Tag Archives: auto accident attorney

Holiday Safety Tips

Posted on December 21, 2012 by Blick Law

It is important to remember that injuries can occur anywhere; and during the holidays many people fail to take adequate safety measures to prevent injury. With the Christmas holiday approaching and a growing influx of travelers, a steady trend of increased traffic on Tampa roads continues to create safety concerns. In an effort to encourage safety, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges that people help ensure their own safety while traveling. Remember to always keep in mind the following:

  • Don’t drink and drive; and don’t allow other to drink and drive.
  • Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle.
  • Always buckle your child in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to his/her height, weight, and age.

Furthermore, note that most residential fires occur during the winter months, so keep candles away from children, pets, walkways, trees, and curtains. Never leave fireplaces, stoves, or candles unattended; and don’t use generators, grills, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning devices inside your home or garage.

If you or a loved are injured over the holidays and need legal advice, call Blick Law Firm today @ (813) 931-0840. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer.

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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!

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Personal Injury litigation

Posted on July 27, 2012 by Blick Law

A common question asked by personal injury clients is:  “Will I have to go to court?”  While Blick Law Firm will diligently prepare your case, there is no guarantee that the client will be exempt from going to trial for a personal injury matter.

Though most personal injury cases are settled between parties during pre-trial settlement negotiations, some cases will go to court if the parties fail to settle on an amount suitable for both parties. If a court date is set, the two parties could still negotiate and reach a settlement, even as late as the day of the hearing.

It is important that you know that only you have the authority to agree on a settlement on your claim.  Tampa Lawyers can only advise you on a settlement figure and have no authority to settle your case without your express permission to do so.

If you have a personal injury issue and need help, call Blick Law Firm today at 813-931-0840. Make an appointment for a free 15 minute consultation with Attorney Michael Blickensderfer to assess your legal claim.

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Should I settle with an insurance company right after an auto accident claim?

Posted on July 11, 2012 by Blick Law

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

Today’s topic: Should I settle with an insurance company right after an auto accident claim?

Insurance companies often try to get personal injury victims to settle a personal injury claim quickly and for a low amount.

If you have recently been in an auto accident and have filed a claim, many times the insurance company will call the injured party right away to offer a settlement amount. In hopes to end the claim right away an insurance company will offer a settlement that may seem too good to be true. As a personal injury lawyer, attorneys confirm that that is not the victim’s best course of action!

Insurance companies will try to get an accident victim to settle quick and cheap! Take the time and seek proper medical and legal representation so you are not cheated from an unfair insurance company’s settlement offer. In an auto accident your time, financial situation, health and ability to move forward are all taken into consideration with Blick Law Firm. Call us today to receive your free case evaluation from an experienced car crash attorney.

Blick Law Firm has over 25 year’s legal experience in Florida, New York and New Jersey.  Seek direction from a Tampa Christian law firm today!

Blick law Firm is a local Tampa Bay legal firm specializing in chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy, personal injury, criminal 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 regarding our legal services please visit our website at www.blicklawfirm.com. Former prosecutor, former Marine. Think quick, call Blick!

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Insurance companies quick to settle auto accident claim

Posted on July 10, 2012 by Blick Law

Insurance companies often try to get personal injury victims to settle a personal injury claim quickly and for a low amount.

If you have recently been in an auto accident and have filed a claim, many times the insurance company will call the injured party right away to offer a settlement amount. In hopes to end the claim right away an insurance company will offer a settlement that may seem too good to be true. As a personal injury lawyer, attorneys confirm that that is not the victim’s best course of action!

Here are 4 steps to receiving your best possible personal injury settlement:

1)     If that insurance company calls, do not offer any recorded statements right after an auto accident. *In many cases the injured party may suffer soft tissue injuries that will not show signs until days after an accident.

2)     Seek medical attention. After an auto accident it is best to go immediately to the hospital or other treatment facility to check for severe injuries. Many times the insurance companies will try to get you to settle your claim prior to treatment. Only after treatment will you know the severity of the case.

3)     Seek a Tampa Personal Injury attorney! Choose an attorney that has trial experience and has many years’ experience working with insurance adjusters and injury claims.

4)     An attorney will take the time to evaluate your situation and take the proper steps to assist you in recovering monetarily from your injuries and will work with you in hopes of receiving the best possible outcome for you and your loved ones.

Insurance companies will try to get an accident victim to settle quick and cheap! Take the time and seek proper medical and legal representation so you are not cheated from an unfair insurance company’s settlement offer. In an auto accident your time, financial situation, health and ability to move forward are all taken into consideration with Blick Law Firm. Call us today to receive your free case evaluation from an experienced car crash attorney.

Blick Law Firm has over 25 year’s legal experience in Florida, New York and New Jersey.  Seek direction from a Tampa Christian law firm today! Former prosecutor, former Marine. Call 813-931-0840.

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Florida Firework displays may lead to personal injury lawsuits

Posted on July 5, 2012 by Blick Law

Fireworks are not all fun and games. They can result in severe injuries and in turn, pursuing a personal injury claim.

Independence Day is celebrated in recognition of the Declaration of Independence being approved by the Continental Congress in 1776, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom and liberty. Today, this most American of holidays, is celebrated by parades, fireworks and barbecues across the country.

Fireworks have become an iconic symbol in the commemoration of our independence on the 4th of July and they play a major role in American’s celebration of this day. Seeing fireworks shoot off in the sky brings fond moments, as bright lights flash in a glittery display for all to see. But if not used with safety and caution, fireworks can cause harmful situations, resulting in serious damages.

In Florida, it is illegal to buy, sell, or explode consumer fireworks.  You can do so, however, if you have a city permit.  Be aware that if you are shooting off fireworks without a warrant, you are breaking the law, which may result in unnecessary fines and a possible police investigation. If law enforcement decides to crack down and you’re caught buying or shooting off illegal fireworks, it is a first-degree misdemeanor.

Fireworks may be banned in certain locations to prevent property damages. For example, if there has been a recent drought, fireworks may be banned in nearby fields to prevent the cause or spread of wildfires.

Fireworks not only have damaging effects on property, but also heighten the risk for injury; this is especially true under the influence of alcohol. Firework personal injury claims are especially high in the month of July. Florida fireworks are not only illegal but may result in severe hand, body, arm and/or leg injuries, or even worse, it can result in death.

As a personal injury law firm, it is important to understand the risks associated with the use of fireworks, and to be aware that they are explosives and should be handled with extreme caution.

Take safety measures this holiday season and be mindful of your surroundings. If you have been injured due to a recent firework accident, please contact a Tampa personal injury attorney today to represent you and assist you with your damages.

For a FREE consultation, contact Blick Law Firm today at 813-931-0840.

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