Young man rubbing neck in pain from whiplash injury standing by damaged car after traffic accident

Car accidents are often classified into two categories based on their severity, minor or severe. But while these two labels apply to many accidents, there are still others that fall somewhere in between. Often insurance companies and legal representatives will refer to these accidents as moderate collisions.

Moderate accidents can be tricky to navigate from an insurance negotiation standpoint, as the injuries and damages sustained are not always clearly defined. But compensation is possible after a moderate collision, and when you need financial recovery in order to move past an injurious event, a Tampa personal injury attorney can help.

When an Accident is Labeled as Moderate

Accidents that fall between minor and severe accidents can involve moderate damage to the vehicles and there may be physical injuries sustained by the victims that are not immediately apparent. Common injuries from moderate accidents include whiplash, back injuries, and soft tissue injuries.

One of the challenges of moderate accidents is slow-to-show injuries. Injuries that do not appear until later because the accident victim experiences an initial adrenaline rush that masks some or all of the injury’s pain and discomfort. But harm has been done, and the accident victims start feeling the effects of the accident days or even weeks after the accident occurred.

Compensation Is Possible after a Moderate Collision

In Florida, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is required, meaning an individual’s own insurance will provide coverage for medical expenses and lost wages up to $10,000, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. Often PIP is the appropriate avenue for financial relief for people seeking moderate accident financial damages.

But there are also plenty of situations where PIP insurance does not cover all expenses related to an accident. If the victim’s injuries are cost-intensive and they exceed the $10,000 PIP limit, compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company may need to be pursued. In cases where the at-fault driver is not adequately insured or does not have enough insurance to cover all of the financial losses, a lawsuit could be filed in order to secure compensation.

A Florida injury lawyer who has experience with car accident cases knows how to fortify a claim, whether an accident was minor, major, or somewhere in between. Legal experts can gather evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and accident reports, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

If you’ve been involved in a moderate accident, don’t hesitate to contact a Tampa personal injury attorney to learn about your settlement options. You do not have to label your accident as one that is minor, moderate, or severe, lawyers and insurance adjusters will go through the analysis process and inform you of their findings.

Who told you that you were involved in a moderate collision? If you were contacted by an insurance adjuster and offered a settlement amount that you believe is too low, reach out and share the details of your situation with the legal team at HD Law Partners. Our Florida injury lawyers will ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. To schedule your fee-free consultation, call 813-964-7878.

A common feature in both residential and commercial buildings, stairways serve a practical purpose and can be used as an architectural highlight. While there are many reasons to enjoy stairways, they are also, unfortunately, a common site for slip and fall injuries. This can be especially true when handrails are missing, and stair accidents can lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries.

Following a stair injury, you may be wondering what responsibilities businesses with stairways have when it comes to keeping customers and visitors safe. The reality is businesses can be held accountable when a space is not reasonably safe. To learn about your options for financial relief from stair injury medical expenses, connect with Tampa personal injury attorney.

Common Reasons for Slip and Fall Injuries on Stairways

There are several reasons why slip and fall injuries occur on stairways. Often injuries are due, at least in part, to a lack of handrails. Which makes sense, as handrails provide support and stability, especially for individuals who have difficulty walking or have balance issues. When handrails are missing, individuals may lose their balance and fall.

Other reasons for slip and fall injuries on stairways include:

  • Uneven steps or stairs
  • Slippery or wet stairs
  • Broken or loose steps
  • Poor lighting on stairways
  • Lack of warning signs for uneven stairs or steps

Businesses that have stairways on their premises have a legal responsibility to do what they can in order for everyone using the stairs to do so safely. Each building will have its own safety maintenance concerns, but often part of keeping an environment safe includes ensuring that handrails are in place, steps and stairs are in good condition, and the stairway is well-lit.

How to Achieve Financial Relief with the Help of a Florida Injury Lawyer

It is normal to be stressed about juggling doctor visits and medical fees when recovering from a stairway slip and fall accident. And while legal counsel won’t be able to heal your injury or take away your pain, they can work to ensure you connect with a full and fair financial compensation package.

To achieve financial relief after a stair injury, a Tampa personal injury attorney will review all the documents you have and work to determine if more evidence will be needed in order to establish liability, meaning proving that the business or property owner failed to maintain a safe stairway. Along with liability, your attorney can establish the extent of your injuries and the damages you have suffered as a result. The full worth of your claim may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Have you sustained an injury after a fall on the handrail-free stairway at a Florida business? Owners and property managers have a responsibility to keep their customers and visitors safe, including ensuring that handrails are in place and all walkways and stairways are well-maintained. If you believe a negligent party should be held responsible, discuss your damage recovery choices with the lawyer at HD Law Partners. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free-free consultation.

Suffering a personal injury due to someone else’s negligence is incredibly distressing, and it is common for people to move forward with seeking compensation for losses through legal action. While it is important to protect your rights, not every outcome in a personal injury lawsuit is favorable. And if you receive an outcome you are unhappy with, you may be inclined to appeal the decision.

In some situations appealing a verdict is a legitimate course of action, but personal injury cases have certain limitations when it comes to appealing. To explore reasons why you can and can’t appeal a personal injury case in Florida, discuss your situation with a Tampa appellate attorney. Understanding some of the legal limitations will help you navigate the legal process more effectively and set realistic expectations for your case.

Jury Decisions and Identifiable Errors

In personal injury cases involving a jury, the jurors play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the case. Their job is to evaluate the evidence, listen to witness testimonies, and weigh the credibility of what they are hearing and seeing. Once a jury verdict is reached it is considered final. Appellate courts typically abide by the jury’s decision and do not interfere with their determination of facts.

To have grounds for an appeal, there must be identifiable errors in law or legal procedure, and these errors have to have had a significant impact on the outcome of your personal injury case. It is important to note that not every legal error warrants an appeal, because it needs to be proven that the error was weighty enough to have had a material effect on the outcome of the case. Common legal errors that may be considered for an appeal include improper jury instructions, exclusion of crucial evidence, or judge or opposing counsel misconduct.

Whether or not a decision can be appealed is connected to the burden of proof, a fundamental aspect of Florida personal injury cases. To succeed in your lawsuit, you must provide sufficient evidence to establish the other party’s negligence and that their recklessness was the direct cause of harm sustained. Additionally, you need evidence of the extent of your injuries.

Failing to present convincing evidence during a trial significantly hinders your chances of receiving the outcome you are seeking. That said, a lack of sufficient evidence alone is not a valid reason to appeal a personal injury case. Appeals courts are not established to reassess cases, so they will not reevaluate the evidence presented during the trial.

Consult with an Attorney

Wanting to appeal an unfavorable case outcome makes sense, but it is essential to recognize the limitations and challenges of an appeal. Talk through your case, including the jury’s decision, legal errors, and evidence concerns with a Tampa appellate attorney.

Could appealing be an option for you? Have a seasoned attorney guide you through next steps. With over 40 years of combined experience, the attorneys at HD Law Partners can help. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

hurricane matthew damage

Living in Florida, everyone is familiar with the devastating impact hurricanes can have on properties. In the aftermath of a hurricane, filing an insurance claim is often the first step towards recovering the losses and rebuilding lives, but there are times when insurance companies deny hurricane claims, leaving policyholders frustrated and unsure of what to do next.

Talk to connect with a Tampa insurance attorney about next steps if you experienced a Florida hurricane claim denial. When you seek legal assistance and follow the right path, your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve increases.

Review Your Insurance Policy and Maintain Documentation

One of the first steps you should take if you are pursuing hurricane expense recovery is to carefully review your insurance policy, paying close attention to stated reasons why a claim could be denied. When you understand specific terms, coverage limits, and exclusions in your policy, it can be easier to determine whether the denial is justified or there are valid grounds for challenging a denial.

If you believe you have a right to challenge a denial, contacting a reputable Florida property attorney who specializes in insurance claim disputes is essential. Your attorney will review the denied claim, assess the situation, and provide expert guidance on moving forward.

Sharing all the documents you have with your lawyer will support your need for monetary recovery. Meticulous documentation could include photographs, videos, repair estimates, and receipts. You will also want to keep copies of any correspondence with the insurance company representatives, including emails, letters, and phone calls.

Request a Detailed Explanation and File an Appeal

After a denial, you or your attorney can reach out to the insurance company that denied the claim and request a detailed explanation. You will want to receive a written response that clearly outlines the specific reasons for the denial, as well as the cited policy provisions. Once your attorney has this information, they will comb through all of the written documentation available and identify any errors or inconsistencies that could be used to challenge the decision.

If the denial was unjustified, an appeal will be filed. There is likely a timeline for the appeals process within the policy, an attorney will be sure that all deadlines are followed and can assist you in preparing a strong appeal, ensuring that all necessary documents, evidence, and legal arguments are included.

In some cases, insurance companies may be willing to engage in mediation or alternative dispute resolution methods to resolve the issue. These processes can help facilitate negotiations and your Tampa insurance attorney can represent your interests during these proceedings, working towards a resolution that meets your needs.

Do you need legal support after receiving a hurricane claim denial? A claim denial can be disheartening, but it is important to remember that it does not mark the end of your quest for fair compensation. With over 40 years of combined experience, the attorneys at HD Law Partners have the expertise to navigate the complex appeals process for you. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

Prioritizing the safety of children is essential. So when young kids are traveling in vehicles it is important for them to be secured in a child safety seat, and if you were involved in a Tampa car crash and a child seat was in the car at the time of the collision, understanding how the crash impact affected the seat’s efficiency needs to be analyzed. In most situations, purchasing a new child seat after an accident is advised.

After an accident, connect with a Tampa personal injury attorney to strengthen your future. A skilled lawyer can walk you through the monetary recovery process, including collecting the cost of a replacement child booster seat or infant car seat.

Compromised Efficiency of Child Car Seats in a Car Crash

Car seats for infants, toddlers, and young children are designed to protect these tiny humans in the event of a vehicle collision. But it is important to realize that the force generated during a car crash can weaken or harm the structural integrity and effectiveness of a child car seat. This can be true even if there are no visible signs of damage when you or someone you know looks at the seat. This is because force can put stress on the materials, such as weakening stitches or loosening harness systems.

Because of this structural change possibility, manufacturers and child health professionals typically recommend replacing a child car seat after any moderate to severe accident. Consulting the car seat manufacturer’s guidelines and having a discussion with a certified child passenger safety technician can provide you with information if you are unsure how to proceed.

Including Replacement Costs Within a Personal Injury Claim

When pursuing a personal injury claim after a Florida traffic accident, a veteran Tampa personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation for a lot of different types of damages, including child car seat replacement costs. There are a lot of different forms of documentation your lawyer will collect in order to fortify your claim, such as receipts or estimates for replacement seats. Evidence is essential for reimbursement requests given to insurance companies.

Do not rely on a visual assessment to determine if the seat is in good shape or not, because there can be damage that can’t be seen but is substantial enough to make the car seat less effective should there be another collision. Following a Tampa car accident, healing from a crash injury and replacing damaged property is one step, but you have to remember the next step, which is planning for a safe future.

Are you considering shopping for a new child car seat after a FL car wreck? Discuss the particulars of your case with a lawyer as it may be possible to include the price of the replacement seat within your personal injury claim. To have the full worth of your claim assessed, gather all the details you have and share them with the legal professionals at HD Law Partners. Pick up the phone today, call 813-964-7878.

psychologist counseling to anxiety patient and giving guidance mental therapy care to cure mental health

One of the first things you will be told by a legal expert in the aftermath of an accident is that it is essential to seek medical attention. And from the moment you leave the medical office, follow the guidance of a doctor to ensure proper healing and recovery. This is because following a doctor’s guidance is not only important for physical healing but can also play a critical role in securing an insurance settlement.

Seeking medical attention after an accident, even when you think an injury is minor, is crucial because injuries may not be apparent at first. For instance, symptoms of whiplash may take several days to show up after a car accident. And if you do not see a doctor immediately after the accident, it may be difficult to connect any medical issues you experience to the event. To learn more about best practices when it comes to medical care after an injury, connect with a Tampa personal injury attorney.

What Type of Guidance Will I Receive?

After seeking medical attention, your doctor’s guidance may include taking medication, undergoing physical therapy, or even undergoing surgery in some cases. Following the treatment plan ensures that your body heals correctly, reducing the risk of long-term complications.

Plus, following a doctor’s guidance is not only essential for physical healing, it can also impact your chances of securing an insurance settlement. Insurance companies often look at medical records to determine the extent of injuries and the cost of medical treatment. If you do not follow the doctor’s guidance or fail to seek medical attention altogether, it can be incredibly challenging to prove that your injuries are directly related to the accident. As a result, insurance companies may use a lack of medical records or treatment as an excuse to reduce or deny your claim.

Because doctor guidance and communication can be essential forms of documentation, making an effort to track all medical treatments, including doctor visits, diagnoses, and prescribed medications is helpful.

Who Can Guide Me Through the Recovery Process?

If you aren’t sure how to start the claims process or are worried you are making decisions that could weaken your claim, connect with a professional. Working with a Tampa attorney can help ensure that you follow the necessary steps after an accident. An attorney can help you understand the legal process, document medical treatments, and negotiate with insurance companies. An attorney can guide you through the complexities of Florida’s insurance laws, making it easier to receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Is a medical treatment plan part of your Florida accident recovery? Documenting medical treatments can serve as evidence of your injuries and increase the likelihood of a fair insurance settlement. Discuss what proof you will need to secure a maximum settlement amount with the lawyers at HD Law Partners. A seasoned attorney will guide you through Florida’s legal system and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. When you are ready to get started, call 813-964-7878.

For many, wearable technology has become an integral part of daily life. Devices such as fitness trackers, smartwatches, and health monitors provide people with real-time data on physical activity, health, and wellbeing. And that is not all that they do, there are situations in which wearable technology can play a significant role in securing financial damages through an injury claim or even prevent an accident injury from occurring.

To explore how technology can support your efforts to secure financial damages after a Florida accident, discuss the particulars of your situation with a Tampa personal injury attorney.

Valuable Data Can Be a Form of Evidence

Wearable technology can provide valuable data that could help support your injury claim. For example, if you were injured in a Tampa car accident, wearable technology could document the extent of the injuries and the impact of the accident on your overall physical wellbeing. This is possible because wearable devices track a person’s heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs, providing objective data.

Additionally, wearable technology can track a person’s physical activity levels, which can be used as evidence to show how the accident has impacted daily life. This could be true if you were a regular runner before the accident and are now unable to do so due to accident injuries. If this is true for you, your wearable technology will track the decrease in their physical activity levels.

If you have wearable technology data, it is important to share this information with a legal expert. Your attorney can use data collected as evidence to support your injury claim and help you secure the financial damages you are entitled to. Additionally, your attorney can work with medical experts and other professionals to build a strong case on your behalf.

Exploring Prevention Benefits and Talking to an Attorney

In some cases, wearable technology can even help prevent injuries from occurring in the first place. An example of this are smart helmets for cyclists that have built-in sensors to detect an impact and alert emergency services if the rider is involved in an accident. This can help reduce the severity of injuries and provide vital evidence for a personal injury claim.

While using smart safety tools is beneficial, accidents can and do happen from time to time, and when they do, it is important to seek legal advice from a skilled Tampa personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and the options available to you, including the use of wearable technology data to support your claim.

Are you interested in learning how wearable data could strengthen your claim? Wearable devices are one avenue to securing valuable evidence to support your injury claim. To discuss what is possible for you, talk to the lawyers at HD Law Partners. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights, navigate the complex legal system in Florida, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. To have a legal expert on your side, call 813-964-7878.

Young man rubbing neck in pain from whiplash injury standing by damaged car after traffic acciden

When it comes to Florida injury claims, a common cause is when drivers fail to make a complete stop when confronted with a stop sign or red light. Sometimes referred to as rolling stops, this behavior can have dangerous consequences and result in serious injuries and extensive property damage.

There are a variety of factors to review when it comes to rolling stop injury claims, such as why failing to stop is illegal, who is liable in the event of an accident, and how you can secure financial recovery. Having a conversation with a Tampa personal injury attorney is a path to resolving accident injury expenses.

Why Failing to Stop is Illegal

Failing to make a complete stop at a stop sign or red light is illegal because it is a violation of Florida law. According to Florida Statutes Section 316.123, a driver must come to a complete stop at a stop sign or red light before proceeding, and failing to do so can result in a traffic ticket and points on your driver’s license.

And beyond the legality of failing to stop, following all traffic signs and signals is essential in order to keep drivers, passengers, and others utilizing Florida roadways safe. By not stopping, a driver is in a situation where they could collide with another vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist, causing serious injuries.

If you were injured in an accident caused by another driver failing to stop, it is likely you want to hold the driver responsible and access financial resources in order to pay off your injury expenses.

Discuss Compensation Options with a Florida Attorney

In Florida, all drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. PIP provides coverage for medical expenses and lost wages in the event of an accident, regardless of who was at fault. So it is possible that after an injury caused by another driver’s failure to stop you will be accessing financial damages through your own PIP benefit coverage.

To make a PIP benefit claim, you must notify your insurance company of the accident and seek medical care for your injury within 14 days of the accident. PIP carriers are able to secure up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages, but it is important to recognize that for some that is only a portion of their medical expenses and lost wages. If this is true for you, and you may need to seek additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

If you have been injured in an accident caused by another driver’s rolling stop behavior, it is important to contact a Tampa personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Who failed to stop and are they responsible for your accident injury? When a person does not make a complete stop, they could be held accountable. Talk through your damage recovery choices with the legal team at HD Law Partners. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

Inadequate security at a Florida property can result in a wide range of dangerous outcomes, including theft, vandalism, assault, and serious injuries. And because these types of incidents can cause significant harm, both to the property owners and the individuals who visit the property, costly legal fights are possible.

If you have been hurt due to negligent security, or if you are a business owner who has been accused of not providing adequate security, an accusation you believe to be untrue, talk to a Florida private security attorney about next steps.

Liability and Collecting Evidence

Property owners have a legal obligation to provide reasonable security measures to protect their employees, guests, and visitors. If a property owner fails to do so, they will likely be held liable for any harm that occurs as a result of their failure to provide a safe space. For example, if a visitor is mugged or assaulted on the property, and the property owner failed to install proper lighting, locks, or security cameras, they could be held liable.

Because it is always more cost effective to prevent a legal dispute than to be involved in one, a Florida private security attorney could provide a valuable service in reviewing any areas of vulnerability. Professionals can help property owners identify potential areas of risk and provide recommendations for improvement. They can also help property owners understand their legal obligations with regard to security and develop a plan to minimize the risk of liability.

And if there is an accident or a security breach, it is important to collect and analyze evidence to protect your rights without delay. Once you, as a business owner, contact your legal team, they will work to collect surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports, and use these to shield you from undesirable outcomes.

Talk to a Florida Security Attorney Today

By working with a Florida private security attorney, property owners can take preventative measures to reduce the risk of liability. This may include installing security cameras, upgrading locks, improving lighting, and implementing security procedures.

And while hiring an attorney may seem like an added expense at first, it can actually save property owners money in the long run. By reducing the risk of liability, property owners can avoid costly lawsuits and settlements, and minimize the risk of damage to their reputation.

The reality is inadequate security at a Florida property can lead to serious legal action, causing harm to both property owners and individuals who are on the property. By working with a Florida private security attorney, property owners can protect themselves. Also, individuals harmed can fight for compensation as a result of security failures.

Are you a Florida property owner who is concerned about liability and security? To protect their interests, it is important for property owners to understand the consequences of inadequate security and the importance of hiring a Florida private security attorney. Bring your question to the legal professionals at HD Law Partners. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

Legal law concept image Scales of Justice.

Business owners have to juggle a lot of responsibilities, including entering into contracts that support their goals and committing to legal agreements, including documents connected to employee relations, operators, suppliers, and other professional contacts.

These contracts and any disputes surrounding these agreements often require the skilled expertise of a Tampa business & corporate law attorney. Legal professionals have the background Tampa area business owners need to secure legally binding contracts to avoid future disputes and address conflicts, should they arise.

Different Types of Business Disputes

Business disputes can come about for a variety of reasons, including contract disputes, trademark infringement, and intellectual property challenges. Because contracts are a fundamental part of business operations, they play an integral role in business relationships. It is common for disputes to arise when one party fails to live up to their end of the bargain. In these situations, a Florida corporate litigation attorney can help protect the interests of your business. Also, they can negotiate a favorable resolution.

Additionally, Tampa business owners may find themselves in the middle of trademark and intellectual property disagreements. Trademarks are an important part of a business’s brand, and disputes can arise when another business uses a similar trademark or logo. A Florida corporate litigation attorney can help you defend your trademark rights and take legal action against infringers.

Intellectual property disputes may come to light as well, particularly when another business uses your company’s trade secrets, inventions, or creative works. An attorney can help you protect your intellectual property and move forward with legal action, if required.

Why You Should Hire a Florida Corporate Litigation Attorney

Before problems start, connect with a Florida corporate attorney. Corporate litigation requires a deep understanding of the complex legal issues involved in business disputes, and a Florida business lawyer has the talent and experience to navigate these complex legal issues and protect your business from conflict and loss.

With strong negotiation skills, your attorney will often be able to fight for your rights through negotiation, and if not, they can represent your interests in court. A deep understanding of state and federal laws allow legal professionals to apply their training to your unique situation. A Florida attorney’s ultimate goal is to protect the interests of their client. They will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair and just outcome.

If you are in a situation that requires the talent of a Tampa business & corporate law attorney, from business disputes to intellectual property issues, connect with a professional as soon as possible. Your lawyer can provide you with the legal support you need so you can focus on taking care of the daily needs of your business. By hiring a Florida corporate litigation attorney, you can protect your interests, receive expert legal advice, and negotiate a favorable resolution to your dispute.

What business contractual disputes have you encountered? A Florida corporate litigation attorney will enforce or defend your business contracts and ensure that your rights are protected. Talk to the legal team at HD Law Partners. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.