Author Archives: Blick Law Firm

Red light cameras face challenges

A hearing began in Tampa Bay regarding recent red light camera laws. Many attorneys are standing up against red light camera policies and raising objections.

American Traffic Solutions (ATS) believes the new cameras to be not only constitutional, but that the legislation is very clear on guiding what is and is not a defense. However, several law firm’s plan to appeal the Hillsborough rulings, challenging these tickets. Likely appeal:

1) When a camera catches a red light violator the registered car owner is mailed a “notice of violation.” Car owners must pay a fine of $158 or sign an affidavit identifying someone else as the driver. The argument: Speedy trial rules should begin with the notice of violation, not when the official traffic citation is mailed. This will allow for a more time for driver to seek representation within legal deadlines.

2) ATS processes the infraction and mails the notices and citations. Argument: Anything a police officer or county employee might say about the mailings are hearsay. The government cannot testify that notices and citations were mailed properly.

3) The surveillance camera records violators by video without witnesses or third parties present,  making  camera videos admissible without corroborating testimony. The argument: In a robbery case (for example) prosecutors cannot just play a video for the jury and that suffices as evidence. There must be a third party present to testify the video was valid. Same should go for red light cameras, right?! Not necessarily.

As the controversy continues, stay with us to get current and up-to-date news regarding red light traffic laws in Tampa Bay. Call you Tampa traffic attorney to understand the law changes and get the legal help you deserve. 813-931-0840, think quick, call Blick.

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iPhone 4S violates laws on no texting while driving with new voice-activated assistance feature

Tampa- Apple’s iPhone 4S makes it possible to send text messages while driving, keeping both hands on the wheel.

How is this possible? New features for Apple iPhone makes it so the phone’s voice-activated personal assistant, nicknamed “Siri” can be used to dictate text messages without typing as well as read incoming texts aloud. Sounds perfect right?!

There is just one problem. Texting while driving is illegal in dozens of states. This new feature causes controversy if this is in violation of the law. Some states ban electronic communication while driving completely, while other states allow hand-free devises to be used behind the wheel.

Siri is not the first to offer voice-activated applications available to drivers.  Other applications such as Vlingo and Sensory can be downloaded to cell phones for the same purpose. Ford and BMW also have designed speech-to-text systems for some of their newest vehicles.

The new technologies developing are designed to make texting while driving safer, so to speak. States need to re-evaluate their law banning texting while driving as more and more motorists adopt new technologies like Siri.

Lawmakers need to review whether or not hands-free devices sending messages is any less distracting to drivers than thumbing out texts from the road. What do you think?

According to the TBT, 34 states have banned texting while driving; nine states have banned the use of handheld phones while driving. Florida still has no such restrictions on either cellphone use or texting while driving.

Know the risks to texting while driving. For further information regarding texting while driving laws, please call Blick Law Firm to assist with your legal needs. 813-931-0840.

Do not text and drive.

 

 

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Q: How much does a tampa personal injury attorney charge in an auto accident case?

Are you seeking representation for a tampa personal injury lawsuit but you are not sure of the attorney’s costs? Contact Blick Law Firm today to help you explain that you will have no out of pocket fees to retain an auto accident lawyer. If you were in a car wreck and have been personally injured please seek legal representation today! Think quick, call Blick. 813-931-0840

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Q: I recently moved to an apartment with bed bugs. Do I have legal grounds to end my lease?

Are you renting or have a lease with an apartment complex but circumstances that you didn’t expect has caused it to be unlivable? Are you looking to break your lease but not sure what legal rights you have? Would you write a letter to end your lease or just review your lease agreement? Call a Tampa real estate attorney to assist you with review of your lease agreement and understand your legal rights. Think quick, call Blick! 813-931-0840

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Attention Tampa drivers: red light cameras fine without warning

Today is Halloween and the county has given you a treat to celebrate it!  Starting today, the city of Tampa will be enforcing fines on drivers caught breaking any traffic laws at the red cameras. There will be no more warnings like the previous past 30 days.

Citation prices start at $150.00.

Red light camera locations are based upon intersections with high crash data.

Blick Law Firm has listed the locations below:

  • Westbound E Busch Boulevard & N Nebraska Avenue
  • Eastbound E Fowler Avenue & N Nebraska Avenue
  • Westbound E Hillsborough Avenue & N Nebraska Avenue
  • Northbound N Armenia Avenue & W Hillsborough Avenue
  • Northbound N Lois Avenue & W Hillsborough Avenue
  • Northbound N Nebraska Avenue & E Hillsborough Avenue
  • Northbound N Nebraska Avenue & E Fowler Avenue
  • Eastbound W Gandy Boulevard & S Westshore Boulevard

Blick Law Firm is always here helping the hurting, and servicing your legal needs. If you get a ticket due to a red light traffic vi0lation or have been involved in an accident, contact your traffic attorney today or call 813-931-0840. Think quick, call Blick to fight your red light traffic violation.

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Halloween Weekend Safety Tips

October is coming to an end which means Halloween is around the corner. Whether you are out at a party, dressed in costume, or trick-or-treating for candy, it is important to remember to always be aware of your surroundings and follow safety procedures.

Preparing for this weekend is not just about what costume you will wear, ensuring your safety and the safety of others is critical.

Use the following tips to keep you safe for Halloween:

• Pick visible costumes that will allow drivers to see you in the dark road.

• Don’t snack while trick-or-treating. It is best to wait until you get home in order to inspect your candy.

• Carry a flashlight just in case.

• Masks are known for obstructing vision. Try face paint or make-up.

• Do not enter yards that are fenced off .

• Cross the streets at marked crosswalks.

• Report any suspicious activity to your police department.

• Don’t drink and drive

• Be safe!!

Blick Law firm is always here to help with any legal issues with a vibrant, energetic staff ready to assist.

If you get injured, arrested, or have any legal questions, THINK QUICK! CALL BLICK! 813-931-0840.

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