Tag Archives: carrollwood law firm

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.

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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!

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Burn Victims: Recovery for Pain and Suffering

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Blick Law

With winter quickly approaching and a steady drop in temperature, people seek warmth from a variety of sources including fire, warming blankets, space heaters and so forth. Unfortunately, many people each year become victims of fire and heat exposure as a result of seeking warmth in response to outside temperatures dropping.

Victims of fire or heat exposure incur life altering burns, pain and disfigurement, and are forced into a life of constant rehabilitation. The pain and suffering that results are an unfortunate and touching aspect of the severity of injuries that can occur due to exposure to fire; and most times the burn victims themselves are not even at fault.

If another party is responsible for the fire, you are entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering includes any pain, disfigurement, emotional distress, disability, and even embarrassment attributable to the burn injury sustained; and the recovery for these damages includes both present and future losses.

Cases involving burn victims vary in their severity, but ultimately are traumatizing no matter how severe; and the pain involved in treating these injuries is overwhelming. Many factors are considered when assessing the amount of recovery available to burn victims, including the severity of the burns, the amount of rehabilitation and treatment required, the extent of the disability incurred, disfigurement, and the extent of emotional distress. These factors are difficult to quantify in terms of recovery, but their severity is understood and can result in substantial awards for damage.

If you or a loved has been injured in a fire or sustained burns as a result of a product malfunction, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840. Call today to schedule a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick.

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Blick Law Firm Participates in Small Business Saturday 2012

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Blick Law

Blick Law Firm Offers Tampa Community Free Legal Service(s) on Small Business Saturday the Day after Black Friday

 TAMPA Nov. 14, 2012– Small Business Saturday is the Saturday following Thanksgiving, and every year, thousands of small businesses give special discounts to their customers.

Blick Law Firm is participating this year, offering anyone who calls into the law firm on Nov. 24, 2012, a 30-minute free legal consultation, pertaining to the law firm practice areas.

Michael Blickensderfer, Owner and Attorney at Law of Blick Law Firm has 25 years legal experience and extensive trial and courtroom knowledge. Blickensderfer is a former prosecutor and is licensed in Florida, New York and New Jersey.

This free 30 minute consultation holds a usual value of $175. Each appointment may be made over the phone or by e-mail. Callers may or may not need to redeem the consultation right away; the best part about the coupon is that it doesn’t expire until April 2013!

To get the discount offered by Blick Law Firm on Small Business Saturday follow three simple steps:

1)      Call Blick Law Firm at (813) 931-0840

2)      Recite the promo code that is exclusively offered on Blick Law Firm’s Facbook or Twitter Page

3)      Get your free legal discount emailed to you instantly!

It’s really that easy! 

For more information watch Blick Law Firm’s tutorial video of how to shop on Small Business Saturday posted on their blog page or click here: https://blicklawfirm.com/blick-law-firm-participates-in-small-business-saturday-2012/

About Blick Law Firm
Blick law Firm is a local Tampa Bay legal firm specializing in personal injury, criminal and real estate law all across the state of Florida. The owner, Michael C. Blickensderfer, has over 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.

* The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience. Copyright © 2010 by Blick Law Firm. All rights reserved. Disclaimer

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Deer Vehicle Collsions

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Blick Law

Each year, automobile and motorcycle accidents are a major cause of fatalities nationwide. As a result, it is important to employ all necessary safety measures available to avoid or reduce the risk of serious injury while operating an automobile or motorcycle.

An unforeseen cause of many accidents across the country is the unfortunate encounter vehicles have with large animals crossing the street. In Florida, there are many areas that include warning signs indicating where frequent deer crossings occur. These warning signs are particularly important for motorcyclists to be aware of, as collisions with large animals are even more devastating to motorcycle riders. It is important to know that at higher speeds it is very unlikely that motorists will have adequate time to prevent collision with a crossing animal.

If you encounter a potential collision with a deer or other large animal, it is important to brake firmly, flash your high beams at the animal in an effort to break their frozen response to the oncoming lights, and honk your horns to frighten the animal away.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a large animal and need help filing a serious injury claim, call Blick Law firm today at (813) 931-0840. Schedule a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick!

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Distracted Driving: Texting and Driving

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Blick Law

Across the country, distracted driving continues to be a rising cause of automobile accidents and has resulted in numerous fatalities over the past decade. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving accidents in 2010 alone.

In an effort to stop texting and cell phone use behind the wheel, the U.S. Department of Transportation has encouraged states to enact tough laws prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving. Furthermore, several celebrities, media sources, and automobile companies have made efforts to raise awareness of the growing problem by reaching out to the community and promoting the dangers that can occur when driving distracted.

In 2012, the Florida Legislature adjourned again without producing a single distracted driving law. As of now, Florida is one of only 11 states without a ban on text messaging by all drivers. The trend of adopting such laws makes it appear inevitable that Florida may soon be adopting legislation that in some way prohibits the use of cell phones while driving.

If you or a loved has been a victim of an accident involving distracted driving and you have questions concerning your rights, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840 and schedule a free 15-minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick!

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