Three Attributes of a Personal Injury Attorney Who Is Worth Hiring

If you are dire need of a personal injury attorney, you may be wondering what kind of attributes such an attorney should possess. This is something that is worth taking into account at all times. Otherwise, your chances of winning the case will be jeopardised significantly. Suppose you want to hire a person injury attorney and you are wondering what kind of attributes such an attorney should bear, consider the following information.

Putting your interest on top

Try your best to hire an attorney that is able to put your interests on top. Such attorneys can go to great extremes to make sure they win your case at all costs.

Highly qualified

An attorney must be highly qualified. Handling legal proceedings is not something that is simple and straight forward. Therefore, it is always a good idea to go for a personal injury that is highly qualified. Take your time to consider the credentials of the attorney before you can consider hiring such an attorney.

Offers free consultation

There are attorneys that are mainly interested in the funds of their clients than anything else. As a matter of fact, such attorneys actually do not care much about the welfare of their clients. Rather, they are more interested in accumulating as much wealth as possible even at the expense of their clients. Based on this, hiring attorneys that can offer you free consultation is a good idea. Using the free consultation service, you can learn important information on the issues surrounding your case.

A DUI Accident can Result in a Civil Case

Thousands of people are arrested each year for drunk driving in the state of Florida. In spite of ever-increasing criminal penalties and aggressive public awareness campaigns by private and public organizations alike, drunk driving continues to occur on a regular basis in Orlando and throughout the rest of the state. While most everyone is aware of the fact that drunk driving can result in significant criminal penalties, less clear to those without legal training is the fact that drunk drivers can face civil liability as well. Below, the differences between the criminal and civil consequences of drinking and driving are discussed. For more information or to discuss your specific case, call an experienced Orlando car accident attorney today.

Criminal vs Civil – What’s the Difference?

A criminal case is a legal action brought by the state on behalf of the general public in response to allegations that an individual violatedFlorida law. Criminal penalties include fines, probation, restitution, and jail time. On the other hand, a civil case is a lawsuit brought by a party that alleges that he or she has been injured by the negligence of another person. If the person who brings the civil lawsuit wins, he or she will receive monetary compensation for his or her losses, often including loss of value or damage to property, any medical expenses incurred, physical and emotional pain and suffering, and lost wages. Unlike a criminal case, the defendant cannot be jailed or be subjected to any other criminal penalties. Importantly, the burden of proof is significantly different in these two types of cases – in a criminal case, the state must prove guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, while a civil plaintiff must only prove negligence by a “preponderance of the evidence” in order to recover.

Victims Must Take Action in order to Recover Compensation

Generally speaking, after a drunk driving accident, the criminal case does not require the involvement of the individual or individuals who have been injured to proceed. Presuming that law enforcement officers responded to the scene of the accident, they will have evaluated all of the drivers involved for signs of intoxication and gathered evidence of such intoxication if it existed. At that point, the file will be sent to the prosecutor’s office, which will then make a decision as to whether or not to prosecute anyone for a violation of the law.

In order to recover compensation, however, victims must take affirmative steps to establish that the driver who injured them was negligent and make a legal claim. In the case that it is clear that the other driver was drunk, negligence will likely be conceded but victims will still need to establish damages and make a claim to the drunk driver’s insurance.  The assistance of an attorney can ensure that victims make their claim in a timely manner and can also help those injured obtain the full and fair value of their claim.

Contact an Orlando, Florida Car Accident Lawyer Today to Retain Legal Representation

If you have been injured in an auto accident in which the other driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you are most likely entitled to significant legal compensation. Orlando injury attorney Jonathan K. Allen is qualified to represent the rights of accident victims and strives to obtain the maximum compensation available in every case he takes. To schedule a free case evaluation with Mr. Allen, call our office today at 407-205-2330.

Is the Rear Driver Always at Fault in Orlando Rear-End Car Accidents?

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), over 1.7 million rear-end collisions happened in a single year in the United States, making this the most common kind of automobile accident in the U.S. Many rear-end crashes are caused by the negligence of one of the drivers involved and, in most situations, people automatically look at the rear driver to blame. However, the rear driver is not always at fault in this type of accident and it is important to understand Florida laws on the matter if you are involved in a rear-end collision.

Florida law regarding rear-end accident liability

Historically, Florida law mandated that the driver in the back should always be held at fault. This presumption of fault was justified by the assumption that, if a driver was unable to stop in time to avoid a collision, they were following the other vehicle too closely.

However, in 2012, the Florida Supreme Court issued a decision that gave hope to rear drivers involved in collisions. The Court held that while the presumption of fault still exists, the rear driver has the opportunity to present evidence that the front driver's negligence caused or contributed to the accident. Even if both parties were partially at fault, Florida's comparative fault law still allows partial recovery for accident-related losses.

Ways the front driver can be negligent

There are many different ways that a front driver can cause or contribute to a rear-end car accident. The following are some examples of negligence of a front driver in this type of situation:

•    Cutting closely in front of another vehicle (“cutting them off”)
•    Failing to check their blind spot before changing lanes
•    Erratic braking with no warning or noticeable reasoning
•    Having faulty taillights or brake lights
•    Trucks with trailers that are not properly visible
•    Slamming on brakes at high speeds
•    Losing control of the vehicle

These are only a few of the many ways a front driver's negligence can lead to a rear-end crash. It is important to remember that even if you were not paying attention or acted in a negligent manner yourself, it still may be possible to receive some compensation if the front driver also contributed to the accident.

Learn how an Orlando automobile injury attorney can help you

An experienced car accident attorney will know how to evaluate the circumstances surrounding you rear-end collision to determine your legal rights and options. Even if the front driver was not negligent, a lawyer can assist you with your own insurance claim to ensure your medical costs and other losses are covered. Please do not hesitate to call the office of J. Allen Law, P.L.

Note: Above is a simplification and a brief overview provided for informational purposes only. There are additional considerations and exceptions that could be applicable to your specific circumstances. You should not rely on any information provided here and should seek an experienced and caring litigation attorney as soon as possible before making any decisions.

What Steps Should I Take To Protect My Legal Rights After A Florida Car Accident?

Automobile accidents can be traumatic events. In the wake of an accident, it is only natural that those involved may be disoriented and unsure of how to act or what to do. However, how you act following an accident can significantly impact your ability to recover for your losses. In order to preserve your legal right to compensation for your medical expenses and other losses, there are some steps you can take in the hours and days after the collision.

Seek medical attention – If emergency personnel suggest that you be transported in an ambulance, you should follow their advice as you may have sustained serious injuries. Even if you do not need an ambulance, it is always important to undergo a medical evaluation as soon as you can after the car accident. Many injuries have symptoms that arise over time and are not immediately recognizable. Having a doctor perform tests can help to diagnose any injuries so that you receive the treatment you need. In addition, medical records can serve as proof of your diagnosis and can tie your injuries to your auto accident.

Take notes and photos – If you are physically able to stay at the scene, you should make notes of the names and contact information for anyone else involved in the accident and any witnesses. You should also either make notes or take photos of the weather and road conditions, the damage to the vehicles, and any other seemingly noteworthy circumstances. These notes and pictures may not only refresh your memory of the accident but can serve as important evidence should a legal case be necessary.

Follow the instructions of all medical professionals – If your doctor recommends that you rest and take medication, you should rest and take the medication. If they suggest physical therapy, you should attend therapy sessions. If you fail to follow medical instructions of your doctor, it may be argued that your injuries were not as serious as you claim. Arguments may also be made that your injury would have healed faster and caused fewer challenges for you had you followed medical recommendations.

Keep a journal – It is often difficult to remember how much pain or impairment you experienced on a particular day due to your injuries. For this reason, it can be helpful to keep an ongoing journal to not only record any medical care, equipment, or supplies you required but also to keep track of how your injury and pain level affected your psychological well-being and physical capabilities.

Be careful when speaking with insurance companies – Because Florida has no-fault insurance laws, you will have to go through your own insurance company first to try to get compensation for your accident-related losses. While you may believe that you can trust your insurance company to cover all of your losses—after all, you pay premiums every month—this is not always the case. Like any other business, insurance companies want to protect their bottom line, so they often seek ways to deny claims. Saying to your claim adjuster that you “feel fine” may seem like an off-hand, meaningless exchange, however, the adjuster may use such comments to limit your recovery. In addition, many insurance settlements are well below the full value of your claim. If you accept an initial settlement and then realize it is not sufficient, you lose the right to then ask for more compensation.

Discuss your situation with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Orlando

After an auto accident, you should always consult with a skilled automobile injury attorney who can protect your legal rights. An attorney should always review all insurance offers before you accept them and can negotiate for a higher settlement if needed. An attorney can also identify when a legal claim is necessary and appropriate for a full financial attempt at recovery.

Note: Above is a simplification and a brief overview provided for informational purposes only. There are additional considerations and exceptions that could be applicable to your specific circumstances. You should not rely on any information provided here and should seek an experienced and caring litigation attorney as soon as possible before making any decisions.

Get Maximum Benefit from Your Car Accident Injury, Hire an Attorney

Life is unpredictable at every step. Nobody can certainly say that an accident or a mishap will not take place at any certain time. You or someone you care about can be a victim of a bad situation like an accident. But the real question is- are you well prepared to face such kind of circumstances? Most of us are not, but we could definitely change that and at least plan to handle the aftermath of it. A personal injury is a common thing in an accident, but skills of a personal injury attorney in Orlando is worth the fees you are going to pay.

Why is there any need to spend your valuable money on an attorney? Well, he is the only person who is legally equipped to protect you in case of complex rules involved in such an event. Depending on the injury you have suffered, the compensation amount may vary. Besides, no insurance company would want to shell out money to a victim in a simple manner. The lawyer can help to bring out the necessary amount within short time.

The types of injuries may be different; a car injury attorney in Orlando may help you get the compensation depending on the severity of the damage or loss. A person may experience minor, severe or permanent damage from a car accident injury. In the major cases, getting assistance from an experienced attorney will help the client to get the most out of the claim. You can remain relaxed even if your insurance company is refusing to pay. The attorney will take care of everything. You can find such a lawyer through recommendation from friends, relatives, colleagues or from reliable sources on the internet.

Slip and Fall Accidents can Result in Surprisingly Serious Brain Injuries

At some point in your life, you will inevitably slip and fall down. In most cases, a fall may cause minor bumps or bruises and may certainly bruise your ego. However, in other situations, a seemingly simple slip and fall accident can result in serious injuries with long-term implications. In fact, the National Safety Council (NSC) has reported that nearly 9 million visits to the emergency room per year in the United States result from slip and fall injuries. Many of these ER patients may require extensive medical care for fractured bones, neck and back injuries, serious contusions, and more. One particularly concerning injury that can result from a slip and fall is a serious traumatic brain injury (TBI).

How can a fall result in a TBI?

When you slip or trip, you often have little control over where or how you land. Whether you fall forward or backward, there is a good chance you may hit your head on the ground or on any shelves or nearby objects. Anytime you hit your head, you run the risk of sustaining a TBI. A TBI is damage to the brain tissue from the brain hitting the skull and it most often occurs from direct trauma to the head. The damage can occur directly beneath the point of impact or even on the opposite side of the head.

Traumatic brain injuries are classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Severe TBI can cause long-term or even permanent symptoms, which can result in serious impairments and disabilities for victims. Many severe brain injuries result from fall accidents, including same-level slip and falls.

Signs and symptoms of severe traumatic brain injuries

One of the most telling signs that you have suffered a severe TBI is the loss of consciousness. While some victims lose consciousness for a brief period of time, others may be in a coma for days or weeks. After awakening from a coma, many people suffer from some form of amnesia. In addition, severe TBI victims often suffer from serious problems with the following:

•    Concentration, attention, and focus

•    Balance, coordination, strength, and other motor functions

•    Long and short-term memory loss

•    Sensory perception

•    Understanding basic communications and directions

•    Verbal and written communications

•    Personality and behavioral changes

•    Anxiety, depression, and other emotional conditions

•    Sleep disorders

The above symptoms can last for an extended period of time and can often be permanent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 43 percent of severe TBI victims still experience impairments one year after the injury and more than 5 million individuals in the U.S. live with a disability stemming from a TBI. These impairments can prevent a TBI victim from working, driving, attending school, having meaningful relationships, participating in everyday activities, or even from living independently.

Who can be held liable for my brain injury-related losses?

Brain injury victims can incur extensive financial and intangible losses as a result of the following and more:

•    Emergency trauma care

•    Extended hospitalization

•    Physical and occupational rehabilitation

•    Psychological treatment

•    In-home assistance

•    Assisted living facilities

•    Loss of income, benefits, and earning capacity

•    Psychological and physical pain and suffering

•    Lost enjoyment of everyday life

One of the first questions a slip and fall victim with a TBI asks is: can I receive compensation for my losses? Fortunately, in many cases, the answer is “yes.”

If you slipped and fell simply because of your own clumsiness, you may not be able to recover for your losses. However, many slip and falls occur because of a hazardous condition on the premises. Property owners who fail to keep their premises in reasonably safe condition and who allow hazards to exist can be held liable for any injuries that result from the dangerous property. This includes injuries to people who slip and fall due to unsafe flooring, obstacles in walkways, unsecured cords, and similar hazards.

Consult with an experienced Orlando personal injury attorney today

If you have sustained a TBI or any other type of injury in a slip and fall accident and you suspect that the property owner was negligent, you should always discuss your legal rights with a qualified personal injury lawyer. At the office of J. Allen Law, P.L., we help injured individuals in Orlando and throughout central Florida receive the compensation they deserve. from negligent parties. Don’t hesitate to call us for a free fifteen-minute consultation at 407-205-2330 today.

Note: Above is a simplification and a brief overview provided for informational purposes only. There are additional considerations and exceptions that could be applicable to your specific circumstances. You should not rely on any information provided here and should seek an experienced and caring litigation attorney as soon as possible before making any decisions.

What Are The Ways A Car Injury Attorney Can Help You?

Let’s face the truth. An automobile accident can destroy or change your life forever. If the debilitating injuries you have suffered weren’t enough, there is always the fight over insurance claims that make things harder. With mounting medical bills that you have to pay in case you fail to win an insurance claim, life can quickly turn chaotic. If you are resident of Orlando, fighting a car injury case can get complicated since Florida has strict no-fault rules. The safest bet would be to seek help from a lawyer who specializes in accident cases and claims, so he can help you get the maximum compensation that you deserve for your injuries.

If you are seeking a car injury attorney Orlando is a good place to find legal help. These experts can help you defend your case with care and knowledge. Typically an auto accident lawyer in Orlando will help represent your case in a no-fault claim, find evidence for a court case in case your insurance company does pay out your claim, and finally help you claim the damages from the person responsible for your situation. But till you get yourself a lawyer, here are the things to keep in mind, if you ever get involved in an accident.

What to do just after an accident?

With every passing day, the number of automobiles on the road is increasing at an alarming rate. And there are more instances of reckless driving now, than ever. Accidents can happen anytime due to speeding, drunk driving, eating, talking over phone or texting, or even because of a sleepy driver.

Whatever may be the reason, here are some steps to follow if you unfortunately experience an accident. Remember these pointers even before contacting an auto accident attorney. Orlando law firms especially advise these measures to enhance the ease of handling a case.

•    Stop immediately if you meet with a mishap and note down the time of accident. Stay inside your car if required and turn on the headlights, particularly if it is dark or foggy.

•    If anyone in your car or the other car is injured or there is any damage to the vehicles, call the police. Remember that it is often necessary to file a complaint before you can submit any compensation claim.

•    Be very careful while physically moving someone in an emergency situation. Or else you may be charged with improper handling. Don’t move your car from the scene of accident unless you are blocking the traffic, or there is some other danger, or law enforcers request you. Also, don’t leave the spot to avoid incurring criminal penalties.

•    In case you hit a vehicle without anyone inside, leave a note mentioning your name, address and license plate number. And report the incident to the police.

•    After an accident, if the police officers fail to obtain all the necessary information, then here is what you should do. Get the name and address of the driver, car owner, passengers and their basic insurance information. Note the license plate numbers of the automobiles involved. Also obtain the basic contact details of the bystanders who witnessed the accident.

•    Taking photographs of any damage to your car or any visible physical injury can help during an insurance claim.

•    Avoid admitting guilt when you are not sure and don’t say that you are feeling alright after the accident. Many injuries become evident after some time has elapsed, but not immediately.

•    Inform the police and the doctors about the details of the accident without any guesswork. Provide your statement in writing, so that no one can deny it later on.

•    Irrespective of who is at fault; inform your car insurance about the accident without delay. Submit a written statement only after consulting your attorney.

•    Get in touch with a doctor right after the accident, so that any possible injuries can be noted and treated on time.

A final word

Cooperate with your auto accident attorney and disclose everything about the incident truthfully. Follow his advice sincerely for the best possible outcome of the situation.