Item: Flaxman Law Group
Rating: 5
Author: Clara Barman

Big Mistakes You Could Be Making After a Car Accident

Published on: January 7, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

Being in a car accident in Homestead or any community is one of the most terrifying experiences you will ever face. After the initial squeal of brakes and the impact, you may be facing an angry motorist, serious injury, the sound of police sirens, and a trip to the hospital. In this type of situation, mistakes get made. Unfortunately, mistakes made after a traffic accident in Homestead or your community could haunt you for years to come because they could affect your ability to secure fair compensation for your injuries and property damage. If you are in a crash, be sure to avoid these common errors:

Car Accident Mistake #1: Leaving the Scene of the Accident

If you are in a minor accident, it may not seem necessary to stop, but it is the law. What happens, though, when the other driver waves the accident away and wants to drive away without exchanging contact information? In this situation, it is still important to offer assistance, report the accident, and exchange contact information. You don’t want to be accused afterwards of leaving the scene of an accident.

Car Accident Mistake #2: Saying the Wrong Thing

It’s easy to lose your calm after an accident, behave aggressively, or make other mistakes that could hurt your claim later on. Even if you believe that the accident was the other driver’s fault, stay calm. By the same token, remain calm even if the other driver accuses you of causing the accident. Do not apologize, even if you want to calm the other motorist down. In some cases, that apology may be seen as an admission that you caused the accident. What you should ask is “Are you injured?” and what you should state are the facts you need to exchange contact information and report the accident.

Car Accident Mistake #3: Not Reporting the Accident Right Away

The other motorist may claim that they want to just have insurance carriers handle the claims process, but reporting the accident is an important way to document the accident happened – especially if it turns out that the other driver does not have insurance.

Car Accident Mistake #4: Not Documenting the Accident

After a car or truck accident in Homestead, there is no such thing as too much documentation. In addition to exchanging information with the other driver, be sure to take photos of the accident scene as well as get contact information from any witnesses. Try to write down as much as you remember yourself – including details about the other car and driver, the time of day, where the accident occurred, and any other information you can remember.

Car Accident Mistake #5: Not Taking Care of Details After the Accident

After the crash, you will have a lot to do and you will want to focus on three main areas: health, insurance, and legal protections. First, get a medical checkup immediately after the accident, even if you are not sure that you are injured. You may have been injured and simply not be presenting symptoms right away, so you will want to stay alert for any symptoms that do develop. Second, you will want to contact your insurance company right away and follow up about your claim. Finally, you will want to contact a personal injury attorney in Homestead or your community if you have been injured, to ensure that you will get fair compensation for your injuries.

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What Happens if Your Car Accident Was a Workplace Accident?

Published on: November 28, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Many Florida workers drive as part of their job. For example, shuttle bus drivers, truck drivers, and other employees have driving as their primary work description. However, many other employees also have to fight traffic as part of their job. Reporters may be shuttled from news story to news story in a company vehicle, for example. Even office employees may be asked to run an errand or drive the company vehicle to pick up a client, for example. Of course, accidents can occur and can create some confusion for employees who have been injured.

What happens when a traffic accident occurs on the job in Hollywood or anywhere in South Florida? In some cases, it is clear that the accident was work related. When a commercial truck driver, for example, is in a truck accident in Hollywood, it is clear that theirs is an at-work injury. In these cases, drivers are covered by workers’ compensation.

Anytime that you are injured in a car or traffic accident in Hollywood or any Florida community because you were doing something during work hours that is part of your job, you should be covered by workers’ compensation. You may also have the option of pursuing a legal claim against the at-fault driver or third party. Unfortunately, it is not always easy for injured workers to get the compensation they deserve. One problem is that insurance companies and employers sometimes claim that the accident occurred when the employee was not performing work duties or did not occur during work hours. Another problem is that workers’ compensation benefits may not cover the full costs of your injuries, especially if your injuries were severe.

If you think you are covered or think you have a claim, it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney in Hollywood or your community to protect your rights and review your options. A personal injury attorney can help you determine whether you qualify for workers’ compensation and can help you pursue a legal claim if you qualify. He or she can help you review your options for pursuing compensation, so that you understand exactly what you can do in your situation. Crucially, a lawyer can also represent you with insurance companies or in court, helping you seek the fairest compensation possible under the law.

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Are You Having Problems Getting Insurance Money After Your Car Accident?

Published on: November 26, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

If you have been in a car accident in Homestead, of course you expect your insurance agent to help you. After all, most insurance companies emphasize how caring and fast they are in helping you after an accident. You pay your insurance premiums on time with the expectation that if you ever need your insurance company you will be able to get fair compensation for your injuries.

Unfortunately, it is important to keep in mind that car insurance companies are in the practice of making money. Their main obligation is to their shareholders and to their bottom line. In addition, Florida is known as one of the states with the highest numbers of car insurance fraud in the country. Both of these factors mean that thousands of car owners in Homestead have trouble getting fair compensation from their insurance companies after a traffic accident in Homestead or their community. Insurance carriers are concerned about fraud and looking to resolve claims inexpensively and quickly.

You may have several types of problems if you try to file a claim with your car insurance company:

•You may have a hard time determining whether your compensation will cover your costs
•Your injuries may be undervalued
•Your insurance company may delay paying you your insurance money
•Your company may claim that you do not qualify for insurance money
•Your insurance carrier may allege that you’re committing insurance fraud
It can be extremely frustrating to be seriously injured in a car or truck accident in Homestead and to find that you are unable to collect insurance money for injuries that you feel are covered by your policy. It can also be very difficult in these situations to argue with your insurance company. They may simply claim that you don’t understand your policy or may allege that they understand the law better than you do.

In these situations, is important to consult with a personal injury attorney in Homestead or your community who is familiar with insurance law. A Homestead insurance law attorney can review your case and can help you find out whether your insurance company is dealing with you in good faith. If your insurance company is doing something unethical, your attorney can pursue a claim on your behalf. Your attorney may also be able to help negotiate with insurance carriers so that you get a fairer claim amount. If you qualify, a lawyer can also help you launch a personal injury claim so that you can seek compensation from all liable parties in your case.

Keep in mind that Florida laws are designed to protect you – but you may need someone who really understands the law to get the full protection you deserve.

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Recovering from Spinal Cord Injuries After a Car Accident

Published on: November 12, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Car accidents in Hollywood often lead to serious injuries, and one of the most devastating injuries to sustain is spinal cord trauma. Spinal cord trauma is a lot more than just a back ache or a back injury. In many cases, spinal cord injuries in Hollywood leave patients unable to walk, unable to move, and unable to resume daily tasks.

Serious spinal cord injuries can result in permanent injury, leaving the victim unable to return to work and requiring around-the-clock care. Some people suffer paralysis a result of spinal cord injuries, while others require multiple surgeries as well as months or even years of rehabilitation in order to regain lost mobility.

If you have been in a car or truck accident in Hollywood or in any community, is important to check for any spinal cord trauma or damage right away. Even if you think you have not been injured, seek medical help and evaluation quickly after your collision. In some cases, soft tissue injuries and other serious injuries may not show symptoms right away but may still be very severe. A doctor can run scams and other tests to determine whether there has been any spinal cord trauma.

If you have suffered spinal cord injury as a result of your traffic accident, your Hollywood doctor will likely order tests and you may need to visit specialists for diagnosis and treatment. Depending on the nature of your injuries, you may need surgery, rehabilitation, or other forms of medical care. While stem cell research and other forms of research have been finding new solutions for spinal cord injury patients, rehabilitation often remains the cornerstone of treatment. Today, many patients work to regain some mobility and then learn to live with changed mobility for the rest of their lives.

If you will need a wheelchair, you may also need to work to make your home accessible and you may need to learn to get around with your new injury. Due to the severe nature of spinal cord trauma, many patients find that these types of injuries are very expensive. In fact, spinal cord injuries are among the most expensive injuries that people tend to sustain in car accidents. A very severe injury may mean more than $100,000 in medical expenses in the first year alone. Someone who has suffered a severe, permanent spinal cord injury may require around-the-clock care for the rest of their life, costs that can easily add up to more than a million dollars.

If someone’s recklessness or negligence has caused your car accident and your injuries, you may wish to speak with a personal injury attorney in Hollywood or your community in order to find out what legal options you have so that sure you don’t have to pay for these costs yourself.

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Red Flag Signs That Your Car Accident in Homestead is Part of an Insurance Fraud Scheme

Published on: August 24, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Florida leads the country when it comes to car accident insurance fraud, and this has made many insurance companies crack down on fraud. Unfortunately, innocent drivers who follow all the rules are often caught in the middle. Law-abiding drivers may be caught up in a car insurance scam and even injured in a staged traffic collision in Homestead. The injuries from these accidents are often all too real. In addition, car insurers may be looking more closely at legitimate claims. This can make it harder for law-abiding drivers to get the insurance money they deserve.

Unfortunately, staged car accidents and other types of car accident fraud occur every day. One of the most common types of car accident insurance fraud involves a staged car accident. This is just what it sounds like: fraudsters create an accident (with you as the victim) and then make an insurance claim, escalating the supposed injuries and costs to extract more money. If you’ve been in a staged car accident in Homestead, you may not even know it. Fraudsters who stage car accidents do several things, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau:

•They target cars that are more likely to be well-insured, such as newer cars and luxury cars. There are also staged truck accidents in Homestead and other communities because big rigs are often well insured.

•They target distracted drivers, younger drivers, women drivers, and elderly drivers, often because they hope these drivers will not start a loud and strong protest, which could call attention to the scam.

•They drive older cars that they don’t mind junking after the staged car accident and they fill the car with passengers, so that there are multiple claimants.

Even if you are in a newer car and are hit by an older car filled with passengers, however, do not assume that you have been the victim of car insurance fraud. In many cases, it really is just a car accident in Homestead. In many cases, you may have simply a sneaking suspicion that something is amiss. In other cases, you may notice that a witness steps forward and claims a different chain of events than what you saw happen. In some staged car accidents, you may be blamed for the accident even though you know that is not the case. For example, a common staged car accident occurs when a fraudster waves a car into a lane and then crashes into it, later alleging that they did not wave the victim forward. In some cases, you may be pressured to pay cash rather than reporting the accident to your insurer or the other driver may insist that you use a specific professional for the claim.

If your gut is telling you that something is not right or if you suspect fraud, the best thing to do is to contact the police and your car insurer. They can investigate the accident and can look for signs of fraud. You can also make an anonymous report at the National Insurance Crime Bureau phone lines: 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422).

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Dealing with Insurance Matters after a Hit and Run Accident in Homestead or Your Community

Published on: August 17, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Being in a hit and run accident is a terrifying event, but it is unfortunately all too common in Southern Florida. The area is considered one of the most deadly for hit and run accidents. In 2012 alone, there were 70 000 hit and run crashes in Florida, leading to more than 160 fatalities and thousands of injuries. If you have been in a hit and run accident in Homestead or any Florida community, make sure that you:

1) Start gathering documentation at once. Your insurance provider will not usually want to offer you insurance money unless and until you can prove that your injuries and car damages occurred due to a hit and run. The best thing, clearly, is to get a photo of the car that has hit you before it leaves the scene. Since accidents occur in a fraction of a second, however, this is unlikely. If you cannot get any information about the car, take photos of the accident site and of any paint transfer on your car. Get witness testimony if you can. These things can help you prove that you have been injured in a hit and run car accident.

2) Call the police. After about half an hour, it is very unlikely that the police will be able to catch a hit and run driver – the evidence simply becomes too scant. However, you will still want to call the police because your insurance company will need to see a copy of the police report before they pay out any insurance money to you.

3) Get medical attention. If you may be injured, you will want to get medical treatment right away. Not only is this an important part of the documentation process, showing that you have been injured in a hit and run car or truck accident in Homestead or your community, but getting prompt treatment ensures that you do not suffer any unneeded complications from your injuries.

4) Call your insurance company. You can get information from your insurance company as well as immediate help. You can also begin the claims process. In most cases, you have only a limited amount of time to file your claim.

5) Get legal advice. If you have suffered a serious injury, such as burns, a spinal cord injury, or a head injury in Homestead or your community, it is important to get legal advice. Even if you have uninsured motorist coverage, you may have a hard time getting compensation for lost income, all your medical costs, and other expenses. A personal injury attorney in Homestead or your community can advise you about the best way to proceed in order to get fair compensation for your injuries.

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Canadian Drivers in Car Accidents in Hollywood and other Communities

Published on: August 7, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

About three million Canadians travel to Florida each year for part or all of the winter, according to some polls. In addition, millions of Canadians travel to the state each year for shorter vacations. Florida cities such as Hollywood promise warm climates, a relatively easy-to-drive route, and affordable living.
However, being in a car accident in Hollywood can be especially upsetting for someone who is not an American citizen or resident. The rules are slightly different, and it can be frustrating and upsetting for victims to try to deal with two systems. The best way to avoid hassle is to take some precautions:

1) Plan well in advance of your trip. If you are a Canadian, you will generally be able to access Canadian insurance benefits even if you are in a traffic accident in Hollywood or another US city. However, keep in mind that lower minimum insurance requirements are in place in Florida than in many Canadian provinces. In addition, you will be dealing with a difference of currency and costs. To protect yourself, speak with your insurance provider before you travel to discuss what is covered. This way, you can get additional coverage to close any gaps. Be sure to also secure travel insurance and health coverage. If you are injured in a slip and fall accident in Hollywood – or another incident – your province’s health care system will not cover the costs.

2) Be prepared for an accident. No one expects to be in a car or truck accident in Hollywood or another city. However, it does happen. To stay prepared, be sure you have a first-aid kit, disposable camera (or cell phone) and your insurance carrier’s information in the car with you at all times.

3) Take steps to prevent an accident. Get familiar with the area where you will be driving as well as with weather and road work conditions when you travel. Drive only when you are sober, in good physical condition, and well-rested. Keep your car in good physical condition so that a mechanical problem does not cause an accident.

4) Get familiar with local laws. Florida laws are in some ways similar. Just as in Canada, you must not drink and drive and you must stay to help if you are involved in an accident. However, there are important insurance and legal differences. Get familiar with these differences before you travel.

5) If you are in an accident, speak with a personal injury attorney. If the worst happens and you are in an accident, contact a personal injury attorney in Hollywood or your community. You do have the option of contacting an attorney in Canada as well, but a Florida attorney will be familiar with local laws, US insurance providers, and local resources that can help you.

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The Financial Impact of a Truck or Car Accident in Hollywood or Your South Florida Community

Published on: July 16, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

There’s no doubt that a truck or car accident in Hollywood or your community is always devastating. It may lead to serious injuries, including head injuries, burns, fractures, spinal cord injuries, and amputations. However, in addition to the emotional and physical trauma, a traffic accident in Hollywood or your community can also be financially devastating. There may be a long-term financial impact related to your accident. Costs related to your accident can include:

1) Emergency and immediate medical costs. If you have been in a car or truck accident in Hollywood or any community, you will likely need some immediate medical attention. In fact, if you hit your head it is important to seek emergency medical help right away, even if you’re not sure whether you have sustained an injury. Some injuries do not manifest themselves right away, so getting tested for soft tissue and head injuries in Hollywood or the community where the accident took place is important. If your accident was serious, however, a trip to the emergency room as well as emergency treatment can be extremely expensive. Depending on where the accident occurred, you may have to be rushed to the hospital or even airlifted to the nearest trauma unit. You may need emergency and life-saving surgery as well as other expensive medical treatments in addition to tests and other medical procedures.

2) Property damage. Due to the size and force of commercial trucks, if you are involved in a truck crash in Hollywood or another community there is likely to be considerable damage to your vehicle. You may have to pay for extensive repairs for your car or your car may need to be replaced. In addition, any property that you may have had in the car, including electronics, work computers, cameras, cell phones, and other personal property and effects may have been damaged or destroyed by the accident.

3) Lost wages. A serious traffic accident in Hollywood or another community may take months or even years of recovery time. During this period you may not be able to return to work full time. If your injuries are serious enough, you may not be able to return to work and you may face years or even a lifetime of lost income. You will need to make up for this loss income in some manner.

4) Ongoing medical and related costs. In many cases, you may have ongoing medical costs. For example, you may need to pay for follow-up medical treatment, medicine, medical devices, and other costs. You may have to pay to have your home made accessible and you may need to pay for similar incidental expenses.

5) Transportation costs. If your car has been destroyed or damaged by the accident, you may need to pay for a rental car or you may need to pay for taxis or other forms of transportation if you’re too injured to drive. Over the months it may take you to recover, these can end up costing a substantial amount.

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How to Avoid Being the Victim of a Staged Car Accident in Miami or Florida

Published on: June 14, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Unfortunately, Florida has earned a reputation for insurance fraud and staged car accidents. A number of frauds of this type have been uncovered across the state over the past few years and insurance carriers have scrambled to address the issue. Many people continue to be the victims of these types of scams, however, and in some cases are seriously hurt because a fraudster is trying to get insurance money in a scam. According to experts, there are several things you can do to prevent being a victim:

1) Be prepared for an accident before it happens. Have a good insurance policy in place so that you are protected in the event that you are in a car or truck accident in Miami or anywhere else. In your car, keep a camera. This way, if you are in a collision you can take photos of any injuries at the scene as well as all cars from every angle. In the event of a staged car crash, hard evidence is often enough to prove the scam and protect you.

2) If you are in a car collision, take down as much information as you can. Take photos, exchange information with other sat the scene, and note your first impressions as well as any details you remember.
3) Get referrals from people you trust. If you are in a traffic accident in Miami or any other community and need medical attention, a car mechanic, attorney, or another professional, do your research. Do not just accept referrals without checking them out. A common form of fraud is for scammers to refer targets to specific auto shops, attorneys, or medical professionals who are part of the scheme and will overcharge for basic services.

4) Trust your instincts. If you feel that something is not quite right, trust that gut instinct. Take down as much information as you possibly can and refuse to sign any paperwork until you have checked out the situation or have had the issue investigated.

5) Consult with an attorney for legal advice. Being accused of causing a car accident (a common tactic with fraudsters) can seriously affect your insurance rates and your driving record. If you are seriously injured in a car or truck collision in Miami or any community, you will want to consult with a personal injury attorney. If a scammer’s actions have caused your injuries, a personal injury attorney in Miami or your city can investigate the incident, can build a strong case, and can pursue compensation so that you do not have to pay for lost income, medical costs, and other expenses yourself.

Insurance fraud hurts everyone, but it is especially difficult for innocent victims. It is already frightening to be in a car accident, but it can be even more troubling to realize that you have been the victim of fraud. Since staged car accidents happen in a fraction of a second, any miscalculation or error on the part of a fraudster can cause serious and even life-threatening injuries to you and your passengers.

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Staged Car Accidents in South Miami and Other Miami-Dade County Communities a Growing Concern

Published on: June 12, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to the executive assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, the most significant type of insurance fraud in Southern Florida is staged car accident fraud. Recently, authorities arrested 26 people and charged 33 people and arrested 26 as part of an investigation into a staged-accident ring that involved multiple groups in Miami-Dade county and Palm Beach county. According to experts, staged car accidents deprive the insurance industry of billions of dollars in fraudulent claims and put innocent motorists and pedestrians at risk of real injuries.

Staged car accidents often increase during times of economic instability, as people turn to fraud for economic gain out of desperation. Staged car accidents can be quite elaborate and can involve multiple fraudulent parties, including doctors, fake witnesses, motorists, and more. Unfortunately, in some cases it is more than just insurance companies who get harmed. Innocent bystanders can also be harmed since fraudsters are still essentially creating a car accident in South Miami or another community. While fraudsters plan carefully so that it appears as though they are injured when they are not, in some cases the target of the fraud suffers serious spinal cord injuries, head injuries, or other injuries as a result of the staged accident.

Staged accidents can take many forms:

1) The lane change accident. In this type of staged car accident, the fraudster will wave you ahead as you attempt to change lanes. When you make the pass, however, he or she will step on the gas and cause a collision, later denying that he or she waved you ahead and leaving you liable for the car crash.

2) The T-bone accident. In this type of staged car accident, a fraudster will wait until you enter an intersection and will step on the gas, t-boning your vehicle. In this type of staged traffic accident in South Miami and other communities, the fraudster will often work with fake witnesses, who will be on the scene to allege that you were the one to run a stop sign or red light.

3) The hem-in. In this type of staged car accident, fraudsters will stop suddenly in front of a target car, with an additional fraudster beside the target car so that the driver cannot swerve to prevent the accident.

In addition to these situations, fraud can occur at other levels, as well. For example, fraudsters may work with chiropractors or others to make claims for injuries which did not occur. Another common scam is for fraudsters to make fake referrals to mechanics, medical professionals, or attorneys. These individuals, if they are in on the scam, may end up charging the target extra money.

Being the target of a staged accident is frightening and upsetting. In many cases, victims are blamed for the accident and may face increased insurance costs. In addition, staged accidents can still mean that victims are rushed to an emergency room in South Miami with head injuries, spinal cord injuries, burns, and other serious injuries.

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