Personal Injury

December 12, 2019

Examples of Comparative Negligence in Miami Car Accidents

While it is true that some Miami car accidents leave no doubt in terms of who caused the incident, there are many others that are not so clear-cut. Most auto collisions involve multiple contributing factors about which motorist’s conduct was a primary or secondary cause, and Florida’s law on comparative fault addresses this type of situation. The statute states that your potential compensation in a motor vehicle crash claim may be reduced if your own actions are linked to the accident. Your monetary damages are decreased proportionally by the percentage of your fault.

In other words, you not only need to prove that the other driver was at fault – but you also need to present evidence that you were NOT, or that your contribution to the accident was minimal. A Miami car accidents attorney can explain the details, since contributory fault involves many of the same negligent acts you might allege against the other motorist. For instance, you could receive less in compensation if you were:

Speeding: When you are speeding, you have less time to react to traffic-related threats that can cause an accident. As such, even though the other driver may have been at fault by engaging in other careless actions, you could also contribute to the incident because you were traveling faster than what officials have set as the safe speed limit for that particular area.

November 19, 2019

Types of Experts in Miami Personal Injury Cases

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Any time you are hurt in a car crash, slip and fall, by a defective product, or because of medical malpractice, proof is critical for getting the compensation you deserve under Florida law. Evidence is the basis for your legal rights, particularly with respect to liability and the nature of your injuries. Both fault and your losses can be complicated, which is why Miami personal injury lawyers work with experts as additional resources for claims in personal injury cases. You can trust your attorney to handle the details and retain the right people to assist, but you may find it helpful to learn the roles and types of experts that may participate in your matter.

Experts Play a Major Role in Personal Injury Cases

In sum, these individuals fill in the gaps where specialized support is essential to proving your claim. Lawyers have considerable knowledge in legal concepts, but they may not possess the meticulous, technical background in other key areas of a personal injury case. As such, attorneys rely on those who do have relevant expertise.

November 12, 2019

Can I Recover Compensation for Injuries at a Miami AirBnB?

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

AirBnB and related home sharing services seem almost too good to be true. You can make arrangements to stay in a private home for a fee, which is often less than booking a hotel room. In a hot tourist destination like Miami, you can even get a unique or hard-to-get space that you would never have access to through traditional accommodations sources.

However, because AirBnB is such an innovative approach to lodging, you might wonder how your rights work if you are injured as a guest. Accidents often occur because of negligence, but you may not know where to begin with obtaining compensation for your losses. You can discuss the details with a Miami premises liability attorney, but read on for some general information about injuries and AirBnB rentals.

AirBnb Protects Guests with a $1,000,000 Insurance Policy

October 24, 2019

Depositions in Miami Car Accident Claims: What You Need to Know

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

If you are pursuing your legal remedies as the victim of a motor vehicle crash, it is likely that the responsible driver’s insurance company will request that you appear for a deposition. Under the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, it is each party’s right to depose the other in connection with litigation. Plus, depositions are a common strategy for the narrowing legal issues involved when you are trying to work out a settlement.

However, beyond the basics, there is not much information on the point of depositions and what to expect. Your Miami car accidents attorney will provide guidance and represent you during the proceedings, but a background on depositions in auto crash claims may also be helpful.

Overview of Deposition Proceedings

October 22, 2019

How to be the Best Client Your Miami Personal Injury Ever Had

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Whether you were injured due to a car crash, slip and fall, defective product, or other accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, it is wise to retain an attorney to assist with your case as soon as possible. For one, the Florida statute of limitations is four years. Plus, there are far too many legal complications to try to handle the claims process yourself, especially when you should be focusing on recovery.

However, you should not expect an attorney to tackle your case without help from you. You need to be involved to provide essential support and perform tasks that are within your purview. Your Miami personal injury lawyer can tell you what you can do to ensure you get the top compensation available in an accident case, but here are a few ways you can be a model client.

Follow Doctor’s Orders

October 17, 2019

Speeding is a Primary Factor in Miami Car Accidents

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

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