North Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

Generally, there are four types of releases / authorizations that automobile insurance companies send out to injury victims following a Florida Automobile Accident. Since the signing of a Release for an insurance company may result in the waiver of important legal rights, it is important to get advice, consultation, and / or legal representation before signing these documents for the insurance company. In pursuing benefits under or through an automobile insurance policy, there may be certain time limitations that apply. Because of this, it makes it even more important to timely consult a Florida Personal Injury Attorney regardin these matters. Here are the three basic Releases or authorizations that are typically sent to an injury victim following a Florida Automobile Accident:

1. Medical Authoization. This document will give the insurance company that authority to retrieve medical records of the injured person. Depending on the language of the authorization, it may provide authorization for records related to treatment for the automobile accidents AND prior medical records as well.

2. Wage Loss and Salary Verification / Authorization. This document will give the insurance company the authority to obtain wage and salary documentation for the injured person. These documents are obtained in order to process or document past earnings for purposes of wage loss claims.

3. Property Damage Release. This document is typically signed when a vehicle is considered a total loss and there is a settlement as to the value of the vehicle.

4. General Release. This document, in most instances, effectively results in the waiver of all claims against the at fault driver, at fault owner, and the automobile insurance company. An injury victim should not sign this document without legal representation or at least a consultation with a Florida Personal Injury Attorney.

The language of a release or authorization is important as there is no uniform or universal release that is used in every case or by every insurance company. Following a Florida Automobile Accident, an injury victim is often sent forms and documents from his or her insurance company as well as the automobile insurance company for the at fault owner / at fault driver. It is not always clear to the injured person what is being signed or what should be signed. Because of this, the injury victim should seek out advice to make sure that important rights are not being waived or compromised without fair and equitable compensation for the same.

The Florida Personal Injury Attorneys at the law firm of Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. have been representing injury victims and their families since 1957. For over 50 years, the attorneys have dedicated their efforts and time to the protection and enforcement of the legal rights of injury victims.

Under Florida law, the of a motor vehicle / automobile is required to carry two forms of insurance: Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Insurance. In Florida, there is state mandated automobile insurance coverage that is required. All coverages beyond these minimal requirements are optional and require additional premium payments in the State of Florida to automobile insurance companies. If a person is hit by a vehicle that only has minimal automobile insurance coverage, the only benefit that the person would receive (insurance wise) from the insurance company for the at fault driver or at fault owner would typically be property damage. In other words, the insurance company would pay for the repairs to the victim's motor vehicle / automobile or the total loss of the vehicle and that would be about it . . . . While it does not seem fair, Florida has very basic minimal insurance benefits for vehicle owners. A legal case could still be pursued for other damages but there would be no insurance coverage for other types of damages like medical bills, pain, and suffering under a minimal policy for the injury victim.

Bodily injury insurance coverage will pay for pain, suffering, lost wages, medical bills and other related damages related to personal injuries if the driver the vehicle with the owner the vehicle was at fault for the accident. The amount of bodily injury insurance coverage varies by company and vehicle. Typically, the higher the premium - the more coverage that will be in place for a Florida Automobile Accident. Bodily injury insurance coverages can be in the amount of $10,000, $15,000, $20,000, $25,000, $50,000, $100,000 and all the up to $1,000,000 or more.

Florida laws, insurance policies, and claims can be complicated. It is important to contact a Florida Personal Injury Attorney for advice, consultation, and legal representation. The right to compensation is dependent on the facts and circumstances of the case including the amount of medical bills, the diagnostic testing results, the records of the treating physicians, and the need for future care including but not limited to surgery and pain management. Even when a person has extensive medical treatment including pain management therapy and or surgery, the insurance company will still question the relationship of the injuries to the automobile accident. Insurance companies have regular doctors that they hire to review records and use as a basis to deny claims or limit the payments or offers on injury claims. Because of the adversary nature of insurance claims and the unwillingness of insurance companies pay fair value in the case then injured injury victims should retain the services of a Florida Personal Injury Attorney.

In Florida, semi-tractor trailers are commonly seen and driven on most major highways and Interstate roads in the State of Florida. Because of the size of the vehicle, accidents involving a semi tractor-trailer cause serious personal injuries to occupants of motor vehicles involved in a crash with a semi tractor-trailers. Because many of these injuries are permanent in nature and require a lifetime of medical care and follow-up in the form of pain management therapy and surgery, it is important for an injury victim and a trucking accident to retain the services of a Florida Personal Injury Attorney for advice, consultation, and legal representation. Trucking companies either are self-insured or have commercial insurance in place. Either way, there are insurance adjusters, risk managers, and attorneys looking after the best interest and financial protection of the truck driver and the trucking company.

Florida injury victims should also have legal representation when dealing with a personal injury caused by the negligence or inattention of a truck driver. In the State of Florida, a person injured in a trucking accident has a right to damages in the form of non-economic damages and economic damages. Non-economic damages include pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship. Economic damages include past medical bills, future medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, loss of support, and loss of services. It is important for a person to consult with a personal injury attorney as to the proper value that should be paid for economic damages and non-economic damages.

The law firm of Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. has been representing trucking accident injury victims since 1957. Over the past 50 years, the attorneys at Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. have represented thousands of injury victims and their families in personal injury matters including trucking accidents, automobile accidents, and other cases.

In Florida, automobile accidents happen every day. oftentimes the passenger is injury no fault of his or her own. Passengers have rights to compensation from various persons, businesses, and insurance companies for injuries suffered in a Florida Automobile Accident. The applicable Florida laws and insurance regulations can be quite confusing and complicated. It is important for the injured automobile passenger to seek legal advice from a Florida personal injury attorney to get information is to legal rights to compensation to medical bills, pain, suffering, lost wages, and loss of enjoyment of life. An injured passenger in a Florida automobile accident can obtain her compensation from the following sources:

PIP (Personal Injury Protection) Under the Injured Passenger's Insurance Policy. Even though the injured passenger was not at fault for the accident, Florida's No Fault laws require the passenger to process or file the medical bills related to the automobile accident under the passenger's PIP policy. While this may seem unfair, this is the way that the insurance laws and regulations work in the State of Florida.

PIP (Personal Injury Protection) Under a Resident's Relative's Insurance Policy. If the passenger did not owner a vehicle or otherwise did not have PIP coverage, the injured passenger may qualify for coverage under a resident relative's PIP policy. Even though the resident relative may not have been at fault, the PIP benefits may still apply to the injured resident relative. PIP typically pays for 80 % of the medicals bills and 60 % of wage loss associated with an automobile accident.

Bodily Injury Coverage for At Fault Driver or At Fault Owner. A passenger may quality for compensation under bodily injury coverage for the at fault driver or at fault owner. Unlike PIP coverage, bodily injury coverage typically involves a one time settlement or payment from the policy rather than piece meal or periodic payments that are associated with PIP coverage for medical bills or lost wages. Unlike PIP, bodily injury coverage can also be pursued for damages related to pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Uninsured or Underinsured Insurance Under the Injured Passenger's Insurance Policy. The injured passenger may also qualify for coverage under his or her own UM policy. Like bodily injury coverage, UM coverage can be pursued for economic damages (medical bills and lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life).

Uninsured or Underinsured Insurance Under the Vehicle Occupied by the Passenger.
The injured passenger may also qualify or pursue damages for injuries through the UM policy of the vehicle occupied by the passenger.

As you can see above, claims, cases, and insurance issues can be quite confusing and complex in a Florida Automobile Accident case for the injured passenger. The attorneys at Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. have been representing injured passengers since 1957. For over 50 years, the attorneys at Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. have been on Your Side - At Your Side in cases involving automobile accidents, trucking accidents, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents.

In the State of Florida, dogs are present in millions of homes and in virtually every community. Residents and visitors to the State of Florida enjoy dog ownership and companionship. Unfortunately, many people (including children) are victims of dog bite injuries in the State of Florida. Whether the dog is big, small, or a certain breed, the duties of the dog owner remain the same. A Florida dog owner has a duty to maintain reasonable control of the dog. If a dog owner takes safety precautions and otherwise diligent about the attempted control of the dog, a dog owner can still be liable for dog bite related injuries.

Florida has enacted special laws for dog bite injuries under Florida Statutes and related case law. Unlike other other types of personal injury cases (automobile accidents, slip and fall injuries, premises liabilities, and other matters, a dog bite victim typically does not need to show that a dog bite owner was negligent in failing to control the dog. In addition, a dog bite victim typically is not required to show that the dog owner knew or should have known of the dangerous propensities of the dog.

Florida Dog Bite Laws are mainly based on Chapter 767, Florida Statutes. The general law is that a dog bite owner is strictly liable for dog bite related injuries. There are some limited exceptions to this general law. When a person is bitten by a dog, a Florida civil case or claim for personal injuries can be pursued by or on behalf of the dog bite victim. Unfortunately, many dog bite victims including children suffer facial injuries and othe permanent injuries as a result of dog bite incidents. A case, claim or civil lawsuit for dog bite related injuries can include past medical bills, future medical bills, pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages, loss of services, loss of companionship, and loss of earning capacity. Because the laws and insurance claims involving dog bite related injuries can be complex and confusing, it is important to hire a Florida Dog Bite Injury Lawyer for advice, consultation, and legal representation.

Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. is a personal injury law firm based in Jacksonville, Florida and Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Since 1957, the personal injury attorneys have represented dog bite injury victims and their families. At Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A., we are On Your Side - At Your Side.

Is there a list of doctors who treat automobile accident injury victims in Florida? When a person is injured in a Florida Automobile Accident case or, the injury victim will often need six follow-up care after a visit to a local emergency room. injury victims can obtain medical care and have it paid for or covered through Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Under Florida law, PIP insurance coverage is primary to that of health insurance. Because of this, it is advisable for a person to seek or obtain medical care and treatment through a doctor or medical provider who accepts PIP as a source of payment.

Most health insurance companies have an online list of medical providers that accept the health insurance coverage. Companies like Blue Cross / Blue Shield, CIGNA, United Health, and AETNA have databases of doctors that can be used by plan members to find and select a medical provider. Unlike health insurance, PIP medical providers are not contained in any list. While there are major insurance companies like State Farm, Allstate, GEICO, and Progressive that issue automobile insurance policies in the State of Florida, there is no such list maintained that contain medical providers who accept PIP as a source of payment. Some medical providers accept PIP as a payment source for an automobile accident injury and some medical providers do not. Following an automobile accident, it is important to get quality medical care from a treating physician / medical provider that accept PIP as a payment source. It is also important for the medical provider to know and otherwise understand the challenges and needs at the injury victim as to documentation and medical reports regarding the automobile accident related injuries.

A Florida Personal Injury Attorney is often knowledgeable about the medical providers in the community who accept PIP payments following up Florida automobile accident. It It is often helpful to retain the services of a Florida Personal Injury Attorney for legal representation. It can be quite challenging dealing with an insurance company and its line of adjusters without proper legal representation. A Florida Personal Injury Attorney can advise the client as to his or her rights to compensation, damages, Florida laws, and medical providers.

Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. has been representing injury victims since 1957. At Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. we are At Your Side - On Your Side when you need legal representation for an automobile accident, trucking accident, bicycle accident, and pedestrian accident.

What are they legal rights of any insured bicyclist in a hit-and-run accident in the State of Florida? Bicyclists are the unfortunate victims of hit-and-run accidents. When a bicyclist is hit or injured by a motor vehicle, the injuries often times are very serious in nature. Some bicyclists even lose their lives as a result of automobile accidents in the State of Florida. When there is an accident involving a bicyclist and a motor vehicle, the driver of the motor vehicle and others nearby should stop to render assistance for the bicyclist. Unfortunately, drivers frequently flee the scene of the accident after a bicyclist or pedestrian is injured. In Florida, an injured bicyclist may be able to pursue a claim against his or her uninsured motorist vehicle policy or a resident relative's uninsured motorist vehicle policy when there is a hit-and-run accident.

Many people do not realize that a person can collect damages even when he or she is not driving, operating, or occupying a motor vehicle. Because of the complexities of Florida insurance laws as they pertain to bicyclist, it is important for the injured bicyclist or the family to contact a Florida Personal Injury Attorney for advice, consultation, and legal representation. It is very challenging dealing with the aftermath of the bicycle accident. The information provided by an attorney will help guide a injured bicyclist and his family through the maze of issues legal and insurance that arise in a Florida Bicycle Accident. The attorneys at Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. have been representing the interests of injured bicyclists and their families since 1957. Bicycle injury cases are handled on a contingency basis (No Recovery - No Fees) and all initial consultations are free of charge.

After a Florida automobile accident, injury victims are often faced with many challenges and issues. It is common for insurance company to contact the injury victim to obtain a statement and other information regarding injuries. This brings about the following question:

Should I give a statement to the insurance company for the at fault driver?

Most attorneys who handle personal injury cases in the State of Florida will advise against giving such a statement until the injury victim consults with a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer. There is no legal duty to provide a statement to the at fault driver's insurance company in most instances. Because of the complexities of Florida laws and the nuances of insurance and compensation, it is important for a person to seek advice and consultation from a Florida Personal Injury Attorney following an automobile accident. Most attorneys handle these cases on the contingency basis meaning - No Recovery - No Attorney Fees. Furthermore, a Florida personal injury attorney will provide a free consultation to the injury victim. The attorney will advisethe victim of his or her legal rights and the appropriate courses of action following an accident. Florida has many statutes and regulations in place that pertain to traffic, motor vehicles, insurance, and other matters relating to an automobile accident. Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A., a law firm based in Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach Florida, has represented accident victims and their families since 1957.

The Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. Website has valuable information for injury victims seeking advice and guidance on a automobile case or claim. While a website is no substitute for legal advice there are some helpful articles information that a person can read following a Florida automobile accident to get a basic understanding of Florida laws. For instance a person can read about traffic rules and regulations at Florida Traffic Rules, Laws, and Regulations - Frequently Asked Questions. If you have a question about an automobile accident, insurance, or related issues, contact Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. for a free consultation.

In Florida, is the injury victim required to go to the emergency room following an automobile accident? Drivers and passengers are the unfortunate victims of personal injury on a daily basis. What starts out as a simple ride to work, school, or elsewhere turns into a day that is not soon forgotten. When a person is injured as a result of an automobile accident, Florida has certain laws and regulations in place. Following a Florida automobile accident, I am frequently contacted as a Florida Automobile Accident Attorney and asked questions including the following:

Do I have to go to the door I have to go to what emergency room following an automobile accident? This is an excellent question and one that can be answered rom two different perspectives: 1. Medical Perspective. 2. Legal Perspective.

1. Medical Perspective. The need to see an emergency room doctor following an accident is one that should be decided by the injury victim, his or her family, and / or first responders to the scene like fire rescue personnel and paramedics. There may be an immediate medical need to be evaluated in an emergency room. Under those circumstances, injury victims should absolutely be transported to the emergency room for evaluation and care. In many instances ,the decision to be transported or later go to the emergency room is left up to the injury victim. If there is any question as to the severity of the injuries or damages, then it makes sense to have the injury victim evaluated in an emergency room. Medical decisions as to the need for emergency-room treatment should be left to the medical professionals.

2. Legal Perspective. From a legal perspective, there is no Florida statute or law in place at the present time that requires an injury victim to be evaluated at an emergency room following an automobile accident. Again, the choice or decision to go to the emergency room should be left to medical professionals. Will the failure or lack of emergency room treatment affect the legal claim or insurance claim? This is another good excellent question. Some insurance adjusters will value a case more if the person was seen at an emergency room the same day as the accident. Some insurance adjusters may not put much value in this particular fact or aspect of the claim. The value of most injury claims or cases depend more on the long term effects or permanency of the injuries rather than whether or not the person was seen in at the emergency room.

As an alternative to emergency room treatment, an injury may consider treatment and evaluation at an urgent care center, private emergency room, or by a medical specialist to evaluate and assess the medical needs and conditions of an accident victim. A Florida Automobile Accident Attorney typically has information regarding the medical providers in the community who treat accident victims and who accept automobile insurance - Personal Injury Protection (PIP) as payment for the same. Because there are many issues involved with the typical automobile accident case including medical bills, medical treatment, insurance, rights to compensation, and other matters, it is important to consult with a Florida Personal Injury Attorney for advice and legal representation. The attorneys at Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. have been representing accident victims in the State of Florida since 1957. For over 50 years, the personal injury attorneys at Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. have represented clients through insurance claims in through trials on personal injury matters. Contact Wood, Atter & Wolf for a free consultation on your personal injuiy claim or case.

In Florida, the rain and bad weather can unpredictable. It can rain on any given day which, in turn, makes driving to work, driving to school, and the performance of errands somewhat of a challenge. The weather elements in Florida including rain can make driving more dangerous and difficult.

Drivers in the State of Florida should pay close attention to both traffic conditions and weather conditions when travelling on Florida's roads, highways, and Interstates. When appropriate to do so, speed should be adjusted for weather conditions especially rain. Drivers should maintain a safe distance from other vehicles taking into account the distance needed to brake safely when the roads are wet.

In many Florida automobile accident, weather is a factor or element that may have caused or contributed to the cause of the automobile accident. Does this mean that weather is a valid defense in a case involving a claim for personal injuries? The answer to this question like many of those presented to a Florida Personal injury Attorney is - it depends. Since at any particular time - all drivers are operating their motor vehicles under the same weather conditions -- it may not be a valid defense that the weather was bad or the roads were wet. Could the driver have adjusted his or her speed or otherwise have avoided the accident with better driving and attention to the road?

Whether it was a rainy or a clear sunny day, each Florida automobile accident should be assessed and evaluated on its own facts and circumstances. Yes, there are some limited cases in which fault cannot be assessed and it was an accident that just happened. For instance, if a tree was struck by lighting and this, in turn, caused driver to move out of his or her lane. There may be no case to pursue.

Due to the complexities of liability in automobile accident cases as well as other issues that commonly present themselves, it is important for an injury victim to contact a Florida Automobile Accident attorney for advice, consultation, and legal representation.

In Florida, the automobile accident personal injury victim is entitled to compensation for medical bills in the past, medical bills in the future, pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages, loss of earning ability, and other damages. Often times, I am asked the following question:

Is the injury victim entitled to the payment of attorney fees by the insurance company of the at fault driver or at fault owner. This is a question that does not have an easy answer. It depends on the facts and circumstances. In Florida automobile accident injury cases and claims, a settlement is reached between the insurance company in the injury victim and/or the Florida Personal Injury Lawyer. In most of the settlements, attorney fees are not paid by the automobile insurance company. This is the common practice; however, there are some cases in which attorney fees are paid by the automobile insurance company for the at fault driver or the at fault owner. Sometimes, there is an agreement to pay attorney fees. It is more common in these cases for the Court to order attorney fees when there is a favorable verdict or ruling on a case in litigation.

In the State of Florida, attorney fees are governed by contract, statute, or legal procedure. It may seem unfair that an injury victim is required to pay his or her own attorney fees when another person is at fault for a Florida Automobile Accident. It should be noted that Florida law, practice, and procedure regarding automobile accidents have many aspects that seem unfair and are unfair. Because of this, it is important for an injury victim to get legal representation from a Florida Automobile Accident attorney to level the playing field to some extent with the automobile insurance companies who are well represented by their own insurance adjusters and defense attorneys.

In most automobile accident personal injury cases in the State of Florida, the injury victim's attorney will handle the case on a contingency basis meaning - No Recovery - No Attorney Fees or Costs. This fee arrangement allows injury victims to obtain the services of a qualified Florida Automobile Accident Injury Attorney even if the injury victim does not have funds up front to pay the attorney. The issue of attorney fees on injury cases can be quite complex. Because of this, it is important for the injury victim to consult with the Florida personal injury attorney about the issue of attorney fees and costs. When the facts and law support a claim for attorney fees and and it is practical to pursue the collection of attorney fees, then there may be an award of or payment of attorney fees to the injury victim.

In addition to attorney fees, there many other issues that arise in an automobile accident case. For instance, there are issues that may arise as to liability or traffic laws in place. Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. is a personal injury law firm based in Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach Florida. The firm has been representing automobile accident victims since 1957. You can read more about relevant traffic rules and regulations at Florida
Traffic Rule, Regulations, and Law - Frequently Asked Questions. Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. has other resources and helpful information posted on its website and the North Florida Injury Lawyer Blog regarding automobile accident cases.

In Florida, automobile accidents are frequently reported in every community. Some of these accidents result in serious personal injuries and even deaths of drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Some accidents are caused by the negligent driving of an elderly driver. Some may argue that there should be an age limit for drivers in the State of Florida or more medical standards in place to prevent certain elderly drivers from retaining their driver's license in the State of Florida. In Florida, there are no such age limits. There is an eye examination test but the Department of Drier's License typically does not request medical records or a medical examination of aan elderly driver. Florida residents should be granted a driver's license who have the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and the ability to pass the testing and standards in place.

Some studies and research suggest that there are increased risk of traffic accidents with the increased age of the driver. Drivers over the age of 65 may have an increased risk. With drivers 75 and older, there is an increased risk of the driver being in a fatal accident. Of course, each driver and each accident must be assessed on a case by base basis. See Research as to the Risks Associated with Older Drivers.

Whether a driver is elderly or a teenager, the duty to drive safely and obey traffic rules and regulations. See Florida Traffic Laws - Frequently Asked Questions. There are many issues faced by an injury victim and family when there is an automobile accident. Because of this, it is important for to get advice, consultation, and legal representation from a Florida Automobile Accident Attorney on issues including medical bills, medical treatment, insurance coverage, compensation, damages, and other topics.

The attorneys at Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. have been representing automobile accident victims for over 50 years. Each partner at the firm has over 20 years of experience and fully supports the firm's motto we are On Your Side - At Your Side. Contact Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. for a free consultation.

In a Florida rear end collision, do I automatically win my personal injury case? In Florida, there are various traffic, rules, and regulations that apply to traffic accidents. See Florida Traffic Laws - Frequently Asked Questions. Florida law presumes that a driver, who rear ends another vehicle, is at fault for the accident. There are some limited exceptions to these general laws; however, in most cases, the driver, who rear ends another vehicle, is at fault for the accident. Does this mean that the victim automatically wins his or her injury case? The answer to this relatively simple question is not that simple. Florida law requires that a person suffer a permanent injury or permanent scarring to be entitled to pain and suffering type of damages when injured while occupying a motor vehicle in an automobile accidents. There is no such requirement if the injury victim is a bicyclist or a pedestrian. In a rear end accident, the at fault driver will certainly be entitled the compensation for medical bills that are reasonably related to the automobile accident. Beyond the economic damages, there must be a showing or proof that the injury victim suffered a permanent injury or scarring to be entitled to what is called non-economic damages.

The pursuit of an injury case or claim can be quite complex. Insurance companies do not easily hand out money for any case. In fact, even when an injury victim has medical reports showing a permanent injury, the insurance companies will challenge these findings and require the filing of a lawsuit and even a trial before paying out a fair value for the injury case. Because of the complexities and frequent challenges to cases, it is important for the injury victim to contact a Florida Personal Injury Attorney for advice, consultation, and legal representation.

The attorneys at Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. have represented injury victims in automobile accidents since 1957. Dealing with the aftermath of a personal injury case can be quite stressful for the injury victim and the family. At these times, it is helpful to have an legal advocate on your side to help you with the many issues that arise including medical bills, medical treatment, pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other issues. At Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A., the attorneys will be On Your Side - At Your Side.

Should I listen to the advice of my insurance company when I am in an automobile accident? In Florida and other states, drivers / motor vehicle owners obtain automobile accident to provide coverage when there is an automobile accident. A basic but important question is as follows: Should I listen to the advice of my insurance company when I am in a automobile accident? This is actually an excellent question that does not have an easy answer. The best way to answer to discuss how an insurance company becomes involved after a Florida Automobile Accident. There are two different ways in which insurance company can be involved in an accident.

1. You Were At Fault for the Automobile Accident. If you were at fault for the automobile accident in State of Florida and you have automobile insurance in place, your insurance company will provide you with coverage for damages caused by your negligence in the automobile accident. Under these circumstances it may be helpful to get advice and guidance from your insurance company because the insurance company is the entity that will be providing payment for the damages you caused in the accident. For instance, if it is a property damage only case, your insurance company should be in contact with the other driver or the other insurance company to a provide arrangements for the repair and/or total loss of the other vehicle. Your company will will advise you as to the status of the claim and in most instances will advise you of when the claim is resolved. When there are injuries that result from an accident and you have bodily injury coverage which is optional, your automobile insurance company will monitor the medical treatment of the injured person, handle correspondence and communication with the other person and or his or her attorney, and make efforts to resolve the case. If a lawsuit is filed for personal injuries, and you had bodily injury insurance coverage, then your insurance company under the terms of the insurance contract will provide you with an attorney to represent you in litigation. This attorney will provide advice, consultation, and legal representation. At times, it may be helpful to consult with your personal attorney separate from the insurance company to make sure that the insurance company is representing your interests.

2. The Other Driver Was At Fault for the Accident. When another person is at fault for an accident, you must be very careful as to your communications and conversations with your insurance company and with the other person's insurance company. Unlike situations when you are at fault, you will not be provided with an attorney to represent your interests when you have a property damage claim and or personal injury claim to pursue for your vehicle's damages and / or your personal injuries. When other person is involved for an accident, it is important for you to retain the services of a Florida Personal Injury Attorney for advice, consultation, and legal representation. When you are injured in an automobile accident, often times your automobile insurance company can be a potential adverse party to the case. For instance, if you have an injury claim against your uninsured or underinsured motorist policy and the company refuses to pay the amount demanded, this kind of case will result in a lawsuit against the UM insurance company. In other words, you will be a party brining a lawsuit or legal action against your own insurance company. Because of the potential for conflict and the potential of a lawsuit, it is best to hire a Florida personal injury attorney to handle communications, correspondence, and negotiations with the insurance company.

When there is an automobile accident State of Florida, the insurance and legal issues can be quite complicated. Because of this it makes sense for a person to obtain legal advice, representation, and counsel from a Florida Automobile Accident Attorney. The attorneys at Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. - based in Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, have represented injury victims and their families since 1957. For over 50 years, the attorneys at Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. have been On Your Side - At Your Side for automobile accident cases and other personal injury matters.

Following a Florida Automobile Accident, should I sign documents including a release for an automobile insurance company or another insurance company? The simple answer to this question is "No". However, further explanation is needed so that the injury victim has a better understanding the the legal and insurance process. The documents should not be signed or completed without first contacting an attorney for legal advice, consultation, and representation. Soon after the typical Florida automobile accident, insurance adjusters are working the file and the claim. Some companies act very quickly to resolve the case and get the injury victim to sign a Release for a nominal settlement. Before documents are signed, it is important for the injury victim to understand the meaning and impact of signing said documents. For instance, if an injury victim accepts $500 as a settlement even though the claim is worth many times more than this amount AND the injury victim signs a Release, the injury victim may have then waived future rights to compensation. The Release may be upheld even though the settlement was patently unfair and even though the injury victim did not have the beneft of legal counsel or advice.

In the first few days following an accident, there is often confusion, pain, discomfort, and disorganization. Because of this, many insurance companies try to act within this time to enter into or obtain a quick settlement. Many unsuspecting injury victims accept the small settlement offer that is put in front of their face in order to get some quick money and get through the week. In Florida, if you sign a document, it can be presumed that you read and understood the document. While there may be some arguments of fraud or undue influence, it is typically an uphill battle to get a Release nullified by the Courts. Because of this, it is important for injury victims to consult with a Florida Personal Injury Attorney before any documents including release documents are signed by an injury victim.

Automobile accident and personal injury cases in the State of Florida are typically handled on a contingency basis - No Recovery - No Fees. Furthermore, initial consultations with a Florida Automobile Accident Attorney are free. The attorneys at Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. - a law firm based in Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida - have been representing accident and injury victims since 1957. Contact an attorney at Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. for a free consultation today. Each law partner at Wood, Atter & Wolf P.A. has over 20 years of legal experience. The founding partner of the firm has over 50 years of experience in helping injury victims. The attorneys at Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. are dedicated to the concepts and values of family, justice, and fair compensation.

When a pedestrian is it hit by a motor vehicle in the State of Florida, there are various sources from which medical bills can be paid for personal injuries caused by the accident. Florida laws can be quite complex regarding the rights to compensation and damages of an injured pedestrian. Because of this, is an important to contact a Florida Personal Injury Attorney for advice, consultation, and legal representation when dealing with the challenges and issues of a Florida Pedestrian Injury Case. Pedestrians, hit by a motor vehicle or truck, often times suffer serious personal injuries. In some accidents, the pedestrian tragically dies from the traumatically related injuries. Thereafter, the family is faced with the challenges and issues involved with the untimely death and the issues that go along with a Florida Wrongful Death Case.

When a pedestrian suffers personal injuries in the State of Florida, here are some of the sources for payment of the medical bills associated with the accident / injuries:

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) from the Injured Pedestrian's Automobile Insurance.
The PIP portion of the injured pedestrian's automobile insurance policy may provide medical benefits for the accident related medical treatment and bills. Even though the pedestrian may not have been at fault, medical bills can still be submitted to and processed through the injured pedestrian's PIP policy. This is part of Florida's No Fault Laws that are in place.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) from a Resident Relative of the Injured Pedestrian. There may be coverage under a resident relative's policy as well. This will depend on the availability of other PIP coverage and the language in the insurance policy for the resident relative .

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) from the At Fault Driver's Policy. If the injured pedestrian does not have PIP under his or own policy or that of a resident relative, then the injured pedestrian may qualify for coverage under the PIP policy of the at fault driver or the policy of the at fault owner.

Health Insurance. If the injured pedestrian has health insurance, there may be benefits available through the health insurance plan. Typically, PIP benefits that are available are considered the primary coverage for accident related injuries and health insurance will be considered secondary coverage. In most cases, the health insurance company will send a questionnaire to the injury victim requesting information regarding automobile insurance and other forms of insurance. It is often helpful to get advice from a Florida Personal Injury Attorney regarding these questionnaires and other issues that arise following a pedestrian accident.

Bodily Insurance Insurance for the At Fault Driver / At Fault Owner. This form of insurance is optional in the State of Florida. Some drivers / owners have it and some do not. If this coverage is in place, it may provide payment of medical bills but it will only do so on a one time basis in most instances. Unlike PIP and health insurance benefits, bodily injury coverage will typically provide one lump sum settlement offer to pay for medical bills - past and future, pain, suffering, and other damages associated with a Florida Pedestrian Personal Injury.

Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage - Injured Pedestrian or Resident Relative. Like bodily injury coverage, UM coverage is optional in the State of Florida. In addition like bodily injury coverage, any payments or settlements from an UM policy is typically on a lump sum or one time payment.

Because insurance companies often fight over which company should pay for damages, medical bills, and compensation for the injured Florida Pedestrian, it is often helpful to get the advice of a personal injury protection attorney to determine which insurance should pay, how payments should be paid, and the appropriate amount of compensation for the accident related personal injuries.

When dealing with insurance and compensation issues, it is important to read the policy and understand the provisions and rights under the policy. The aforementioned types and forms of compensation can be quite complicated and confusing. Because of this, an injured Florida pedestrian should contact a Florida Pedestrian Injury Attorney for legal representation. Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. is a law firm based in Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach Florida. Since 1957, Wood, Atter & Wolf has been On Your Side - At Your Side for pedestrian injury cases and claims.

Dangers of Falling Televisions - Risks of Injury and Death to Children

In Illinois and other States, children are at risks for serious personal injuries and, in some cases, even deaths from a common household object. Televisions, especially older and heavier models, are placed on dressers or other furniture but not adequately secured or anchored. A curious child can pull on a television set. Alternatively, a child or another person may bump into a television set and cause the set to fall from the dresser or furniture. As a result thereof, a child may end up sustaining serious personal injuries and even death from the weight and force of the television set. Head injuries often result. A traumatic brain injury requires immediate medical attention and care.

It was recently reported that a 1 year old child died as a result of a television that was placed on an aquarium stand. It appears that the television was not anchored or otherwise secured prior to the incident. The child (Shaun Brown) was one of many victims from a falling television. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that there were 169 deaths from falling televisions during the 10 year period between 2000 and 2010. The children in this statistic were 8 and younger.

While automobile accidents and other forms of trauma cause more deaths, this should not detract or take away from the importance of taking precautions to secure television sets - older models and newer ones. The homeowner or business owner should properly secure or anchor the televisions. Alternatively, a handy man or contractor should be hired to anchor the televisions.

See Falling Televisions Killed 4 Chicago, Illinois Area Children.

The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parents Should Know - has chapters on Homeowner's Insurance, Day Care Center Injuries, School Injuries, and other topics. See The ABCs of Child Injury.

In Florida, injury victims often times have questions and concerns about medical care and treatment as well as the payment for the same. This is especially true for residents and visitors to the State of Florida who do not have health insurance. When there is an automobile accident in the Florida, there are various payment sources and options for treatment that could be available for the automobile accident victim.

The provision of and payment of medical care and treatment following an automobile accident can be quite complicated. Because of this, it is important to retain the services of a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer for advice, consultation, and legal representation. Here are some of the potential sources of payment or provision of medical bills when a person is injured in an automobile accident in Florida:

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance Coverage. Under Florida law, an automobile owner is required to carry PIP automobile insurance coverage. An automobile accident victim may qualify for PIP coverage under his or her automobile insurance policy, a resident relative's automobile insurance policy, and or the automobile insurance policy of the vehicle occupied by the injury victim.

Medical Payment (Med Pay) Insurance Coverage. Med Pay is an optional form of insurance in the State of Florida. Unlike PIP, which is required under Florida law, Med Pay is optional coverage which requires an additional premium payment. A person may qualify for Med Pay coverage in a similar manner to the way which someone qualifies for PIP coverage.

Worker's Compensation Insurance. If a person is on the job at the time of the automobile accident or otherwise engaged engaged in the course and scope of the employment, the person may qualify for workers compensation coverage for the payment of medical bills.

Letter of Protection. Some medical providers in the community will accept what is called a Letter of Protection otherwise known as an LOP. This document is usually signed by any injury victim and the injury victim's attorney. The LOP represents a promise to pay the medical provider upon the conclusion of the case or claim. A medical provider is not required to provide or accept a letter of protection. Furthermore, a medical provider can decide to at any time to cease providing medical treatment when there is a LOP in place.

Private Pay / Cash / Check / Credit Card. These are typically the last options for payment for a patient. Typically, if a person does not have health insurance, the person will not have available funds to pay for medical treatment. When a person is involved in a Florida automobile accident, obtaining medical treatment and care for the reasonable and necessary medical expenses can be quite challenging. It can also put a financial strain on an injury victim and the family for not only the medical bills but in instances where the injury victim is put out a work and unable to earn money while the person is treating for or recovering from the accident related injuries. When a person is injured in a Florida automobile accident, is important to retain their legal services of a Florida personal injury attorney so that the injury victim's rights to compensation are pursued and damages are obtained commensurate with the extent of the injuries and related medical bills.

Why is it owner of a vehicle responsible or liable for injuries caused by the at fault driver in the State of Florida. Under Florida law, both the at fault driver and the at fault owner are legally liable for personal injuries caused by an automobile accident. Even if the owner was not present at the accident or in the vehicle at the time of the accident, the owner of the vehicle driven by a negligent driver is still legally liable for personal injuries and related damages in a Florida Automobile Accident. Some believe this is not fair; however, in the State of Florida, an automobile is considered a dangerous instrumentality. Because of this, Florida law sets forth that the owner of the vehicle who allows another person to drive the vehicle is legally responsible for the driver's negligence or fault. When there is an automobile accident, the laws and applicable insurance issues can be very confusing. Because of this, it is important to consult with a Florida Personal Injury Attorney to get advice as to the legal rights as an injury victim.

When a person is injured in a Florida Automobile Accident, there are often issues involving automobile insurance, medical bills, medical treatment, selection of doctors, past medical treatment, future medical treatment, pain and suffering, and other issues.

As noted in Rippy v. Shepard, 37 Fla. L. Weekly S 31 (Florida 2012), Florida has the Dangerous Instrumentality Doctrine in place that imposes legal liability upon the owner of a motor vehicle when the motor vehicle is entrusted to an individual who was negligent in a Florida Automobile Accident. As noted by the Florida Supreme Court, the Dangerous Instrumentality Doctrine is an old and settled rule in the State of Florida.

Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. is a personal injury law firm that has served automobile accident victims since 1957, The Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. Website has a number of articles and resources available for injury victims to review to better understand their rights to compensation under Florida law. Contact Wood, Atter & Wolf for a Free Consultation and get the help that you need.

If I had a pre-existing injury can I still pursue a claim for personal injuries caused by a automobile accident? The simple answer to this question is "Yes". Under Florida law, a person can seek damages and compensation for personal injuries that are caused by an automobile accident. Furthermore, a person can pursue damages and compensation related to the aggravation of pre-existing condition. Most people involved in an automobile accident do not perfect health. In other words, it is common for a person who is a victim in an automobile to have pre-existing conditions or even injuries prior to the automobile accident at issue. If a person suffers injuries and / or an aggravation of pre-existing injury or condition, the injury victim can still see can obtain medical treatment through the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) under an automobile insurance policy as long as the injuries and need for medical treatment are reasonably related to the automobile accident.

For instance, let's say a person has pre-existing in the form of arthritis prior to an automobile accident. The automobile injury victim can still seek medical treatment for an aggravation of this condition. Often times there is an aggravation of a pre-existing condition as well as new injuries that are caused by an that are caused by an automobile accident. Because these cases and claims can be quite a complex and challenging comment it is advisable to get consultation legal representation from a Florida Automobile Accident Attorney. Insurance adjusters often question or challenge these cases and it is important to have an advocate on your side with seeking damages for injuries for aggravation and injuries caused by a Florida Automobile Accident.

Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. is a Florida law firm that has been representing personal injury victims since 1957. If you have been in an automobile accident, trucking accident, pedestrian accident, bicycle accident, motorcycle accident, or other accidents, you should consult with a Florida Personal Injury Attorney to determine your respective rights and entitlement to damages and compensation. Personal injury cases of this nature are handled on a contingency attorney fee basis (i.e. No Recovery - No Attorney Fees or Costs) and all initial consultations are free. Go to the Wood, Atter & Wolf Website and get the legal advice you truly deserve.

In Florida, motorcyclists / bikers are the unfortunate victims of motorcycle accident/automobile accidents. When a motorcyclist is injured due to negligence or fault of another driver, the personal injuries can be quite serious and in some accidents even fatal. A Florida motorcyclist has a right to operate his motorcycle on Florida roadways. Unfortunately, motorcyclists lose their lives every year due to driver distraction, speed of the other vehicles, violation of track traffic signals and devices, and other unsafe driving. When a motorcyclist loses his or her life in the State of Florida, the family of the motorcyclist have a right to bring what is called Florida Wrongful Death Case.

The Florida Wrongful Death Case is subject to Florida statutes and related laws. The following individuals may be over to collect damages for their pain, suffering, loss of services, and related damages.

Surviving Spouse. The surviving spouse of a deceased motorcyclist can stake a claim for his or her damages associated with the death of the motorcyclist. In considering the damages to the surviving spouse, a Judge or Jurywill consider the joint light expectancy. In other words, the court will consider the number of years that the motorcyclist and surviving spouse would have lived together if the accident never took place. For instance, let's assume that the motorcyclist at the time of his death was 40 years old. The surviving spouse was 30 years old. It was expected that the motorcyclist had a life expectancy of 35 more years. The life expectancy of the surviving spouse was 45 years old. Because the motorcyclist and the surviving spouse would have lived together had the accident not occurred for 35 years that would be the number of years used in order to determine the damages are lost or sustained by the surviving spouse.

Minor Children. The surviving minor children of the motorcyclists are defined as children under the age of 25 years old. Like a surviving spouse, the Judge or jury will consider the joint life expectancy of the motorcyclist and the minor children.

Adult Children. The surviving adult children are defined as children 25 years of age and older. If there is no surviving spouse of a deceased motorcyclist, then adult children can also be awarded damages for their pain and suffering.

Parents. If the motorcyclist was under the age of 25, then parents of the deceased motorcyclist can also pursue a claim for their pain suffering and related damages. Ff the deceased motorcyclist was over the age of 25 and was not survived by a surviving spouse or minor children, then the parents of the adult child who died in the motorcycle accident will have a claim for damages.

See Section 768.21, Florida Statutes - Florida Wrongful Death - Damages.

Florida's Wrongful Death Act and related laws can be quite confusing and complicated to the average person. Because of this, is important to contact a Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney for advice, consultation, and representation regarding a Florida motorcycle accident. Wrongful death cases are typically handled on a contingency basis which means that the attorney will not collect attorney fees or costs unless there is a financial recovery for the family. In addition cases of this nature typically qualify for a free consultation. It is important that family members of the deceased Florida motorcyclist obtain legal advice and understand their respective rights when a family member dies as a result of the negligence or fault of another driver.

Can I still pursue a personal injury case if I tell the police officer that I was not hurt or injured at an accident scene in Florida? In most Florida automobile accident cases, the local sheriff, police department and/or the Florida Highway Patrol are called to the scene of the accident. The responding officer will assess the accident scene and take statements from the drivers and witnesses. One such question that is asked by the police officer is: Were you hurt or injured as a result of the accident? If a person responds no and declines any help, assistance, or evaluation from fire rescue or a local emergency room, does the person waive legal rights to pursue a claim for personal injury? The simple answer this question is "No". Often times, a person, in a traumatic Florida automobile accident, does not realize or appreciate the injuries that he or she may have sustained as a result of the accident. Furthermore, with many neck, back, and / or extremity injuries, the signs and symptoms of, often times do not appear until a period time after the accident. Perhaps, the signs and symptoms show up that night or the following morning. In Florida, there is a four-year statute of limitations in order to file a lawsuit for most personal injury cases involving an automobile accident.

Once a person realizes or feels the effects of the personal injuries from an automobile accident, from a practical and medical standpoint, immediate medical care should be obtained from an emergency room, urgent care center, or other medical provider. Insurance companies will question or closely evaluate a claim that does not result in immediate medical care. However, many claims and cases are settled or result in a significant jury verdict even when the person does not complain of pain in the accident scene immediately.

It is important when a person is a victim of an automobile accident case to seek legal advice, consultation, and representation by qualified Florida Personal Injury Attorney. An injury victim can get advice and an explanation of the applicable Florida law that relate to the Florida automobile accident and compensation for the personal injuries resulting from the accident.

Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. is a law firm based in Jacksonville in Ponte Vedra Beach Florida that has represented injury victims since 1957. The attorneys and staff at Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. are very familiar with the applicable Florida laws as well as the practicalities involved in a Florida automobile accident case. The Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. website has several articles and sections that pertain to Florida automobile accident case. See Florida Traffic Rules, Statutes and Regulations - Frequently Asked Questions. If the case or automobile accident involves injuries to a minor child, the book titled The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Automobile Accidents, Medical Treatment - Medical Bills, and other topics. This book can be obtained for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.

Florida car accident should I treat under my health insurance for my automobile insurance? When a person is injured as a result of an automobile accident in the state of Florida they're often questioned as to how medical bills will be good. Will it be paid through the injury victim's automobile insurance or health insurance? In Florida, automobile insurance policies are required to have PIP otherwise known as Personal Injury Protection on the insurance policy. When a person is a victim in a Florida automobile accident and suffers personal injuries, Florida law provides that PIP coverage is primary to other forms of insurance. In other words, a person should first use their PIP coverage and then use the health insurance or other forms of insurance for additional insurance coverage or payment of medical bills. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage typically will pay 80% of the medical bills submitted better reasonably related to an automobile accident. Because the laws and forms of insurance can be quite complicated, it makes sense for a person involved in a Florida automobile accident to retain the services of a Florida personal injury attorney for advice, consultation, and legal representation. It should be noted that not all Florida medical providers accept PIP insurance as a payment form for services provided. Because of this, it is even more in court to consult with a personal injury attorney to find out which doctors in the community accept PIP payments and which doctors are experienced in treating traumatic injuries associated with an automobile accident. For more information regarding automobile accident cases and claims in the State of Florida see Florida Automobile Accident. See also Florida Traffic Rules and Regulations - Frequently Asked Questions.

In Florida, there are dogs present in every community. Whether in a big city or small-town, Florida residents and visitors enjoy the ownership and companionship of the dog. Due to the number of dogs owned and present in the State of Florida, one would think that insurance for liability purposes would be required when a homeowner has possession and control of the dog. There is no Florida law in place that requires liability insurance by homeowners who own dogs. If a person owns a home and has always insurance, there may or may not be liability insurance regarding a dog bite injury. Some homeowners insurance policies cover injuries and expenses related to a dog bite related injuries. Some homeowners insurance policies do not include such coverage. Other homeowners insurance policies specifically exclude coverage for a dog bite related injuries and damages. Homeowners insurance policies come in different forms and amounts. Coverage varies from home to home and from community to community. Because of this, it is important for a dog bite injury victim to obtain and review a homeowners policy to determine if there is a insurance coverage for the damages and bills related to the dog bite injury.

A Florida personal injury lawyer can assist a dog bite victim with the review of the policy and provide legal representation for the damages caused by the Florida dog bite / attack. Under Florida law, a dog owner is liable for injuries caused by a dog bite. This is covered under Florida Statutes Chapter 767. Beyond the liability statute, the are practical challenges to pursuing a dog bite injury case in the State of Florida. When a child is injured by a dog bite incident in Florida, it is often helpful to read the statutes and other materials on this topic. The book title - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Dog Bite Injuries, Homeowners Insurance, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. The information in this book regarding dog bite injuries applies equally to children and adults. You can receive this book for free at - The ABCs of Child Injury.

Another resource available for victims of dog bites and their families is the Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. Website. Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. has been representing dog bite victims in the State of Florida since 1957. Knowing the importance of these cases and the severity of injuries that often occur, Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. has information on the website for most Florida counties at - Florida Dog Leash Laws - Frequently Asked Questions and Florida Dangerous Dog Laws - Frequently Asked Questions.

In Florida, passengers are the unfortunate victims of automobile accidents. Some suffer very serious personal injuries due to the negligence of one or more drivers. When a passenger suffers personal injuries in a Florida automobile accident, the passenger has the legal right to the person or persons at fault for the accident. Furthermore, the passenger has the legal right to pursue the owner of any vehicle in which the driver was wholly or partially at fault for the automobile accident. Florida is a comparative fault state. In other words, the fault or liability for an automobile accident can be apportioned or assessed against more than one driver depending on the facts and circumstances of the accident. Whether one or more than one driver is at fault, the passenger typically bears no fault or responsibility for the automobile accident.

When a passenger is injured in an automobile accident, it is important to for the passenger and his or her family to know what legal rights the injured passenger has to compensation, damages, and insurance benefits. A claim or case may be pursued against the driver of the vehicle occupied by the passenger if that driver was liable or at fault in whole or part for the automobile accident. Cases and claims can be complicated as to coverage especially when the vehicle is driven by a parent or household family member. When a person is injured in a Florida Automobile Accident, it is often times helpful and important for the injury victim to retain the services of a Florida Automobile Accident Attorney for advice, consultation, and legal representation. These claims or cases are handled on a contingency basis. In other words, if there is no financial recovery of money, there will be no costs or attorney fees assessed to the client from the law firm. Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. is a Florida law firm that has been representing personal injury automobile accident victims since 1957.

Florida roads and highways are often the sites of tragic automobile accidents. One such automobile accident was reported in Duval County, Florida. It was reported by the Jacksonville Times Union that a driver of a Toyota vehicle pulled into the path of a semi truck. The driver and two passengers in the Toyota died as a result of this Florida automobile / trucking accident. Since this Florida accident resulted in deaths, the Florida Highway Patrol will be conducting a homicide investigation to determine the cause and preventability of this tragic automobile / trucking accident. The deaths of the people in the Toyota will certainly be a great loss for their families, neighborhoods, and communities. See Tragic Automobile / Trucking Accident Reported in Maxville Florida.

This is a question that is often posed by injury victims who have been in a Florida automobile accident. When a person is injured in an automobile accident, the injury victim may qualify for benefits under an automobile insurance policy held by the injury victim or a resident family member. Not all that all medical providers in the State of Florida accept PIP benefits under an automobile insurance policy. In fact, more medical providers do not accept such payments as compared to the medical providers that do. Currently, there is no list online or through an automobile insurance policy or otherwise that provide the names of the medical providers in a particular community that accept personal injury protection benefits for an automobile accident. How I do I find out if a particular medical provider accepts PIP benefits? This is another good question. There are several ways in which you can make this determination. You can contact the medical provider directly and ask the assistant or the office manager if the PIP benefits are accepted for payment. You can also ask a friend who may have been in an automobile accident where he or she got treatment and if the benefits are accepted by the medical provider. Alternatively, you can contact a Florida personal injury attorney for help and guidance regarding medical providers in the community that accept PIP and treat automobile accident victims.

Florida automobile Insurance policies, laws, and especially PIP benefits and provisions can be quite confusing to the typical person. Because of this is an important to contact me Florida automobile accident attorney for consultation, advice, and legal representation when there is a Florida automobile accident. A Florida personal injury attorney can let you know what resources and medical providers are available in the community that will treat a patient under PIP and Med Pay benefits. There is no legal requirement that any particular medical provider accept automobile insurance benefits to treat a patient. In fact, some medical providers have made a business decision to specifically reject or not accept benefits under the PIP policy. Some of these medical providers may believe that the type of work is beneath them or simply a hassle especially if litigation made may result. Other medical providers who accept PIP benefits are more understanding and except accept this form payment with the knowledge that the person needs the medical care and has no other source of payment. There may be no other benefits available, and, yes, litigation may result in the future. Furthermore, some medical providers including orthopedists, neurologists, therapists, and chiropractors are just more comfortable treating automobile accident victims then others.

It is important when there is an automobile accident to understand your legal rights and the available insurance benefits. The automobile accident attorneys at Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. have been representing automobile injury victims in the State of Florida since 1957. The firm's motto - On Your Side - At Your Side - certainly applies to automobile accident cases. We are On Your Side - At Your Side - for legal advice and representation when you are a victim in a Florida automobile accident.