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.

man holding his neck after a car accident

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.

business research

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.

couple with divorce attorney

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.

Sad and anxious man

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.

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.

lawyer with clipboard

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.

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.