Tag Archives: abogados tampa

Personal Injury Protection: Reform and Important Info

Posted on December 12, 2012 by Blick Law

With the Christmas holiday approaching, a steady trend of increased traffic on Tampa roads continues to grow. This trend over the holiday leads to an increased number of automobile accidents and a greater rate of drivers sustaining injuries on crowded Florida roads. In Florida, all drivers are required to carry auto insurance to cover the cost of damages that arise after an auto accident.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a mandatory coverage on Florida car insurance policies that covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. The original purpose of PIP coverage was to make sure that anyone injured in an auto accident would quickly receive money to treat their injuries. In Florida, all drivers are obligated to obtain a minimum of $10,000 PIP coverage for medical bills and lost wages following an auto accident.

In 2012, the Florida legislature passed into law PIP reform which takes effect on January 1, 2013. The new law now requires that  injured persons seek medical treatment within fourteen (14) days of an accident or the injured party will be barred from using PIP coverage for valid accident related medical treatment. Additionally, the new PIP law bans the use of PIP dollars to pay for massage or acupuncture treatments and will limit the payout for non-emergency treatment of accident-related injuries to $2,500.00.

A widespread concern is that accident victims with serious injuries won’t be able to get the care they need if they sustain an injury such as a whiplash or herniated disc because these injuries may not qualify as an emergency. Nonetheless, supporters of the bill insist that the reform will contribute to overall lower insurance premiums and provide much needed relief to Florida drivers.

Remember, it is always important to be aware of the changing laws regarding insurance coverage in order to effectively protect yourself in the event you sustain an accident related injury.

In an effort to reach out to our partners and clients, we have recently coordinated with Tampa General Hospital (TGH) to offer their over 6,500 employees discounted access to our legal services. We are proud to work in conjunction with TGH’s PerksCard Network, and look forward to providing quality legal service to all our clients.

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!

Posted in Blog, Personal Injury | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Arrested over the holiday?

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Blick Law

Over the Holidays, most people spend extra time celebrating with friends and family; but many times people get carried away in their celebrations over the holidays. An increase in arrests concentrated over the holidays usually occurs as people tend to behave irresponsibly during these festive times. Arrests for DUI, trespass, disorderly conduct, and various alcohol related offenses tend to increase over the holidays. It is important to be responsible over the holidays, but also to be aware of your rights in the event you are arrested.

When confronted by police, people often become nervous because they are unsure if they may be in violation of some ordinance or law. The difference between merely being detained by police and arrested creates different limitations to your rights. It is important to understand what you can do. Police may stop you, and it is not considered an arrest if you are just briefly detained.

A detainment occurs when an officer stops and questions a person of interest, generally for a shorter period of time, and requires less than “probable cause” to make a detainment. An officer can detain anyone if they have a “reasonable suspicion” that the person committed or was involved in any criminal activity.

In the event you are stopped for questioning, it is important to remain calm, be polite, keep your hands visible at all times, and do not attempt to flee. You do have the right to remain silent, however, it is best to identify yourself first and then notify the officer that you are exercising your right to silence.

If you are unsure of the situation, you can ask the officer why you have been detained and if you are under arrest. If at that time you are not under arrest, you have the right to leave. If the officer proceeds to arrest you, you have the right to speak to a Criminal Defense Attorney.

An arrest occurs only upon a determination of “probable cause”, this means the officer must have more than just a “suspicion”, the officer must have a “reasonable belief” that you committed a crime. Once the arrest is made, an officer can lawfully conduct a search incident to arrest of your person for weapons, evidence, and contraband. At this point, the officer can hold you in jail for up to 24 hours or until a warrant is issued for the charges.

Anytime you are stopped and arrested it is important to quickly consult a Criminal Attorney regarding your rights and advice on what you should do. If you have been arrested for a criminal offense, or even issued a citation for a traffic violation, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840 to schedule an appointment for a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick!

Posted in Blog, Criminal Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Personal Injury: Auto Accidents Over the Holidays

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Blick Law

With the Christmas holiday approaching, a steady trend of increased traffic on Tampa roads continues to grow. This trend over the holiday leads to an increased number of automobile accidents and a greater rate of drivers sustaining injuries on crowded Florida roads. In the event you are involved in an accident, it is important to know your rights.

Parties to an accident are often times contacted by insurance companies in an attempt to get personal injury victims to settle an injury claim quickly, and for a non-negotiated amount. Before a settlement offer is even discussed, it is extremely important to first know the extent of your injuries.

Usually, the severity of damage sustained in an accident is not easily determined, and in many cases an injured party may suffer soft tissue or latent injuries that do not arise until much later. However, once a settlement agreement is made and tendered, an injured party releases their right to recovery for injuries related to that particular incident.

If you are involved in an auto accident, it is always important 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.

Secondly, an injured party should 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 has 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.

Posted in Blog, Personal Injury | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

VICTIMAS DE QUEMADURAS: RECUPERACION DEL DOLOR Y SUFRIMIENTO

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Blick Law

Con el invierno acercándose rápidamente y una caída constante de la temperatura, la gente busca variedades de recursos para sentir calor, incluyendo fuego, mantas de calentamiento, calentadores, etcétera. Desafortunadamente, muchas personas cada año son víctimas de incendios y la exposición al calor, como resultado de la búsqueda de calor en respuesta a las temperaturas que caen afuera.

Víctimas de quemaduras o exposición al calor a quien va incurrir a las quemaduras que quedan por vida, el dolor y desfiguración, y se ven obligados a una vida de constante rehabilitación. El dolor y el sufrimiento que los resultados son un aspecto lamentable y conmovedor de la gravedad de las lesiones que pueden ocurrir debido a la exposición al fuego, y la mayoría de las veces las víctimas de quemaduras en sí no son ni siquiera la culpa.

Si un tercero es responsable por el fuego, usted tiene derecho a pedir una indemnización por los gastos médicos, pérdida de ingresos, y el dolor y el sufrimiento. La compensación por dolor y sufrimiento incluye ningún tipo de dolor, desfiguración, angustia emocional, incapacidad e incluso la vergüenza atribuible a la lesión por quemadura sostenida, y la recuperación de estos daños incluye tanto las pérdidas presentes y futuras.

Los casos de víctimas de quemaduras varían en su gravedad, pero al final se traumatizante, no importa qué tan grave, y el dolor que participan en el tratamiento de estas lesiones es abrumadora. Hay muchos factores que se consideran al determinar el importe de la recuperación a disposición de las víctimas de quemaduras, incluyendo la severidad de las quemaduras, el importe de la rehabilitación y el tratamiento requerido, el grado de la discapacidad incurrido, desfiguración, y el grado de angustia emocional. Estos factores son difíciles de cuantificar en términos de recuperación, pero su gravedad se entiende y puede dar lugar a importantes premios por daños.

Si usted o un ser querido ha sido herido en un incendio o quemaduras sufridas como consecuencia de un mal funcionamiento del producto, llame a Blick Law Firm hoy mismo al (813) 931-0840. Llame hoy para programar una consulta gratuita de 15 minutos con el abogado Michael Blickensderfer. Piensa rápido, llame a Blick.

Posted in El Blog de Blick Law Firm, Spanish | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

DUI and the Impact of Marijuana Laws

Posted on November 29, 2012 by Blick Law

With the recent legalization of marijuana in Colorado and Washington, the discussion is beginning on when this type of legislation will reach Florida. The enactment of this legislation has prompted universities in Colorado and Washington to issue bans on using, possessing, and cultivating the substance on campus; and the bans are supported by the fact that marijuana is still prohibited by federal laws.

This effect, however, begs the discussion of how marijuana legalization will impact the way states craft their own respective laws to address the potential abuse and misuse of the substance? In regard to DUI laws, it is important to know that under Florida State Statute 316.193, being under the influence pertains to both alcohol and drugs. Therefore, if you are under the influence of drugs and are in actual physical control of a vehicle, you can potentially be charged with a DUI. A common misconception is that the use of alcohol is the only factor involved in being charged and convicted of DUI.

In Florida, a blood alcohol level of .08 or more constitutes alcohol impairment beyond the legal limit. However, a police officer may still arrest you for a lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or if they simply suspect that your normal faculties are impaired from the use of alcohol or drugs while operating a motor vehicle.

Know that your behavior once you’re pulled over is being scrutinized immediately, especially when pulled over late in the evening or after leaving a bar. Therefore, being polite, answering questions respectfully, and not making legal arguments is in your best interest.

While it is your right to not answer any questions without a lawyer present, not doing so will certainly raise the officer’s suspicion and they will likely investigate further. It is wise to answer questions vaguely and avoid delving into specifics, including any amount of alcohol you have consumed, or that you just left a party, bar, or football game.

If the Police are suspicious, they will tell you to exit the vehicle, and you must. However, you may refuse to submit to any sobriety tests conducted. Even if you think you can pass the sobriety exercises, it is likely in your best interest to politely refuse because the officer determines whether you passed based solely on their own judgment. Know that you always have the right to contact Tampa Criminal attorney before you submit to any test.

If you are charged with DUI, it is important to seek legal counsel immediately! Call Blick Law Firm today at 813-931-0840. Make an appointment for a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer to determine what your options are moving forward. Attorney, Michael Blickensderfer has 25 year’s legal experience and is licensed in Florida, New York and New Jersey. Blick Law Firm seeks to help the hurting and those in need. Think quick, call Blick!

Posted in Criminal Law, DUI | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Declaración de Bancarrota después de las Fiestas

Posted on November 29, 2012 by Blick Law

Con las fiestas acercándose rápidamente, muchas personas se están volviendo conscientes de los gastos relacionados con la compra de regalos para los seres queridos e incluso derrochar en ofertas para sí mismos en el Viernes Negro. Es importante recordar, especialmente para aquellos en dificultades financieras a gastar con responsabilidad, y para las personas que están considerando la bancarrota es aún más importante tener en cuenta que la deuda acumulada durante los días de fiesta no puede ser descargable a través de Quiebras.

Si un acreedor puede probar que los cargos de tarjetas de crédito durante las Fiestas se realizaran de forma fraudulenta con la intención de declararse en quiebra después, la deuda puede sobrevivir a la quiebra. Por lo general, el tribunal de Quiebras se verá a ver el estado de las finanzas cuando los cargos fueron hechos y la naturaleza de las adquisiciones para determinar si la bancarrota es inminente y los cargos fueron hechos con la intención de declararse en quiebra.

Muchas personas utilizan la bancarrota como una estrategia para resolver la deuda inmanejable. Hoy en día, es más común que la mayoría de realizar y puede ser una solución refrescante a una vida agobiado por las deudas.

Al considerar la bancarrota, el Capítulo 7 de presentación es una manera útil a la descarga de la mayor parte de la deuda y puede aliviar la carga de la recolección de los intentos de los acreedores. Capítulo 7 de bancarrota es generalmente disponible cuando el deudor tenga bienes poco al margen de las necesidades básicas como ropa y muebles, y el deudor tiene dificultades para hacer los pagos de los gastos básicos, o tiene muy poco dinero después de hacerlo.

La ventaja de la presentación del capítulo 7 de bancarrota es que su deuda no garantizada se elimina por completo, el proceso es bastante rápido, y la suspensión automática que tiene lugar después de la presentación prohíbe a los acreedores de hacer esfuerzos de cobranza.

Es importante tener en cuenta que, si bien en última instancia, el Capítulo 7 de bancarrota puede aliviar un deudor de la carga de la deuda sin garantía insuperable, es un proceso que requiere la producción de varios documentos y la preparación tedioso. Cuanto más preparado que el deudor sea el más transparente el proceso se vuelve.

No importa cual sea su situación, obtener asesoría jurídica de calidad de un abogado con experiencia en bancarrota es beneficioso. Contacte Blick Law Firm hoy mismo al (813) 931-0840. Programe una consulta gratuita de 15 minutos con el abogado Michael Blickensderfer para evaluar qué opción es la mejor para usted. Piensa rápido, llame a Blick!

Posted in El Blog de Blick Law Firm, Spanish | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment