When your body whips back and forth in an unnatural way, which can occur due to the sudden force of a traffic accident, you may find yourself coping with damage to the muscles and nerves in your neck and back following a Tampa car wreck. Doing what you can to reduce the possibility of sustaining harm to your neck or back is advised, but there is nothing you can do that will guarantee every vehicular incident you are involved in will be whiplash free.

After injuries due to a sudden and forceful Florida collision, talk to a seasoned Tampa personal injury attorney about your compensation options.

Positioning and Keeping a Safe Distance

In some situations, whiplash can be avoided by adhering to the following suggestions:

1. Position yourself correctly. Too often, drivers get in and out of their vehicle without positioning the head restraint correctly. When a head rest is in the right position, it will be level with the top of the head and close to the back of the head. If the head rest can’t be level with the top of your head, it should be at least to the top of the ears.
2. Wear a seatbelt, always. Having your body in a position that is as neutral as possible can assist in avoiding injuries in the event of a collision, and a seat belt supports this type of positioning.
3. Follow the two-second rule. Of course, avoiding an accident completely is a way to sidestep whiplash injuries. Because of this, it is essential you travel at a safe distance from other cars, trucks, buses, and bikes.
4. Travel at a safe speed. When a driver is operating their vehicle at a speed that is too fast, they are opening themselves up to increased accident dangers and more force, if an accident should occur.
5. Preparing for impact, if possible. While a large majority of collisions are unexpected, if you are in a situation in which you know an impact is imminent, try to maintain a neutral position with your body, facing forward with your head touching the head rest.

Unfortunately, there are many examples of Florida drivers doing all they can to try and travel risk free but still sustaining an accident injury. That said, there are situations in which these guidelines are helpful in reducing harm.

Discuss the Details of Your Crash Injury with an Attorney

If a Florida driver rammed into the back of your vehicle and you are coping with whiplash injuries as a result of the collision, you are likely juggling an array of expenses. Thankfully, a skilled Tampa personal injury attorney can guide you through the claims process.

Is it time for you to be compensated? Car accident injuries, including whiplash injuries to the head and neck, are painful and they can come with high medical costs. To explore the possibility of financial recovery, talk to the lawyers at HD Law Partners. Even careful drivers who take all the protections available to them are not able to always avoid accident injuries. To have a legal expert on your side, call 813-964-7878.

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Any individual or company that is trading goods and services to make a profit is generally referred to as a business. There can be specificities surrounding the definition of a business depending on the location of the organization, but most enterprises in Florida that are running in order to make money are businesses, whether they are large or small, family run or not.

Florida is home to many businesses, and as is true with a lot of human interactions, disputes are common. When they happen, lean on the expertise of a Tampa business & corporate law attorney. Lawyers can help you in many different ways, depending on your specific situation, and are familiar with many interesting elements of Florida business law, including the following three facts.

Fact #1 – Florida is Known for Its Complex Business Litigation Cases

The state of Florida has a reputation for complex business litigation cases, many high-profile cases have made headlines in recent years. Some well-known cases have been between global corporations and have involved complex legal issues, such as patent infringement, breach of contract, and antitrust violations. With so many large corporations headquartered in Florida, it’s no surprise that the state has become a hotbed of complex business litigation activity.

Fact #2 – The Sunshine State and Its “Rocket Docket” System

With a speedy court system, the nickname of “rocket docket” has been attributed to the Florida legal system. This is advantageous in business litigation cases because many are seeking a swift resolution to their legal disputes so they can return their time, focus, and energy to running the daily operations of their organization. Several measures are responsible for this fast litigation process, such as requiring parties to provide detailed pleadings and limiting the amount of discovery time allowed. As a result, business litigation cases in Florida often move quickly through the court system, with many cases being resolved within a year.

Fact #3 – Florida Has a Unique Approach to Non-Compete Agreements

Non-compete agreements are a common legal tool in many industries, and Florida has a unique approach to these agreements. In many states, non-compete agreements are enforceable as long as they are reasonable in terms of time, scope, and geographic location. However, in Florida, non-compete agreements are heavily scrutinized, and courts will only enforce them if they are necessary to protect a legitimate business interest.

Whether you are involved in complex cases involving large corporate interests or want to learn more about using the state’s speedy court system for  smaller business disputes, there are many details to review when it comes to business law. Thankfully, experts are available to guide large and small business owners through their legal disputes, talk to a Tampa business & corporate law attorney to learn more.

What business law questions do you have? You don’t have to try and learn the intricacies of Florida business law on your own. Instead, lean on professionals. To get started, make an appointment with the legal team at HD Law Partners. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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Disagreeing on who is responsible for marital debt is common when a couple is splitting up. If you are ending a marriage in Tampa, Florida, it is important for you to recognize that your marital debts are divided in accordance with the state’s equitable distribution law. This means that your marital debts are divided fairly, which is not to say the debts will be divided equally.

Communication between spouses can be emotionally draining while navigating a divorce. In addition, ending a marriage can lead to a financial loss that each individual needs to recover from in the coming years. To talk about your marital debt division options, speak with a Tampa family law attorney.

Which Debts Are Marital Debts

The first step in dividing marital debts is to understand that not all debts are considered marital debt. Once you identify which debts are considered marital, division can be discussed. Marital obligations to debtors include debts that were incurred during the marriage for the benefit of the marriage. This could include any or all of the following:

• Credit card debt
• Mortgages
• Car loans

If you and your spouse have similar incomes and resources, it is possible a Florida court will determine marital debts should be divided 50-50. But there are many situations where one spouse has an income or future earning potential that is far higher than the other, so they need to assume a larger share of the marital debt load.

Analyzing Separate Debts and Responsibilities

There are debts that are considered separate debts, specifically debts that were incurred after the couple officially separated or obligations gathered prior to the marriage. So, for example, if your spouse charged a lot to a credit card as they set up a new apartment after they left a marital home, it can be argued that the amount spent on furniture and furnishings for that new home is their separate debt, and therefore their responsibility alone.

Understanding who is responsible for what debt is essential. Because if one person is responsible for settling the debts on a credit card that was held jointly, and they fail to do so, the other individual’s credit score could be impacted, for instance.

When you work with a qualified Tampa family law attorney, they will ensure all debt obligations are divided fairly and that everyone involved is familiar with who is required to make payments and when. There are a range of factors that are considered when it comes to equitable distribution during a Tampa divorce, including each spouse’s current income, upcoming earning potential, and budgetary financial needs.

Is debt a source of stress for you as you move toward divorce? Whether you and your spouse have begun discussing asset and debt distribution or not, talk to the lawyers at HD Law Partners about what resolution options are available. When you talk to skilled, compassionate attorneys about your situation, you can protect your financial future and plan for next steps. To get started, call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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When a marriage is coming to an end, it is normal to have feelings of loss, grief, and sadness. And it makes sense, if you are divorcing you are mourning the end of a significant relationship, so you may experience a sense of emptiness or loneliness as you navigate this shift in your life.

It’s essential to give yourself time and space to process your emotions and come to terms with the marriage dissolving. A Tampa family law attorney can help you during this difficult and emotional process. Many are overwhelmed and feel uncertain about the future, but an attorney can support your objectives throughout the divorce process, so you can move forward and create a new life for yourself.

Developing New Routines

Divorce involves significant shifts to your daily life and routine. You may have to adjust to living on your own, managing finances that you are used to another person dealing with, and redefining your social life. All of these changes take time to adjust to, this is true for anyone going through a major life change. It is important to be nice to yourself and realize that there are long-term benefits to being patient with yourself as you navigate this transition.

What new routines you will be challenged with will depend on your unique situation. Some find themselves navigating new living arrangements and a different daily schedule while others need to adapt to co-parenting responsibilities. It’s essential to create a routine that works for you and your family. Part of this, particularly if you are co-parenting, is communicating effectively with your ex-spouse to ensure that everyone is on the same page. If the two of you are unable to communicate, there are legal strategies that can be employed.

A Florida divorce lawyer can help you negotiate and establish a custody and visitation schedule that works for everyone involved. They can also assist with the division of assets and finances, which can be a significant source of stress during the divorce process.

Connect with a Tampa Family Law Expert

A Tampa family law attorney is one of the divorce experts you can lean on as you go through the challenging process of divorce. While there may be feelings of loss and uncertainty, with the help of a Florida divorce lawyer you can navigate this transition and create the post-divorce life you desire. When you share your story with your attorney, they will provide you with the support you need, whether that is legal guidance, mediation, or advocacy in court.

Do you need an attorney because you are feeling uncertain about your future? Florida divorces can result in a lot of stress. Bring your questions and concerns to the skilled legal professionals at HD Law Partners. With combined experience of over 40 years, the professionals at HD Law Partners will fight for the future you want. Then, you can spend your time and energy processing your own feelings and making plans for your future. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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After hiring a Florida injury lawyer, you may be contacted by a paralegal. Many legal teams include paralegals, these professionals are often an essential asset to personal injury cases.

Paralegals provide support in many areas, including document preparation, legal research, and client communication. If you are contacted by a paralegal after hiring a seasoned Tampa personal injury attorney, it is because they are working to support your case and ensure that you receive the best possible outcome. Of course, if you have any questions about their role in your case that you would like answered by your attorney, you can reach out to them as well.

Why a Paralegal May Contact You

After hiring a Florida attorney, it is common for individuals to be contacted by a paralegal working on their case. There are several reasons why you may receive a call or email from a paralegal.

• An introduction. A paralegal may call you to introduce themselves and let you know that they will be assisting with your case. This can help you feel more connected to your legal team and understand the different roles that each person plays.
• Process of gathering information. It is also possible that a paralegal will contact you to collect additional information from you. This could include medical records or witness statements, for example.
• Providing you with status updates. As your case progresses, a paralegal may inform you of developments that have occurred. Many who are going through the personal injury damage recovery process find this enormously helpful, as it gives them opportunities to stay informed and prepared for what’s to come.
• Answer your questions. And if you have any questions or concerns about your case, a paralegal can be a valuable resource. They can provide answers and guidance, even when your attorney is in court or unable to communicate because they are involved in negotiation meetings.

Because Florida paralegals are conversing with clients, gathering evidence documentation and answering inquiries, attorneys have time to represent clients in court and take important meetings. Paralegals are a fantastic support for successful legal teams throughout the state of Florida and around the country.

Communicate with a Reputable FL Legal Team Today

When you are healing from an accident injury, you need a qualified Tampa personal injury attorney and their team fighting for your financial future while you focus time, energy, and care on your physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

A paralegal could be an integral part of your legal team, providing you with updates on the progress of your case, answering your inquiries, and giving you guidance on what to expect during the legal process.

Could you use some clarification on who will be working on your legal team and how they can help you achieve your desired outcome? When you hire the skilled legal professionals at HD Law Partners, they will walk you through who will be working on your claim. Because they have over 40 years of combined experience, you can rely on the attorneys at HD Law Partners. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule your confidential, fee-free consultation.

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Every industry has its own terminology, a group of terms that are used specifically within the field. Timeshare development companies and management firms have their own terms as well, so if you are considering buying or already own a timeshare property, it is essential to understand the language being shared within timeshare contracts and agreements.

When you are familiar with a few basic timeshare terms, it can help you make informed decisions and protect your interests in the event of a dispute. And if you need help untangling any language or in the middle of a Florida timeshare dispute, connect with a Tampa timeshare attorney.

A Range of Timeshare Terms

Some of the regularly used terms within contract negotiations and agreements include the following:

• Maintenance fees. Annual amount of money that is paid by timeshare owners to cover the costs of upkeep of the property. These annual dues are referred to as maintenance fees.
• Deeded ownership. This is a certain type of timeshare ownership, it grants the owner an actual deed to a specific unit within the property.
• Fixed week. An agreement in which a specific week or weeks within a year are open for a timeshare owner to use the unit.
• Floating week. Allowing an owner to use a unit within a time period, often within a range of weeks, is a flexible timeshare ownership arrangement.
• Points-based system. Owners are allotted a certain number of points each year in a point-based system, they then use these points to reserve a unit at the timeshare property.
• Right-to-use. Ownership that grants the owner the right to use a specific unit for a specified period, typically for a number of years.

When there are concerns or disputes, connecting with an attorney is in your best interests. Often disputes are resolved through negotiation. In other situations, a dispute will be taken through the arbitration process. This could be true if a person believes they were subjected to fraudulent sales processes, such as being misled during the sales process, or if a timeshare developer or company did not fulfill their contractual obligations, leading to a breach of contract claim.

Arguments with Company or Other Owners

Additionally, if you have a dispute with the timeshare management company regarding fees, maintenance, or other issues, a Tampa timeshare attorney can help you find a path forward. There are also resolution options if you are arguing with another owner. Often arguments between owners arise when there are disagreements over when a timeshare property can be used or how and when fees are paid.

Are you disputing some of the terms within your timeshare contract? Understanding some of the common terms used in timeshare contracts could lead to a favorable resolution.  And if you are in the throes of a dispute, an attorney can help you navigate the legal process and help you connect with the outcome you are hoping to achieve. Talk to the legal team at HD Law Partners about next steps. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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While Florida is known for its sunny, warm days and beautiful beaches, it is also no stranger to storms and floods. The risk of flooding is a regular concern for Tampa homeowners and businesses alike. This is because the Tampa area does not have a lot of topographical relief when heavy rains and tropical storms hit. As a result, water doesn’t drain quickly, and there are tidal floods to be aware of as well.

A seasoned Tampa insurance attorney can provide you with legal advice and guidance if you have questions about flood insurance coverage and claims. And if you have already experienced flooding, a lawyer will help you file a claim, negotiate with your insurance company or other parties, and represent you in court if necessary.

Situations Where Having a Florida Flood Lawyer Makes Sense

There are legal professionals available to help you secure the recovery you need due to flood damage. Some situations when a flood attorney can help:

• Flood insurance claim disputes – When you purchase flood insurance, you are doing so thinking that your insurance company will cover your losses in the event of a flood. However, insurance companies often push back on the need for monetary compensation, by either denying claims or offering low settlements. A flood attorney can help you negotiate with your insurance company in order to receive a fair settlement.
• Property damage claims – Floods can cause extensive damage to your property, including your home, business, and personal belongings. If you have suffered property damage as a result of flooding, recovering compensation could be possible.
• Business interruption claims – When flooding leads to a business shutting down, temporarily or permanently, income loss is commonly felt. A flood attorney can help business owners file business interruption claims to recover lost income and other damages.
• Government claims – If there is proof that your property experienced flood damage as a result of government negligence, such as a failure to maintain drainage systems, sometimes it is possible to file a claim against the responsible government agency. Securing evidence through a discovery process is essential as government claims can be complicated.

There are often many steps to strengthening a claim, such as an evaluation process, connecting with documentation, filing paperwork, and negotiating with others involved in the case. And there are additional considerations if a dispute goes to court.

Lean On the Expertise of an Insurance Attorney

A skilled Tampa insurance attorney can advocate for your right to full compensation for your losses, including property damage, lost income, and other damages. And if negotiations fail to result in a fair settlement, your lawyer will already be well versed in the details of your case so they can immediately move to file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.

What Florida flood recovery concerns do you have? There are legal professionals to guide you through the process of securing an insurance recovery amount to settle all of your expenses. Connect with the lawyers at HD Law Partners to learn more. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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Because vehicular collisions and other life events can result in back and neck injuries, there are a range of physical recovery plans that could be recommended, including chiropractic care. If you are considering seeing a chiropractor as part of your recovery, you may be wondering how to pay those bills and whether they will be covered within an insurance settlement.

A qualified Tampa personal injury attorney can share with you paths forward, including exploring whether chiropractor care will be covered by a recovery package from the insurance company.

Coverage from Different Policies

When an injured party asks if their chiropractic care is covered by insurance, the answer is that it depends on a few factors, including the type of insurance involved and the specific chiropractic care you are seeking. Here are some common types of insurance and how they may cover chiropractic care:

• Health insurance. If you have health insurance, through your workplace benefits or coverage you have purchased on the health exchange, your policy may cover chiropractic care as part of your overall treatment, but coverage can vary widely depending on your policy, so checking with insurance providers to determine what is covered before being treated is advised.
• Auto insurance – When chiropractic care is part of the recovery from a car accident injury, your vehicular insurance policy may cover chiropractic care, but you will need to review your options and see if these bills could be part of your personal injury claim.
• Workers’ compensation – Injuries sustained while you are performing your job could be part of a workers’ compensation claim that will cover all medical expenses, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, and other forms of treatment.
• Medicare or Medicaid– Medicare or Medicaid may cover chiropractic care if it is medically necessary.

Which insurance policies will cover your care, or if more than one policy could be accessed, can be established by an attorney. There is also the possibility of a lawyer informing you of proper protocol to secure your insurance claim, such as getting a doctor’s referral.

Reviewing Bills and Records

Share with legal counsel the facts of your accident, if you were hurt in a car collision or workplace incident. Then, they will review your bills and medical records. If compensation is an option, your attorney will secure the evidence necessary to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, fighting for all your care to be covered including chiropractic costs.

Chiropractic care can be an effective form of treatment for certain types of injuries, but it can also cost a lot of money, possibly far more than you and your family can afford. Talk to a Tampa personal injury attorney about whether or not chiropractors are covered by insurance.

Could you use guidance about chiropractic care and personal injury recovery options? Don’t hesitate, connect with skilled legal professionals as soon as possible. The attorneys at HD Law Partners have over 40 years of combined experience and can share with you how to connect with insurance settlements. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule your confidential, fee-free consultation.

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Financial review is part of the divorce process, and while there are many reasons why monetary issues can be difficult when ending a marriage, marital debt can make the process even more complicated. In Tampa, FL, marital debt is subject to division during divorce proceedings, and there are many different forms of marital debt to assess.

If you’re considering divorce in Florida, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from a skilled Tampa family law attorney. An experienced divorce lawyer can inform you of what is possible for you after analyzing your specifics, and they will help you navigate the legal system, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process.

Credit Cards, Loans, and More

Any debt that was incurred during the course of a Florida marriage is legally considered marital debt. This is the case regardless of whose name is on the account or who made the purchases. Some common forms of marital debt:

• Credit card debt is subject to division in divorce proceedings, this is true if the purchase were made together or if one person was charging debt without the other person being aware of the expense.
• Mortgage debt is often part of the debt review process when a couple owns a home. If the home is completely paid off, the property value is an asset that will be analyzed during the asset division portion of the debt-asset analysis.
• Car loans are another type of marital debt if the vehicle was purchased during the marriage. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles that were owned by an individual prior to marriage may not be subject to division, depending on the circumstance.
• Student loans incurred during the marriage are considered marital debt, so the spouse who did not attend school could still be responsible for a portion of the debt as student loans are divided during Florida divorce proceedings.
• Business loans are also subject to review.

Identifying and categorizing marital debt is a process, and if your financial situation involves many combined parts, leaning on experts to guide you will help. A divorce lawyer who is familiar with how to assess debt will work to be sure that any and all accounts have been reviewed so that a fair settlement can be negotiated. Plus, your legal counsel can share with you your rights and obligations as asset and debt division options are discussed.

Mutually Acceptable Divorce Agreements

If a mutual agreement is possible, you will save yourself money, stress, and time. Even if you and your spouse are not able to talk with one another in a productive way, you can have your Tampa family law attorney converse with your spouse’s attorney once all assets and debts have been discovered and totaled.

Do you and your spouse have a lot of marital debt and are now unsure how to distribute debt responsibilities now that you are separating? Compassionate legal professionals are available. With combined experience of over 40 years, the lawyers at HD Law Partners have the skills, resources, and talents you need. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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There are a range of rules within commercial contracts, including specific agreements connected to arbitration. Often there is language that pushes the parties to use arbitration or mediation to resolve any disagreements, it is a way for businesses to avoid litigation.

In some situations it is still possible for a defendant to file a contractual lawsuit, depending on the situation. For instance, there are circumstances in which an arbitration clause itself could be used to build a defense. Talk to a Tampa business and corporate law attorney about your objectives.

Scrutinizing Arbitration Provisions Within a Contract

Companies and their legal departments include arbitration provision within their contracts because they want to avoid going to court and being involved in long-running, expensive legal disputes. If you want to bring your dispute to court, one of the first things your attorney will do is fully review the arbitration provisions within the contract in question.

Going through arbitration means that your dispute will be reviewed by an independent person or a body officially appointed to settle the matter and the final decision will be binding. While this can be advantageous for some, it is important to realize that normal court trial rules may not apply during arbitration, meaning procedural securities such as due process may not be employed.

If there is evidence that a person did not voluntarily enter into the arbitration agreement, there could be a way to litigate the dispute. This is because a contract is only legally binding if every person and party entered the agreement on their own accord, meaning the agreement would be null if participation was involuntary.

Talking to a Florida Business Litigation Lawyer

There could be language in a contract that says if you take legal action you are waiving your right to arbitrate. This is not a position you want to be in because there is no way to again secure your right to arbitration. Be sure you fully understand your legal rights before deciding on any official moves. Discussing your goals with an attorney could lead you to a strong stance that never would have been achievable without legal support.

Complicated contractual disputes can be addressed by a Tampa business and corporate law attorney. Florida business litigation lawyers are well-versed in contractual rights, arbitration clauses, and guiding their clients to the best possible outcomes. Bring your concerns about arbitration, breach of contract, and contracts and discuss them with a skilled lawyer.

What arbitration and contract questions do you have? Whether you are in the midst of a dispute or want to learn more about a contract you have been asked to sign in order to avoid potential problems later, there are veteran corporate law attorneys to guide you through all of your concerns. Speak to the legal professionals at HD Law Partners to explore your options. With combined experience of over 40 years, the professionals at HD Law Partners have secured successful outcomes for clients pushing back against Florida companies large and small. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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