Tag Archives: blick law firm

Personal Injury? Watch out for ambulance chasers

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Blick Law Firm

Contrary to popular belief that personal injury attorneys chase ambulances and prey on victims, Florida law prohibits such action.

Furthermore, attorney Michael Blickensderfer does not practice such marketing techniques.  Our personal injury clients retain us because of current or previous satisfied clients who have used Blick Law Firm for their own legal matters.

A Personal injury is defined as any incident that causes physical harm or bodily damage due to the actions or negligence of others.

While injuries can be sustained in almost infinite ways, car accidents are a major cause of personal injury in the United States. Many car accidents and most motorcycle injuries can be severe and life-altering, even resulting in death.

Attorney, Michael has over 25 years’ legal experience. He is a former prosecutor, former Marine and will take your personal injury claim to court if necessary.

If the injury to yourself or a loved one was not your fault, you may be eligible for financial compensation for hospital bills, time out of work, and pain and suffering. To protect your rights and get what you deserve, contact Blick Law Firm today.

Forthcoming laws to prevent insurance fraud mandate that a victim is required to receive emergency care within 72 hours of the incident.  Also, immediate contact with us will ensure that information is still fresh in your mind and the minds of other involved parties.  If you are prevented from coming to us, we will come to you.

You or a family member or close friend should also gather as much documentation regarding your accident as you can. Bring records of accident reports, insurance forms, medical bills, and personal contact information of the other people involved in the accident to your free consultation with Michael.

Call us today and speak with an experienced Tampa personal injury attorney you can trust. Think quick, call Blick. 813-931-0840

 

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What about the deficiency owed when I short sale my home?

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Blick Law Firm

This is a question every seller asks when they consider a short sale of their home.  And it is a very legitimate question.

While some lenders may forgive a deficiency balance, not all do. It is often an unsound economic decision for a lender to sue you for the deficiency balance. For one, you may not have any resources to pay them. You likely would not have defaulted on your mortgage if you could have afforded to pay it.

Some states protect their citizens with anti-deficiency laws. Rules vary from state to state.  Unfortunately, Florida does not have such a law mandating the lenders to forgive a deficiency.  Attorney Michael Blickensderfer will advocate for the seller in an attempt to convince their lender to waive the difference between the amount owed and the amount for which their property sold.

If you are considering a short sale of your primary residence, you want to consider contacting a Tampa real estate attorney.  Michael is experienced in dealing with mortgage companies.  While they are all governed by the same guidelines, they each have their own idiosyncrasies which Blick Law Firm deals with routinely on a daily basis.

Every seller in a short sale will receive a 1099-C, which is a notice to the IRS that the financial institution has forgiven or canceled a debt of $600 or more.   Although this must be reported on your tax return as income, the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 allows taxpayers to exclude income from the discharge of debt on their principal residence. This act is in place through December 31, 2012. The forgiveness is restricted to mortgage debt that you incurred to purchase your home. If you took out cash from the equity in your home in a refinance, as many Americans did during the real estate boom period, you are not covered by the Mortgage Forgiveness Act. Even if you cannot use the protections of the federal act, you may still be able to avoid declaring the dollars listed on the 1099-C.

Call Blick Law Firm today to see if you meet the IRS rules regarding your assets and liabilities and can use the IRS Form 982 to avoid declaring the 1099-C as income.

If the financial institution issues a 1099-C to you, it will probably not pursue you for the deficiency balance because it has deducted the loss on the loan from its taxes. However, there is no guarantee the financial institution will not pursue you for the deficiency balance and then later amend its tax returns.

If you end up with a deficiency balance, consider negotiating with your lender in an attempt to reach an out-of-court settlement on the debt. If necessary, enroll the debt in a debt negotiation program.  Another option is to negotiate the debt yourself. Consider offering the creditor 10 cents on the dollar for a lump-sum settlement.

Blick Law Firm can assist you, should this negotiation be necessary. Call today 813-931-0840.

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Possession of controlled substance

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Blick Law Firm

There are laws in place for many addictive drugs, known as “controlled substances”. Users of these drugs run the risk of facing difficulty with the law. Know the law, here are some things you should be aware of:

“Simple” Possession of Drugs means you actually have the drug in your possession or you have access to them, even if it is locked in your car.

“Trafficking” of Drugs generally means the distribution or selling of drugs. It also refers to growing or manufacturing with an intent to sell. Importing and exporting is also a form of trafficking.

Check foreign regulations when taking your own medication for personal use.

The laws also take into consideration where you have possession of drugs, and in particular, whether you are at or near somewhere where there are vulnerable people, such as a school or daycare. The seriousness of the possession charges increase in places like this. As innocent as it may seem, you may find yourself in a situation with a prescribed controlled substance in your possession.

Using an addictive drug temporarily for personal health does not qualify you as an addict. If you are arrested for having one of these medically prescribed drugs in your possession, call Blick Law Firm immediately.We are here to help the hurting and those in need, call us today. 813-931-0840

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Blick Law Firm is in the remaining round for Carrollwood Patch’s Best Customer Service contest

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Blick Law Firm

TAMPA-Blick Law Firm is in the fourth round for the best customer service contest with Carrollwood Patch.

Patch is a local online directory that shares news in your local community. Patch is currently running a best customer service contest for the local Carrollwood businesses and Blick Law Fim has made it to round 4.

Eight businesses remain in this contest for best customer service in Carrollwood. This elite group has made it through three rounds and will continue on until one business remains.

The business with the most votes will make it through to the next round. The vote continues, and your vote could help Blick Law Firm continue on to the next round.

To vote please visit: www.carrollwood.patch.com

For more information please contact Blick Law Firm public relations specialist, Dana Blickensderfer at 813-931-0840 or dana@blicklawfirm.com

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Daytona Bike Week Recap 2012

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Blick Law Firm

Congratulations to 3 runner ups from Florida of the Official Bike Week Motorcycle:

Donnie Helms placed 3rd, Margaret Smith 5th & Melissa Penland placed 10th

The first weekend was sprinkled with showers, keeping Main Street quieter than usual.   However, shops and bars were still big business as bikers sought shelter from the rain.  The Bike Week parade reappeared after a 6 year hiatus.   This year, bikes led by the Daytona Beach Police Department Motorcycle Unit, strung nearly 5.25 miles.

It seemed that Spring Break coinciding with Bike Week may have been a factor in the attendance being slightly higher.  While most businesses did well, some did not quite earn their yearly income on which they thrive.

Seven motorcyclists lost their lives at Bike Week this year.   While many would argue the helmet law as being at fault, it bears no weight at all.  Some were wearing helmets, some were not.  Attorney Michael Blickensderfer wishes to express his sincerest sympathy to these families as they pick up the pieces, cope and move on with their lives.  He encourages those of us who still have the privilege of riding to be aware of others on the road that may not be paying attention.  For those who drive automobiles, drive cautiously.  Your second of unintentional carelessness could cost a life and change a family forever.

Legal counsel is not something we think about every day.   Crisis comes without any warning. Blick Law Firm is here to help, whether it is personal injury, traffic ticket, facing foreclosure or bankruptcy.  Attorney Michael Blickensderfer is a trustworthy attorney who will advocate for your rights.

Call us today, if we can be of assistance to you in your time of need. Blick Law Firm, helping the hurting. 813-931-0840.

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Why hire a real estate lawyer?

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Blick Law Firm

In the past, it has been thought that a real estate agent is the only other team member you need while selling or purchasing your property.  A third member, just as necessary as the agent, is a real estate lawyer.

While the real estate agent can assist you with the logistics of selling/buying, along with negotiating a price and closing date that is right for you, Attorney Michael Blickensderfer can review any offer you make or receive and make sure that your rights are protected and your duties clearly defined.

You may benefit from hiring a real estate attorney to assist you with the process.

If you’re buying a home, Blick Law Firm can:

  • Help you understand the purchase contract, including how you will take title on the property.
  • Check that there are no covenants, easements, liens, etc. registered against the property that will impede your use of it.
  • Prepare and register all the legal documents.
  • Clarify the terms of the mortgage and work with your bank, if necessary, to modify them.
  • Scrutinize the adjustments, including taxes owing and utilities costs paid, prior to the transaction closing.
  • Oversee the closing and review all the papers you will be required to sign.
  • Arrange title insurance protection to protect you from losses due to title defects.
  • Ensure you receive a valid registered ownership subject only to the liabilities you have accepted.

If you’re selling a home, Blick Law Firm is able to:

  • Review the binder and review or prepare the purchase and sale agreement, including negotiating its terms.
  • Prepare the deed and power of attorney if necessary.
  • Deal with title issues as they arise and help correct them.
  • Oversee the closing and review all the papers you will be required to sign.
  • Arrange for transfer of security deposits.
  • Arrange for insurance certificates if needed.

Hire a Tampa real estate attorney who understands not only the standards, but the law, that must be met.

Although many legal forms used in real estate are similar, binder or purchase and sale agreement forms vary from state to state. Get the help you need today.

Further, some title insurance companies and mortgage lenders require you to use a lawyer to ensure that, among other things, the title is good, there are no liens against the property and that the deal will close as expected.

If you’re ready to make or accept an offer on a property, call Blick Law Firm today and ask to speak to our real estate team.  *You can still sign the offer with the contingency that you want Michael to review first.

Other services: short sale negotiation, foreclosure defense, probate and wills, bankruptcy.

Think quick, call Blick! 813-931-0840

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