The peaceful streets of our community were overshadowed by tragedy on a recent evening, casting a somber tone over the festivities of Bike Week. The team at Iacobelli Law Firm extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends affected by the devastating accident near DeLeon Springs, particularly to those mourning the loss of a loved one—a 39-year-old woman from Palm Coast. Her life was cut tragically short while she was riding on the back of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, in an incident that reminds us all of the unforeseen dangers on the road.
In the aftermath of such heartbreaking events, it's crucial to not only come together as a community to support those grieving but also to understand the legal avenues available for seeking justice and compensation. Tragedies like these highlight the importance of being informed about your rights, especially in situations where negligence may have played a critical role. Legal Rights and Remedies in Florida For Florida Motorcycle Accidents In Florida, when a fatal accident occurs, particularly involving motor vehicles, the law provides specific remedies through wrongful death claims. These claims are designed to offer financial support to the survivors and dependents of the deceased, covering losses such as funeral expenses, lost support and services, and emotional suffering. The recent incident, according to the Florida Highway Patrol, occurred when an SUV, driven by a 78-year-old man from Ormond Beach, failed to adhere to a stop sign and collided with the motorcycle. Such cases underscore the critical importance of yielding and observing traffic signs, especially during high-traffic events like Bike Week. The ongoing investigation will likely scrutinize the SUV driver's adherence to traffic laws, potentially paving the way for a wrongful death claim by the victim's family. How We Can Help At Iacobelli Law Firm, we are dedicated to guiding families through the complex legal process following such tragedies. Our expertise in wrongful death and personal injury law in Florida enables us to fight for the justice and compensation our clients deserve. If you or someone you know has been affected by a similar incident, we encourage you to reach out for a free consultation. Remember, you are not alone in this journey—legal support can be a crucial step towards healing and recovery. Seeking Justice Together The road to recovery after losing a loved one in an accident is long and fraught with challenges. While we cannot undo the pain and loss, together, we can seek justice and ensure that such tragedies are met with the full weight of the law. Contact Iacobelli Law Firm today to learn more about your rights and how we can support you during this difficult time. Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices in Palm Beach County Florida. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries, Catastrophic Injuries, and wrongful death. Andrew is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
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In the latest video from Iacobelli Law Firm, we tackle the distressing and complex issue of nursing home negligence. Andrew and Colton sit down to discuss nursing home cases, and to shed light on what constitutes negligence in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, the common injuries that arise, how to identify negligence, and the process of seeking legal help and compensation.
Understanding Nursing Home Negligence Colton begins by explaining that nursing home negligence cases often stem from the breach of care by nursing home staff or agencies, resulting in personal injuries to residents. These injuries can range from slip and falls to bed sores and even wrongful death. Families seek out legal assistance when they suspect their loved ones have suffered due to such negligence. Identifying Common Injuries and Negligence The types of injuries seen in these cases are severe, including broken bones, head injuries, and bed sores, which sometimes lead to fatal outcomes. Families often realize the possibility of negligence through visible injuries on their loved ones or being informed by the nursing home about an accident. This suspicion drives them to seek legal advice to explore the potential for a claim. Compensation and Legal Process Colton discusses the compensation aspect, highlighting that recovery can include compensation for pain and suffering, future care costs, and out-of-pocket expenses. Even if a resident was in poor health before an incident, they might still have a valid claim, underscoring the responsibility of nursing homes to adhere to care plans. The Role of Incident Reports and Regulatory Bodies For a successful case, lawyers require incident reports, pictures of injuries, and information on any breaches of codes set by regulatory bodies governing nursing homes. These elements are crucial in establishing negligence and seeking remedies. Insurance and Nursing Homes Nursing homes are typically covered by insurance policies, making most claims against nursing homes effectively insurance claims. This coverage is vital for families seeking compensation for negligence. Taking Action Families unsure about the viability of a claim, especially when communication barriers exist due to conditions like dementia, are encouraged to consult with a lawyer promptly. Early legal consultation ensures the necessary documentation and evidence can be gathered efficiently. Importance of Timely Legal Consultation The conversation wraps up with an emphasis on the importance of contacting a lawyer as soon as an injury is suspected. Early intervention by legal professionals can facilitate investigations and preserve crucial evidence, making a significant difference in the outcome of a claim. Colton concludes by urging anyone involved in a nursing home personal injury matter to reach out for legal assistance without delay, ensuring that their rights and the well-being of their loved ones are protected. If you or someone you know is navigating the aftermath of nursing home negligence, we're here to help. Our expertise in handling these sensitive and complex cases can provide the guidance and support you need. Contact us today for more information. Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices in Palm Beach County Florida. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries, Catastrophic Injuries, and wrongful death. Andrew is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. As a Florida car accident attorney, it is crucial for you to be well-informed about the state's auto insurance requirements to ensure you are adequately protected in the event of an accident. Florida law mandates that owners of motor vehicles with four or more wheels must carry a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability insurance. There are different requirements for vehicles with less than four wheels, such as motorcycles.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance: PIP insurance provides coverage regardless of fault, offering up to $10,000 (minus deductibles) for medical expenses, lost wages, and death benefits. To qualify for PIP benefits, initial services and care must be received within 14 days of the accident. Coverage extends to the policyholder, relatives living in the same household, certain passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. PIP also covers acts of violence against the policyholder while driving, including injuries from road rage or carjackings. For accidents occurring outside Florida but within the U.S. or Canada, PIP covers the policyholder and household relatives only when driving their own vehicle. Property Damage Liability Insurance: Property Damage Liability insurance covers damage caused by you or your family members to another person's property while driving, including fences, telephone poles, buildings, and other vehicles. This coverage applies even if you are driving someone else's car, depending on your policy's terms. Bodily Injury Liability Insurance: While not mandatory in Florida, Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) coverage is required for individuals convicted of DUI for three years after license reinstatement. The minimum coverage is $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, along with $50,000 in property damage coverage. BIL pays for serious injuries or death caused by the policyholder's car, covering you, relatives, and authorized drivers. There are other situations where a driver is required to show financial responsibility or have Bodily Injury Liability limits of at least $10,000 per person and $20,000 per accident. Other Optional Coverages: Many drivers opt for additional coverages beyond the mandatory PIP and Property Damage Liability, including Collision, Comprehensive, Uninsured Motorist, Medical Payment, Towing, Rental Reimbursement, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance. Contact us for a Free Consultation. Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices in Palm Beach County Florida. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries, Catastrophic Injuries, and wrongful death. Andrew is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. The birth of a child is a momentous occasion filled with joy and anticipation. Unfortunately, in some cases, the joy can turn to despair when birth injuries occur due to the negligence of medical professionals. If you suspect that your child has suffered a birth injury in Florida, it is crucial to understand your rights and take appropriate actions to seek justice. This article will guide you through the process of birth injury claims in Florida and offer insights into what steps you can take if you suspect your child's injury was a result of medical negligence.
Understanding Birth Injuries: Birth injuries can range from mild to severe and may include conditions such as cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, brachial plexus injuries, and other neurological or physical impairments. These injuries can occur during labor, delivery, or the immediate postnatal period and may result from medical malpractice, inadequate prenatal care, or improper use of medical instruments. Legal Grounds for Birth Injury Claims: In Florida, parents have the legal right to file birth injury claims if they believe their child's injuries were caused by the negligence of healthcare providers. To establish a valid claim, it is essential to prove that the medical professionals deviated from the standard of care, resulting in harm to the newborn. Common instances of negligence may include failure to monitor fetal distress, improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors, delayed C-section, or administering incorrect medications. Steps to Take If You Suspect Birth Injury:
Dealing with a birth injury can be emotionally and financially overwhelming. If you suspect your child was injured during birth due to medical negligence in Florida, it's crucial to take swift and informed action. Consult with a knowledgeable birth injury attorney to understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and work towards obtaining the compensation your family deserves. While the journey may be challenging, seeking justice for your child's birth injury is an important step in ensuring accountability and promoting safer healthcare practices. Contact us for a Free Consultation. Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices in Palm Beach County Florida. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries, Catastrophic Injuries, and wrongful death. Andrew is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Slip and Fall AccidentsIf you are injured while on vacation in Florida, you enjoy the same rights as a Florida resident. That means, Florida's civil laws are availble to you so that you can obtain compensation for your injuries and losses. The most common injuries that we see from visitors to Florida arise from car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and premises liability accidents such as slip and falls and trip and falls. Regardless, Florida residents and visitors enjoy civil remedies when injured due to the fault or negligence of another person or corporation. If you believe that your injury in Florida was caused because of another person's negligence, then you may be able to advance a claim for money damages.
There are some unique challenges with cases involving visitors to Florida, mostly related to medical treatment and expert opinions. We have the experience to guide you through this process to help make your claim as smooth and stress free as possible. In most instances, you will not have to return to Florida to make your injury claim. We can handle the proceedings on your behalf. Many proceedings can also be accomplished by video conferencing. Generally you have 2 years from the date of the injury to commence a lawsuit in the State of Florida. Although this sounds like a long time, it is not. Waiting to get started can be devastating to your claim. Most cases resolve without a lawsuit and require prompt action to get the insurance company to pay your claim. If you are not from Florida, you may be concerned about the expense of hiring a lawyer in Florida to assist you with your injury claim. You should know that we accept cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us nothing unless we recover money for you. If you were injured while on vacation in Florida, call us to learn about your rights. We are available to you 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Contact us now to learn more or to request a Free Consultation. Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices in Palm Beach County Florida. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries, Catastrophic Injuries, and wrongful death. Andrew is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. The importance of having the right treatment team after an accident
Thanks for tuning in. So on today's video, we're going to talk about the importance of having the right treatment team after an accident or other injury. While it's important to have legal representation to advance your claim, it's also extremely important to have the right treatment team in place. And so what do I mean by treatment team? Those are your health care providers, your primary care physician, and specialists to help you in your recovery after an accident. The reason that's important, obviously, is, first and foremost, for your health. Your outcome in terms of your recovery is going to depend largely on your access to the right kind of treatment early on when it really matters. We always suggest. Do not delay. Get treatment. Follow all of the advice of your health care providers. Work really hard at getting the right kind of treatment for your specific injuries. How healthcare and treatment affects your personal injury claim But in the context of a personal injury claim, having the right team of health care providers can also play a major role in the ultimate outcome of your case. I'll give you an example. If I represent three different clients, all involved in a car accident, all rear-enders, so they're sitting on a light and they get rear ended in a car accident, and their injuries are soft tissue, neck pain, back pain, nothing's broken. Those kind of cases in particular can involve different doctors. Each one of those could be completely different. As opposed to, you know, a fracture of a joint. where the orthopedic surgeons typically treat them in the same fashion with a surgery and plates and screws and that sort of thing. But in soft tissue cases in particular, the medical treatment could be completely different. So, one of those people might have simply seen a chiropractor. The other may be their primary care physician and physiotherapy. And the third may be their primary care physician, some other medical specialist like a physical medicine or rehabilitation specialist, or an orthopedic surgeon. Psychologists, because of their mood changes and the impact the injuries are having on their outlook and mood, you have similar accidents, similar injuries, but they're treated very differently in terms of their health care team. Healthcare + Specialists = Stronger Case Those three cases will have. three different outcomes in terms of the value of the case, not because their injuries are different, not because one person is hurt more than the other, but simply because the healthcare team in the third example, with many physicians and and healthcare providers documenting the symptoms, offering treatment, following advice would be a far more compelling case. And that person is likely to have a much better result at the end in terms of the compensation they receive. Ask for referrals for healthcare providers and specialists It is very important to, in some instances, be your own medical advocate. Ask for those referrals. Ask to see specialists. Ask for imaging to rule out more significant injuries. Try to get the best treatment team you possibly can get. Now, your lawyer can also sometimes offer advice and suggestions on healthcare providers or types of treatment you might want to consider in consultation with your lawyer, have those discussions and also with your primary care physician or your existing treatment team, have those discussions and ask what else can be done to try to get better. Approach your own insurance company doctor referrals with caution If your own insurance is recommending clinics or treatment providers after an accident. You might want to exercise some caution when considering the advice your own insurance company has given you. Keep in mind, insurance companies are driven by profit. They make profits by paying out as little as possible on claims. I wouldn't suggest following their advice when it comes to treatment providers or clinics. Get advice from your own health care team, your lawyer, your friends, your family, pretty much anyone else other than the insurance company on where you can get the best care and treatment after an accident. How insurance company medical assessments may affect your case In addition to helping you recover and get a good outcome for your health, it's important to understand how insurance companies deal with your medical records and how that influences the amount of money they ultimately pay you for your claim. The insurance company will ultimately get a copy of all of your clinical notes and records related to the accident and they will go through them and read the details of the symptoms, the injuries, the treatment that's helping you. Insurance companies only have so many tools, okay? And one of their tools to deny or defeat claims is to send you to their own doctors, their own assessments. Doctor, they pay a lot of money to, to see you for an hour or less. and write a report saying you're not as bad as you say you are. In fact, you're probably not bad at all. You've made a full recovery and on that basis, the insurance company will say they don't have to pay you anything. If you don't have a strong healthcare team, it's really easy for the insurance company to try to defeat what you're saying about your symptoms or your injuries. Consider that report in the context of a whole lot of treatment records saying this person is working really hard to get better, they're still having symptoms, they've made some gains, but they're still having problems, and here are their problems. Protect yourself with doctors and healthcare providers that are on your side And these are a bunch of treatment providers, healthcare providers, and their focus is on your health and your recovery, as opposed to the insurance. Doctor that's focused on not treating you whatsoever, but only writing a report that serves the insurance company. When you compare those two opinions, the treatment team opinions are going to be stronger and more credible. But if you don't have your own team of doctors and healthcare providers treating you, then you can see it's really easy for the insurance company to defeat your claim. At the end of the day, insurance companies are all about risk. They're not paying you because they have any compassion. for you or your injuries or they want to do the right thing. They only pay where they are at risk of paying more by not settling. A healthcare team, a strong robust team of treatment providers that knows you, knows your injuries and is willing to ultimately, if necessary, testify on your behalf is a great risk to the insurance company. They know, and their lawyers know, those are more difficult cases to defeat, and so they will tend to pay those cases and fight the people that don't have that. It's really a no lose situation, by getting the treatment you need, but also in the context of your case, you're more likely to receive a fair settlement than someone that doesn't treat, even if they have the same symptoms, same injuries. You want to put yourself in the best position to get better and also to demonstrate to the insurance company the nature and severity of your injuries. And the best way to do that is to get healthcare providers that are best suited to treat your particular symptoms. If you're wondering about what these different healthcare providers do, we do have some other videos where we've interviewed some healthcare providers. So, check out those videos where you can learn a little bit more about what they do and how they might help you following an injury. There are a lot of doctors out there with specialties, take advantage of their specialized knowledge and get the help you need. Have Questions? Contact Us Today! Protect yourself in terms of your health and your rights to advance a claim and if you have any questions about this or any other of the topics we might have covered, feel free to give us a call. We offer free consultations. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Significance of documenting all of your injuries and symptoms after an accident or personal injury
Thanks for joining us today. We're going to be talking about the importance of reporting all of your injuries and symptoms following an accident or injury. In the immediate aftermath of an accident, whether it's a car accident or a trip and fall or some other type of event resulting in injury. Very often people will focus on only those symptoms that are most painful at that time or most serious, seemingly serious at that time. Establish the connection between your accident and ALL of your injuries and symptoms So for instance, if someone sustained a broken bone probably that's going to be the emphasis of their initial presentation to the hospital, presentation with the EMS. Similarly with their follow up, with their primary care physician or specialist dealing with that fracture or broken bone. But, there might be a whole host of other symptoms and injuries that this person is also experiencing that they may feel are less important or less significant at that time. And that could be neck pain, or back pain, or shoulder pain. Maybe over the next three or four months, the person will continue to deal with the broken bone and sort of leave these other things in the background thinking they're going to get better. What sometimes happens is the more obvious injury, the injury that started off as the bigger problem, like the broken rib or the broken bone. It heals, and that pain goes away, and now you start to recognize, well, it's been four months and the neck and the back or these other symptoms that you thought were not as significant and would also resolve are still there, and maybe they're even getting worse with time, and so now three or four or five months later, You start reporting that to your doctor. How to protect yourself against denial of claims by the insurance company The insurance company will use that gap, that period of time from the date of the incident until months later when it's finally reported as proof. And they will say those injuries were not caused by the accident or they would have been reported immediately after the accident. And that's a really, really common tactic of insurance companies and their legal team to defeat claims and deny claims. So they're going to say, well, if your back and your neck and all these other symptoms really existed and were really problematic, why isn't it in the hospital records? Why isn't it in the primary care physicians records? And in fact, you went there three or four or five times or more in the first three or four months after the accident. And it's not mentioned once. And all we see is treatment for the broken bone. The insurance company will use that to say, this wasn't caused by the accident. This is your real problem. And this is what's preventing you from maybe returning to work or doing your daily activities. And they will deny your claim. And it's a strong defense, it's a tough defense to overcome. Why it's important to provide a clear record of injuries with your treating doctors and healthcare professionals Because even your primary care physician, even your treating doctor, if cross examined, if asked by the insurance company, will have to admit that it was not reported in the three or four months following the accident. And so as much as your primary care physician may support you and believe you that this was caused by the accident, their evidence, their opinion is vulnerable because they will have to admit that it's not contained in their clinical notes and records. And what that means is you didn't report it. Document and report all symptoms and injuries no matter how minor you think they are Don't give the insurance company an easy opportunity to defeat your claim. Don't just focus on the injury that's most significant and ignore those that you think are more minor and will probably get better with time. Report them all. It's better to report everything and then if they resolve and as they get better, they will fade away in terms of the treatment and the care you're recovering. So an easy way, a quick tip, easy way to remember to report all of your symptoms when you see your doctor is just think head to toe. Start from the top of your head. And work your way down to the tips of your toes and make sure you take full stock and full inventory of all of the symptoms, all of the injuries, and report each and every one to your family doctor. Even if they're not being treated at that point in time because they don't appear significant enough, it's important that they are recorded. Be sure to address any cognitive, emotional or psychological trauma caused by the accident Also, If you're feeling any non physical symptoms, if the injury has impacted your ability to think clearly, to recall information, to read and retain information, and to communicate with people. If it's changed your mood at all. Like, for instance, if you find yourself to be angrier than normal, if you feel symptoms of anxiety or panic or fear, or if you feel low or depressed. Even your sleep. Maybe you're sleeping more often. Maybe you're not sleeping as well, having difficulty falling asleep, or sometimes difficulty staying asleep. Make sure your doctor is aware of all of these symptoms. Because number one, if your doctor is aware of it, they'll be in a better position to treat you. And number two, help eliminate the possibility of the insurance company later on saying that these injuries and symptoms aren't from the accident. How do pre-existing injuries affect injury claims? Even if some of the new symptoms or injuries are superimposed on pre existing injuries. So, for instance, prior to the accident you already had occasional neck pain or low back pain. As a result of the accident, these symptoms are worse. The insurance company will look back at your records and they'll say, well, you didn't complain that it got worse in the first month or first week after an accident. And so now, several months later, you're saying your back and your neck are worse. But if it really was, we would expect to see that in the medical records. And the insurance company will use that against you and their lawyers will use that against you to argue you're now making that claim simply for financial gain. So, if any pre-existing conditions, Have been made worse as a result of the accident. It's also critically important that you let your doctor know that as soon after the accident as you possibly can. The value of family members and friends who observe changes in you after a personal injury or accident Sometimes after an accident, you know, some people aren't in a position to relate all of their symptoms. Maybe they're not even aware of all the changes to their behavior, to their mood. Or for instance, maybe it's a child or a minor that's just not able to articulate or communicate all their symptoms. In those circumstances, we would recommend bringing a loved one with you. Bring a family member, a close family member, or another loved one or friend with you someone that can help share the information with the physician. So obviously in the case of a child they would be accompanied by an adult. It would be the adult that would be responsible for communicating all of the symptoms. Sometimes husband and wife or other close family members particularly with non physical symptoms. Sometimes the best people to observe those changes are actually the people around you and not necessarily the person that was hurt. If there is any behavioral change, mood change, cognitive change, you recognize this in a loved one, then you should probably attend with them to the doctor's office so that you can share some of your observations as well. Have Questions? Contact Us Today! I hope you found this topic informative. You probably have more questions about your Injury claim. If you do, you're welcome to call us anytime. Schedule a free consultation. Our contact details are located in the show notes below. Thanks again. Today we're talking about your rights if you're a cyclist injured in a car accident. What kind of options do you have?
Important steps to take if you're a cyclist involved in a car accident Some important steps you might want to take if you're a cyclist that was involved in a car accident.
Oftentimes, in these kinds of accidents, bicycles operate a differently than cars. They're in different locations on the road. That could lead the operator of the motor vehicle, the person that hit you, to change their story to try to blame the cyclist. So it's important to get a lawyer early to investigate it to make sure they get a copy of the police report, interview witnesses if there are any, engage engineers if necessary to do an accident reconstruction and to preserve your rights and make sure that you can advance your claim against the at fault party and ultimately get paid by their insurance company. What forms of compensation are available to cyclists injured in a car accident? In terms of compensation, what's available for cyclists that are injured in a car accident? It's the usual compensation that would be available for anyone injured in a motor vehicle accident and that would include claims for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, really impacting your life and wellbeing. You can also claim for the economic or the pecuniary losses, and that would include things like medical expenses, support and services, so that could be services at home, assistance at home, housekeeping support, et cetera. In addition, income loss. So if the injury has prevented you from returning to work or if it's resulted in your missing work or resulted in a change in your occupation. You can claim for those losses as well. And it's important to also note that your lawyer will be trying not only to get you the losses that you immediately sustained but they'll also be working with you and your healthcare providers to identify whether you are gonna have any longer term complications that impact your function, your ability to work, et cetera. And trying to maximize your compensation so you can have security in the future as well. How to protect your rights as a cyclist against insurance companies The insurance company is going to look for opportunities to blame the cyclist. Again that gets back to just the nature of how bicycles operate on the road versus cars. They'll look at where your bicycle was in the roadway? Did you signal? Was the bike easy to see for a car? Was it reflective gear? What were you wearing, in terms of safety equipment? Were you wearing a helmet? Could that have prevented some or all of your injuries? Certainly insurance companies, they're gonna do their job at exploring and looking for ways to deflect blame, which in turn will save them money. So it's important again to have a lawyer that is looking out for you and making sure that your case is presented in the light most favorable to you, demonstrating that in fact, it wasn't your fault that it was really the fault of the vehicle that ultimately hit you. Some cities and some roads will have dedicated lanes for bicycles and awareness of the fact that bicycles and cyclists are more vulnerable and try to offer more protection for bicycles. That's great to see and it's expanding, we see it in big cities, but it's starting to expand to the suburbs as well. How to protect yourself when riding on country roads A lot of cyclists enjoy riding on country roads. They're often gravel, shoulders and ditches on the side. The roadway itself is narrower. Sometimes there are hills. And as scenic as those are, they can be more challenging for cyclists in terms of safety. So it's really important for cyclists to also look out for themselves. What are some common injuries seen in bicycle accidents? Bicycle accidents often result in very serious injuries. Common injuries include head injuries, traumatic brain injuries. In a good situation, maybe an extremity fracture, like a leg or an arm. Sadly, you also see lots of skull fractures and head injuries, spinal fractures. Sometimes those injuries are fatal. The injuries tend to be far more serious with cyclists. How to protect yourself as a cyclist and others riding with you Follow the rules of the road, obey traffic lights and other signals like stop signs. Make yourself visible. You often see many cyclists like to wear bright colored clothing, that's very helpful. Helmet goes without saying to protect yourself as best you can. For children, teach them proper etiquette when riding their bike. Make sure they look out for themselves. Try to make eye contact with other vehicles before crossing, and if possible, ride with your children when you're sharing the road with cars. Those are just some tips that we would share based on accidents that we've seen involving cyclists. What to do if you're a cyclist hit by an unidentified vehicle? Unfortunately, sometimes with cycling accidents, sometimes the cyclist is never able to identify the vehicle that hit them. So this would be a situation where they may be riding a bike, they get hit by a car and the car just never stops. So it turns out to be a hit and run accident. Those are a whole unique area on their own hit and run accidents. We have a video specifically on hit and run accidents, but what I'll say here is, fortunately in most situations, even if it turns out to be a hit and run and the vehicle driver of the vehicle itself is never identified, there still may be an avenue for you to recover your losses. Have Questions? Contact us today! Call us, we're happy to talk to you about your specific insurance policy or coverages that may be available. Our telephone lines are open to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week or you can request a free consultation on our website. We're happy to have a free consultation with you to answer your questions. Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices in Palm Beach County Florida. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries, Catastrophic Injuries, and wrongful death. Andrew is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Data from 2022 and 2023 reveals that nearly one-third of all crashes in Florida occur in the tri-county region of Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade. At Iacobelli Law Firm, we closely monitor the data provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The tri-county area consistently records a disproportionately high number of crashes when compared to most other regions of Florida.
Here are our thoughts on some of the reasons for the higher than average crash rates in South Florida. Population Density and Urbanization: The surge in population and rapid urbanization in South Florida has outpaced the development of road infrastructure. As a consequence, our roads face congestion and challenges that heighten the risk of collisions. Traffic Congestion and Infrastructure Challenges: Traffic congestion is not just an inconvenience; it's a significant contributor to accidents. With increased investment in road infrastructure and upgrades that alleviate congestion, there will be enhanced overall road safety. Diverse Demographics and Driving Styles: As a tourist destination, South Florida attracts drivers from all over the world. With that comes different driving customs and styles. Furthermore, when drivers are not familiar with the routes or surroundings, there can be a higher crash rate. Weather and Environmental Factors: The tropical climate of South Florida also contributes to higher speeds by motorists. It's no secret that people drive faster when they have the confidence of good weather and road conditions. Increased speed leads to more serious crashes and injuries. Conclusion Whether navigating the bustling streets of Palm Beach, Broward, or Miami-Dade counties, every driver and pedestrian plays a crucial role in fostering a safer environment on our roads. As you take to the road through the vibrant landscapes of South Florida, remember that safety is a shared responsibility. Adhering to traffic rules, respecting fellow road users, and staying vigilant are critical to preventing accidents. To learn more about your rights, call us for a Free Consultation today. Call our Florida Injury law firm 24/7 at 866-234-6093 or Request a Free Consultation here. Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices in Palm Beach County Florida. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries, Catastrophic Injuries, and wrongful death. Andrew is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Strengthen Your Injury Claim with the Right Medical Treatment Team
On today's video, we're going to talk about the importance of having the right treatment team after an accident or other injury. While it's important to have legal representation to advance your claim, it's also extremely important to have the right treatment team in place. And so what do I mean by treatment team? Those are your health care providers, your primary care physician, and specialists to help you in your recovery after an accident. The reason that's important, obviously, is, first and foremost, for your health. Your outcome in terms of your recovery is going to depend largely on your access to the right kind of treatment early on when it really matters. We always suggest. Do not delay. Get treatment. Follow all of the advice of your health care providers. Work really hard at getting the right kind of treatment for your specific injuries. How healthcare and treatment affects your personal injury claim But in the context of a personal injury claim, having the right team of health care providers can also play a major role in the ultimate outcome of your case. I'll give you an example. If I represent three different clients, all involved in a car accident, all rear-enders, so they're sitting on a light and they get rear ended in a car accident, and their injuries are soft tissue, neck pain, back pain, nothing's broken. Those kind of cases in particular can involve different doctors. Each one of those could be completely different. As opposed to, you know, a fracture of a joint. where the orthopedic surgeons typically treat them in the same fashion with a surgery and plates and screws and that sort of thing. But in soft tissue cases in particular, the medical treatment could be completely different. So, one of those people might have simply seen a chiropractor. The other may be their primary care physician and physiotherapy. And the third may be their primary care physician, some other medical specialist like a physical medicine or rehabilitation specialist, or an orthopedic surgeon. Psychologists, because of their mood changes and the impact the injuries are having on their outlook and mood, you have similar accidents, similar injuries, but they're treated very differently in terms of their health care team. Healthcare + Specialists = Stronger Case Those three cases will have. three different outcomes in terms of the value of the case, not because their injuries are different, not because one person is hurt more than the other, but simply because the healthcare team in the third example, with many physicians and and healthcare providers documenting the symptoms, offering treatment, following advice would be a far more compelling case. And that person is likely to have a much better result at the end in terms of the compensation they receive. Ask for referrals for healthcare providers and specialists It is very important to, in some instances, be your own medical advocate. Ask for those referrals. Ask to see specialists. Ask for imaging to rule out more significant injuries. Try to get the best treatment team you possibly can get. Now, your lawyer can also sometimes offer advice and suggestions on healthcare providers or types of treatment you might want to consider in consultation with your lawyer, have those discussions and also with your primary care physician or your existing treatment team, have those discussions and ask what else can be done to try to get better. Approach your own insurance company doctor referrals with caution If your own insurance is recommending clinics or treatment providers after an accident. You might want to exercise some caution when considering the advice your own insurance company has given you. Keep in mind, insurance companies are driven by profit. They make profits by paying out as little as possible on claims. I wouldn't suggest following their advice when it comes to treatment providers or clinics. Get advice from your own health care team, your lawyer, your friends, your family, pretty much anyone else other than the insurance company on where you can get the best care and treatment after an accident. How insurance company medical assessments may affect your case In addition to helping you recover and get a good outcome for your health, it's important to understand how insurance companies deal with your medical records and how that influences the amount of money they ultimately pay you for your claim. The insurance company will ultimately get a copy of all of your clinical notes and records related to the accident and they will go through them and read the details of the symptoms, the injuries, the treatment that's helping you. Insurance companies only have so many tools, okay? And one of their tools to deny or defeat claims is to send you to their own doctors, their own assessments. Doctor, they pay a lot of money to, to see you for an hour or less. and write a report saying you're not as bad as you say you are. In fact, you're probably not bad at all. You've made a full recovery and on that basis, the insurance company will say they don't have to pay you anything. If you don't have a strong healthcare team, it's really easy for the insurance company to try to defeat what you're saying about your symptoms or your injuries. Consider that report in the context of a whole lot of treatment records saying this person is working really hard to get better, they're still having symptoms, they've made some gains, but they're still having problems, and here are their problems. Protect yourself with doctors and healthcare providers that are on your side And these are a bunch of treatment providers, healthcare providers, and their focus is on your health and your recovery, as opposed to the insurance. Doctor that's focused on not treating you whatsoever, but only writing a report that serves the insurance company. When you compare those two opinions, the treatment team opinions are going to be stronger and more credible. But if you don't have your own team of doctors and healthcare providers treating you, then you can see it's really easy for the insurance company to defeat your claim. At the end of the day, insurance companies are all about risk. They're not paying you because they have any compassion. for you or your injuries or they want to do the right thing. They only pay where they are at risk of paying more by not settling. A healthcare team, a strong robust team of treatment providers that knows you, knows your injuries and is willing to ultimately, if necessary, testify on your behalf is a great risk to the insurance company. They know, and their lawyers know, those are more difficult cases to defeat, and so they will tend to pay those cases and fight the people that don't have that. It's really a no lose situation, by getting the treatment you need, but also in the context of your case, you're more likely to receive a fair settlement than someone that doesn't treat, even if they have the same symptoms, same injuries. You want to put yourself in the best position to get better and also to demonstrate to the insurance company the nature and severity of your injuries. And the best way to do that is to get healthcare providers that are best suited to treat your particular symptoms. If you're wondering about what these different healthcare providers do, we do have some other videos where we've interviewed some healthcare providers. So, check out those videos where you can learn a little bit more about what they do and how they might help you following an injury. There are a lot of doctors out there with specialties, take advantage of their specialized knowledge and get the help you need. Have Questions? Contact Us Today! Protect yourself in terms of your health and your rights to advance a claim and if you have any questions about this or any other of the topics we might have covered, feel free to give us a call. We offer free consultations. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
AuthorAndrew Iacobelli is a Florida personal injury attorney. Andrew is also licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan and the Province of Ontario and regularly represents victims in cross-border injury claims. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of individuals that have been seriously injured. Archives
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