Tag Archives: personal injury attorney

Pedestrian | Personal Injury | Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Posted on August 2, 2013 by Blick Law

pedestrian accident lawyer, pedestrian deaths, pedestrian, personal injury, personal injury attorneySome personal injury cases involve drivers not yielding to pedestrian crossings, causing serious injury or death.

Florida leads the country in pedestrian deaths each year, and this statistic has become a major concern for the Florida Department of Transportation. According to an annual study by nonprofit organization Transportation for America, Florida includes four of the five most dangerous metropolitan areas in the country for pedestrians and bikers…. and the Tampa area is listed as number two.

If you are a victim in a pedestrian personal injury, you have legal rights to make a claim against the defendant driver.

Under Florida Law, drivers are required to come to a complete STOP when approaching a pedestrian cross-walk. However, many cross-walk signs do not notify motorists of their obligation to stop, and most drivers interpret cross-walk signs as a notice to YIELD to pedestrians. This misinformation creates a dangerous miscommunication between driver and pedestrian, and has led to many fatal and life-altering personal injury accidents.

While laws are in place to protect pedestrians from motorists, Florida law also maintains that pedestrians have an obligation to be responsible and cognizant of their surroundings when utilizing the roadways. Among the factors contributing to the increased pedestrian death in Florida is a lack of awareness by both motorists and pedestrians. As a result, it is important to stay educated about the potential safety hazards while walking, biking, and driving on Florida roadways. Unfortunately for many people, roadway safety concerns are not fully appreciated until disaster hits close to home.

If you, or your family have been a victim of a pedestrian accident call Blick Law firm at (813) 931-0840 to learn about your rights. Schedule an appointment today for a free case evaluation with Attorney Michael Blickensderfer.

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5 Damaging Ways You May Hurt Your Claim | Auto Accident | Tampa Law Firm

Posted on July 8, 2013 by Blick Law

Auto accidents can be devastating, and injuries sustained in an accident can begin a timeline of treatment and therapy that can take months to complete.

If you are involved in an auto accident, it is always important to know what steps to undertake to protect yourself and avoid damaging your potential personal injury case. Many people are unaware that there are several ways they can actually damage their Florida auto accident claim. Here are some important things to avoid that will help ensure your claim is successful:         

1. Revealing Information via Social Media: Today’s generation is technologically savvy, a fact which defense attorneys or insurance companies use to their advantage. People can update their status, tweet, write a blog post, or check into places in real time, making themselves more susceptible to public scrutiny. In an auto accident case, Internet research is conducted to help prove that you may not be as injured as you claim.

It is important to understand that what you post or tweet can potentially help the opposing insurance company and hurt your case. Be cautious when posting photos or comments that might discredit your claim. For instance, think twice before posting a status about going to the gym when you claimed to have severe back pain from a recent accident.

2. Lack of Witness Information: Any type of auto accident can cause stress and impair your normal thought process. It is important to stay as calm as possible and gather proper information that will help your case later on. One of the key ways to help your claim if you are not at fault is to identify witnesses. It is important to corroborate your case with eyewitnesses because it will minimize debate from insurance companies. Do not assume the investigating office will collect this information. Take matters into your own hands if possible and ask for witnesses’ contact information promptly after the accident.

3. Giving a Recorded Statement to the Opposing Insurance Company: This is a very common mistake. Usually when an auto accident occurs, the insurance companies are notified right away. Once insurance companies are notified, they move quickly to obtain a recorded statement about what happened and information about your current injury. Most people feel that they have to give a recorded statement to the opposing insurance company and answer their questions. THIS IS FALSE. There is no requirement that you give a recorded statement.

Often, the other insurance company is looking to take advantage of your mental state and lack of knowledge about the matter at hand. Therefore, do not ever give a recorded statement without first consulting your attorney.

4. Take Opposing Auto Insurance Companies Lightly: If you are not at fault, the opposing driver’s insurance company will conduct an investigation during your case. This may include surveillance, photos of damages or video footage of you at some point during the process.

Honesty is the best policy. If you attempt certain activities that might seem questionable, admit them. We understand that over the period of the claim process, you will be treated for injuries and your physical health will improve. However, when an auto accident victim denies something that an insurance investigation later reveals to be true, it will hurt your claim.

5. Waiting too Long to Get Medical Treatment: Most people involved in an accident assume the pain or injury will go away in time. Unfortunately, that is always not the case and complaints may progressively worsen.

Insurance companies monitor the gap between treatments. If you wait even a few days to start treatment, they assume you may not be as injured as you claim. Prompt medical attention is necessary in evaluating your claim and if injuries are severe, report to the hospital. Once you visit a personal injury attorney, request appropriate medical care. Any complaints and symptoms should be well documented and recorded.

Personal injury claims all vary in severity, and often times they involve lifelong consequences that require extensive future medical expenses and years of pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the actions or negligence of another, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840.

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Auto Accident Tampa

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Blick Law

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 have been in an accident 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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Marketing for your Personal Injury Firm Tampa

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Blick Law

Welcome to the Behind The Scenes Blick Blog. Blick Law Firm blogs over the years have provided legal information to the community, which is wonderful, but it is time to mix things up and get personal!

Behind The Scenes Blog: weekly insights from inside the firm. Today’s story is brought to you by Mahayana Sfeir, Bilingual Marketing Liaison.

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“I don’t mind living in a man’s world as long as I can be a woman in it.” ~Marilyn Monroe

The reason I started with this quote is because when I think of our Director of Marketing and Public Relations this quote just seems to fit her perfectly. Dana Blickensderfer, director of marketing and public relations at Blick Law Firm is attorney Michael Blickensderfer’s daughter and her role at the firm is vital to the ongoing excellence of daily operations.

At first glance, Dana appears to be this elegant-gentle woman, but she is mu293000_433200156730890_236531918_nch more than that. She is a smart, fierce business woman who is not afraid to shine in a man’s world. This quality in her character really intrigued me and is the reason why I chose her as the focus for our next blog topic. Dana demonstrates this type of leadership daily in her work habits and drive.  She started in her father’s practice in 2010 after graduating from the University of South Florida where she created and implemented her role from nothing.

Initially, the lack of marketing and branding of the firm was a red flag for Dana to utilize her schooling and skills to enhance the family business. To her father’s surprise, it would become a very important piece of the puzzle for the business’s growth. Attorneys, doctors and many professionals on their own must not only carry their education and expertise into their career, but also be able to produce and cultivate business. However, many business professionals lack the creative entrepreneurial mindset that it takes to run successful marketing business plans.  Dana understood the need to market the practice using her well-developed marketing planning abilities to further the family business. She implemented some of the communications and public relations concepts learned from USF, producing amazing results.

Learning from her many trial and error experiments, victories and failures, she realized the success she could accomplish. I commend Dana for her drive, which is what I admire the most about Dana Blickensderfer.

When I first met Dana, we instantly connected as like-minded ambitious women. We believe in our capabilities for success, the word “Can’t” does not exist in our vocabulary. We dream big, but we also know that everything takes time and hard work. Perseverance and dedication is what will get us to that success we foresee together for this personal injury law practice. She became one of the key employees at Blick Law Firm in charge of the office operations, as well as the marketing department. Dana has created an amazing system that I am happy to be a part of, and I look forward to helping her accomplish even more. Like the saying goes “… two heads are better than one…” Together as a team we are creating solid plans to be followed towards our growth.

Dana Blickensderfer is passionate about her work which is an enormous advantage when working by her side. Her passion and enthusiasm is contagious. I am honored to join forces with her and our Blick family to take us to another level. With God there is nothing we can not accomplish, therefore we will stop at nothing.

I would like to finish with this scripture from the Bible that iterates the way we live our day to day in our careers “…it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32 ASV)

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Hit and Run Accidents

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Blick Law

Auto accidents can be devastating, and often times result in not only property damage, but also severe injuries that require extensive medical attention and treatment. The stress and pain associated with automobile accidents can be extensive, and there are many situations when the victims of a car accident cannot afford the medical assistance needed to treat their injuries. To make matters worse, each year motorists across the country become victims of hit and run accidents, and are left devastated by the actions of another driver.

If you have been hit by another driver who fled after the accident, it is important to immediately attempt to gather as much information as possible about the vehicle and/or driver. It is extremely helpful to your case if you can provide a description of the vehicle that hit you, and any identifying information that can be helpful when filing a police report and an accident claim with your auto insurance company.

If you cannot obtain identifying information about the vehicle or other driver, at least write down the location and time of the accident, and as many other details about the sequence of events as you can, including any potential witnesses to the accident, their names, and contact information.

It is very important to contact law enforcement and file a report immediately after the accident; even when it seems like a waste of time due to lack of information about the other driver or incident. Having a police report can be helpful to you when filing the auto claim with your insurance, and memorializing at least some of the details of the incident in writing.

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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Texting and Driving

Posted on May 9, 2013 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.

On May 2nd, 2013, the Florida Senate vote was nearly unanimous in favor of the texting and driving bill. The proposed bill cleared the House of Representatives with a 110-6 vote the day before, and has now been sent to the governor for his approval. The new texting and driving law calls for fines of $30 plus costs; as well as additional penalties for subsequent offenses, causing a crash, and/or for texting in school zones.

In an effort to stop texting and cell phone use behind the wheel nationwide, the U.S. Department of Transportation has been encouraging all 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.

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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