allowed as admissible evidence in a robbery, without a personal testimony from someone as to how it made its way to the courtroom.  No one was at the scene when the picture was taken, there is no witness to testify.

**On infractions when a person is represented by an attorney, they are not required to appear in court. However, Florida law still requires that the officer prove the identity of the driver. Even if someone were to admit to their attorney they were guilty, our country is founded on the principle that the Government must prove their case, and the accused does not have to disprove anything.

If a vehicle registered to you has been caught by a red-light camera, call your traffic ticket attorney today and seek legal representation that can assist you and defend your rights. Let our experience of over 25 years work for you. Think quick, call Blick! 813-931-0840.

Article from Tampa Bay Times & helpgoodpeople.com

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Florida insurance fraud results in admendments to auto accident claims

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Blick Law Firm

Tampa- Due to the increase in Florida insurance PIP fraud and number of reported claims compared to actual reported accidents with injuries, Florida lawmakers have agreed that there is need for change with the current law.

According to The National Insurance Crime Bureau, Florida is now the leader in the nation for staged auto accidents where numerous alleged “passengers” each access their $10,000 of PIP benefits from providers who are neither licensed nor have an identifiable address.

In 1972, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) was to introduced to assist accident victims and offer the benefit of providing money for injured drivers to take care of immediate injuries through visits to doctors and hospitals.

Due to the exploitation of the system, prices for insurers and consumers rose steadily. PIP claims are a major cost-driver of auto insurance rates and predictions that PIP insurance premiums will only increase this year.

Although the Florida Department of Financial Services have been investigating and prosecuting those involved with insurance fraud, there is more that will be done. Recently Rick Scott addressed this issue and plans to make it a priority to resolve. It is not only affecting immediate parties involved but directly affects Florida’s families, the economy and job creation plans and proposals.

Many proposals are being passed around, one being those involved in auto accidents will have a 72-hour window for reporting to the emergency room, physician, or similar facilities in hopes to decrease fraud. Also police will be required to fill out a more uniform report of all accidents for better insight to investigations.

Stay tuned for more updates as Blick Law Firm will report any changes to the Florida auto insurance law. We want you to be aware and understand how this can affect you and your loved ones driving on the road. If you want to understand more of your insurance coverage or have certain questions please give Blick Law Firm a call today at 813-931-0840.

Think quick, call Blick!

 

 

 

 

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Tampa- Banks incentive program to borrowers cause spike in short sale

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Blick Law Firm

Short sales are a lenders best friend! Only until recently, Lenders are starting to embrace the idea of Tampa bay short sales.

In the past three years, there has been a 350% increase in the amount of homes sold through short sale, according to Corelogic’s most recent numbers.

How are banks benefiting from this?

Banks benefit because it decreases the large amount of foreclosures, alleviating the court systems of back logs related to foreclose cases pending.

In a short sale, there is a seller & buyer.  The seller gets out of their home, often with a cash incentive to help with relocation expenses, and most banks do not hold a deficiency judgment against them.

The buyer gets a nice home at a very reasonable cost and  neighborhoods do not suffer from run down or vacant property.  Therefore, the bank is satisfied as well as cultivating economic stability and growth.  Everybody wins!

If you fear you are in danger of losing your home, don’t hesitate.  Think Quick!  Call Blick!  Our real estate department is ready to counsel and guide you towards your best option for you and your loved ones. Call us today at 813-931-0840 and receive a free consultation! Just mention this article!

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Tampa Bay Gasparilla Parade 2012

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Blick Law Firm

TAMPA- On Saturday, Tampa Bay will be invaded by pirates celebrating Gasparilla Parade 2012. Since 1904, this tradition has lived on and is known for its lively Tampa Bay celebration of what happened in history over 100 years ago.

What is the Gasparilla Parade? According to 10 News, legend has it that back in 1904 pirates with Ye Mystic Krewe (YMK) of Gasparilla invaded Tampa Bay. Jose Gaspar, aristocrat turned pirate led YMK to plunder a total of 36 ships along Florida’s West Coast during the end of the 18th century and early 19th century.

And the tradition lives on.

What was once an invasion on horse back and borrowed boats by 50 Tampa residents is now a well-known tradition that we have come to admire today with over 300,000 expected participants. Every year the celebration seems to unfold to greater heights, as does the risks in being involved.

Zero Tolerance Policy. The City of Tampa for the past few years has enforced rules and regulations to ensure a safer environment for Tampa Bay.

Some safety tips to remember:

1. Alcohol violations. Open containers such as a cups, cans or bottles that contain any alcohol are subject for violation. If you are of the legal drinking age, you are allowed to consume alcohol. However, you must remain in the designated alcohol drinking areas to do so. Any drinking consumed outside the boundaries result in violation of the city’s Zero Tolerance Policy.

2. Disruptive Behavior such as urinating in public, nudity, fighting, trespassing on property, or property damage all are in violation of Tampa’s Zero Tolerance Policy and may lead to arrest.

3. Underage drinking. There is zero, zero tolerance for underage drinking. Police officers scout the parade, looking for those consuming alcohol under age. This has been a major issue over the years and is strictly enforced.

Safety is very important for you and your loved one. Be sure to take the proper precautions and stay out of trouble. Arrests lead to many issues such as court dates, fines, etc. If you find yourself in a state of emergency and need the proper legal representation, contact a Tampa criminal attorney that can help fight your legal rights. We will fight for you, so you do not have to. 813-931-0840 call today for your free consultation.

Do not drink and drive. Do not text and drive. Think quick, call Blick.

 

 

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Blick Law Firm Hosts Safety Awareness Memorial Ride Tampa Event

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Blick Law Firm

 

 

 

PROCEEDS BENEFIT SAFETY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

Tampa- January 11, 2012- Blick Law Firm will host a memorial ride on Saturday, January 14  to increase awareness and support for those who have lost loved ones due to distracted drivers. Local car and biker enthusiasts from the Tampa Bay region are invited to join the ride and fellowship at this event.

The Safety Awareness Memorial Ride registration will begin at 9 a.m. at Barney’s, 9820 Adamo Drive. At 10:00 a.m. a small procession, led by the Blick Mobile, followed by cars and motorcycles will proceed to Grace Family Church on Van Dyke Road in Lutz. At noon all participants will leave for Blick Law Firm, 4351 Gunn Highway in Tampa for lunch, door prizes, vendors and a memorial ceremony.

Those not riding in the small procession will have maps for a self-guided tour of the route.

“Blick Law Firm is a concerned member of this community, committed to providing support and awareness to those affected by careless drivers,” said Dana Blickensderfer, director of the law firm’s public relations.

Event is $10 per person and includes a light breakfast, lunch and a chance to win prizes. First 50 registrants receive free prizes!!

Distracted drivers can be defined by drunk driving to texting while driving. Be  mindful of the carelessness taking place on the road every day. The goal of this campaign is to be aware and be alert. The cost is too high!

For more information regarding this event and to RSVP, please contact Dana Blickensderfer at 813-931-0840 or dana@blicklawfirm.com

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5 tips to avoid auto collisions this holiday season in Tampa Florida

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Blick Law Firm

Tis the season, and so is the season of crazed shoppers, party-goers and celebration. The hustle and bustle of each holiday season causes many to become distracted drivers. Risks for accidents tend to increase at this time due to busyness.

Here are a few tips to remember to keep you and your loved ones out of harms way:

1. Be mindful of Tampa Bay traffic. The interstate at this time is packed. Keep a safe distance to the car or motorcycle in front of you. Do not tailgate.

2. Be aware, especially at night, that other drivers may be impaired. Be on guard and pay attention to others’ driving abilities and be sure to avoid any unusual activity.

3. Do not text and drive. In recent news, Florida banned texting while driving. Be sure to follow the new law changes.

4. Do not speed. Excessive speed is a common result with accidents. Allow an extra fifteen to twenty minutes time for driving safely to and from your destinations.

5. Be in a constant defensive driving mode and be ready to react to sudden stops or changes in your surrounding environment.

This time of year is meant to be a celebration for many. Protect yourself and your loved ones as best you can. Read these precautions and alert.

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