Personal Injury

October 17, 2019

Speeding is a Primary Factor in Miami Car Accidents

Most drivers are well-aware of the dangers of speeding, but recent information published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sheds some light on the severity of the problem. Speeding has been a factor in around one-third of all fatal motor vehicle accidents for the last 20 years, and it contributed to 26% of such incidents in 2017. Not only does speed lead to a high number of fatalities, but it is also a top cause of serious injury-causing crashes.

If you were hurt or lost a loved one in an auto collision caused by someone else’s negligent acts, including speeding, it is important to contact a Miami car accidents attorney right away. In the meantime, you can also review some information on the dangers of speeding.

How Speed Limits Impact Safety on Florida’s Roads

October 8, 2019

How Much can I Recover After a Miami Truck Accident?

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

You are probably not surprised to learn that crashes involving semis and other large trucks are among the most serious accidents on Florida roadways. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, these vehicles and their trailers can outweigh a passenger vehicle by as much as 20-30 times, depending on the cargo. Plus, in terms of distance, 18-wheelers can take up to 40% more space to stop as compared to cars.

Considering the severe, potentially catastrophic injuries that result from these crashes, you are probably wondering what you can recover as compensation if you are a victim. The question is difficult, since every case is different and depends upon your unique circumstances. However, Miami truck accident attorney can provide information on the factors that affect the amount of monetary damages, including:

The Costs of Medical Treatment

October 3, 2019

Reasons to Avoid Social Media After a Miami Car Accident

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Billions of people around the world are active on social media on a regular – sometimes hourly – basis, according to data published by social media intelligence company BrandWatch. There are 2.2 billion users spending an average of 142 minutes per day on such platforms as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and others. Based on the popularity of social media and ability to stay in touch with family and friends, it is no surprise that victims of auto collisions often share information regarding their ordeal with their network

Unfortunately, there is such a thing as sharing too much. A Miami car accident attorney can explain in more detail, but you should understand why some of your actions adversely affect your crash claim.

Why Avoiding Social Media is Important

October 1, 2019

How do Miami Personal Injury Attorneys Bill for Legal Fees?

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Whether you have heard them on TV, the internet, or over the radio, you are definitely familiar with the language in some ads for legal services. You know such promises as:

You do not pay unless you win;
No legal fees until we win your case; and,

September 12, 2019

Your Post-Accident Journal as the Victim of a Florida Car Crash

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Besides hiring a Miami car accident attorney, one of the most important things you can do as the victim of a crash is to start a journal regarding your experiences. You will face considerable challenges in attempting to recover compensation through an insurance claim, since you can expect the adjuster to dispute everything from fault to the nature of your injuries. Having your own documentation enhances your credibility, provides support for damages claim, and helps your lawyer fight for your rights. Plus, a diary can also serve to refresh your memory regarding details you may not be able to recall.

Here are a few items to include when starting your post-accident journal.

Details Regarding the Accident

September 10, 2019

What is New in E-Scooter Liability and Laws

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Take a stroll through Downtown Miami or other major US cities, and you are bound to see that more people are getting around on a new form of transportation — electric scooters, or e-scooters as they are called by service providers Bird and Lime. These vehicles have been on the streets of Miami since April 2019 under a six-month pilot program, but e-scooters have raised considerable controversy in other locations where they are operating on a more permanent basis. The latest from Consumer Reports reveals that eight people have died and another 1,500 riders have been injured across 47 cities since e-scooter services launched in late 2017.

E-scooter accidents are a relatively new area of law, so it is important to trust a Miami personal injury lawyer to handle the legal details if you were hurt. Meanwhile, there are some important points to note about e-scooter liability.

Safety Measures are Not Enforced

September 5, 2019

The Extreme Nature of Underrides in Florida Truck Accidents

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Any truck collision can lead to serious injuries due to the size difference between an 18-wheeler and a passenger vehicle, but underride crashes are among the most horrific. An “underride” impact occurs when a smaller car slides underneath a truck’s trailer, often smashing the roof, shearing it off, or penetrating into the cabin. Though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has enacted numerous rules requiring trucks to install preventative safety equipment, these crashes are still a severe threat. They can lead to catastrophic injuries that change the lives of victims forever.

If you were hurt in an underride crash, a Miami truck accident attorney can explain your rights and potential legal options to seek compensation. You may also find some general information to be useful.

What You Should Know About Underride Accidents

September 3, 2019

How to Calculate Pain and Suffering in a Florida Personal Injury Claim

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

The consequences of an injury-causing accident can be extensive, going beyond the costs of medical treatment and lost wages when you cannot work. There are effects for your quality of life, routine, and personal relationships, which could be long-term. You could also suffer emotionally because of your injuries, as depression, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and other medical conditions are common.

Florida law allows you to recover compensation for these issues, which are commonly referred to as pain and suffering. However, there must be some basis for proving them to receive these amounts as monetary damages. Talk to your Miami personal injury lawyer about the details, and read on for some general information.

Understanding Pain and Suffering

August 29, 2019

Eight Driving Safety Tips to Reduce the Likelihood of Car Accidents in Miami

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

There will always be motor vehicle accidents in Florida, but there are some ways you can reduce the chance that they will happen to you. Safe driving tips go above and beyond following the traffic laws stated in the Official Florida Driver License Handbook, and there is more to avoiding collisions than what you may have learned in driver’s ed.

You can rely on a Miami car accidents lawyer to protect your rights if you are involved in a crash, but check out some recommendations in hopes that you will never be in such a position.

Do Not Drive Drunk or Stoned: Despite enormous public awareness campaigns regarding the dangers, some motorists still take the risk by getting behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs. Never drive after having even just a couple of alcoholic beverages. Call a friend, Uber, or Lyft to get you home safely.

August 27, 2019

Common Personal Injury Cases in Miami That are Not Car Accidents

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Many people commonly associate personal injury cases with car accidents, and it is true that many of these matters involve collisions. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Crash Dashboard for 2018, there were more than 646,000 crashes in Miami-Dade County alone.

However, there are many other types of accidents and incidents that lead to serious injuries for victims, many of which could have been avoided. Discuss your situation with a Miami personal injury attorney if you were hurt under any of the following circumstances.

Negligence-Based Claims