Tag Archives: personal injury attorney

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) 2012 Reform

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Blick Law

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.

Due to rampant fraud and misappropriation of PIP coverage in Florida, insurance companies have lobbied to pass PIP insurance reform to limit the types of treatment available to crash victims covered by PIP, and limit the amount of coverage in order to avoid abuse and fraud.

In 2012, the Florida legislature passed into law PIP reform that 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.

If you or a loved one have 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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Florida Hurricane Safety

Posted on August 28, 2012 by Blick Law

Weather conditions in Florida frequently cause safety concerns on the roadways, and it is important to be aware of potential dangers and take safety precautions to avoid them.

Inclement weather causes tricky road conditions like standing water or flooding. These road conditions often times conceal dangerous debris, tree branches, and even power lines that are not visible. Many drivers attempt to drive through flooded areas and risk encountering hazards to save time or to avoid an inconvenient detour; drivers should always consider the safety risks and take necessary precautions by avoiding flooded areas.

Many times, weather conditions cause traffic lights to become inoperative, creating confusion on the roadways that can lead to deadly collisions. When encountering a downed traffic light, every driver approaching the intersection should come to a complete stop and yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection.

Be cautious, and consider that the roads are wet and cars are more prone to skidding and loss of control.

In the event Hurricane conditions cause the need to evacuate, have a plan ready, know where you will go, and research several alternate routes in the event of closed roads and severe traffic congestion.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of dangerous roadway conditions, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840 to schedule a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer.

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Personal Injury Litigation

Posted on August 1, 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: Personal Injury Litigation

Insurance companies often try to get personal injury victims to settle a personal injury claim quickly and for a low amount. Sometimes Tampa Auto Accident attorneys may find it necessary to pursue the case further and seek to litigate their plaintiff’s claim.

Litigating a personal injury case is beneficial in many ways for the client. One, offering to litigate a personal injury claim puts pressure on the insurance company to reevaluate the initial settlement offered. Insurance companies at that point will find means to negotiate to come to an agreement with all parties. If there are no agreements made, an attorney will proceed in the litigation process.

Personal Injury litigation costs varies with each case. The cost for an attorney may increase due to time and court costs. But it will ensure clients the maximum outcome possible for the injured parties.

An unfair settlement from an insurance company shouldn’t be looked over but brought to attention. An attorney makes sure clients receive proper investigation and review from the insurance companies. Personal Injury Litigation provides such advantages.

Take the time and seek proper legal representation so you are not cheated from an unfair insurance company’s settlement offer. Look for a knowledgeable car crash attorney with litigation and trial experience.

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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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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What options do I have to stay in my home?

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Blick Law Firm

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

Whether you are looking into leaving or staying in your home, you should check out all your options.

Blick Law Firm provides top legal council for those seeking Loan Modification options, looking to do a Short Sale on their home, or assisting those in Foreclosure Defense.

With over 25 years legal experience, Attorney Michael C Blickensderfer can assist you with guiding you in the right direction, considering what is best for you and your loved ones.

Blick law Firm is a local Tampa Bay law firm specializing in personal injury, criminal law, Chapter 7 bankruptcy and real estate law all across the state of Florida.

For further information regarding real estate law and your options to keep your home or sell, please visit our website at www.blicklawfirm.com or call 813-931-0840.

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PIP Law Changes Affect $10,000 Coverage in an Auto Accident

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Blick Law Firm

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

Blick law Firm is a local Tampa Bay legal firm specializing in personal injury, criminal, bankruptcy and real estate law all across the state of Florida.

In recent Legislation news, the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) law was recently changed to ensure auto accident victims seek medical treatment quickly to qualify for full insurance coverage.

Florida’s PIP insurance law as adopted by House Bill 119 now requires those injured from an auto accident to seek medical treatment within 14 days of their injury.

If an accident victim does not seek treatment within the 14-day window, they will loose access to full PIP coverage.

The practical effect of these changes will be to limit most PIP claims to only $2,500 in benefits, as most auto accidents involve soft tissue cases not falling under the “emergency medical condition” definition. Everyone is required to obtain and pay for the $10,000 in PIP coverage, but the insurance companies will limit claims to $2,500, resulting in a windfall to the insurance companies and an injustice to the policy holder/ accident victim.

For further information regarding PIP Law changes in Florida please visit our website at www.blicklawfirm.com or call 813-931-0840.

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