Recent Blog Posts
Hurt in a Jet Ski Accident? Know Your Legal Rights
With the spring break season in full swing, many people are traveling to Florida to enjoy the sun and surf. This means that there are even more people out on the water than normal. Many vacationers will rent jet skis and other recreational watercraft for their own enjoyment, often without any prior experience or knowledge of how to safely operate these vehicles. Unfortunately, this can lead to serious boat accidents and injuries. If you were injured while riding a jet ski, or if a jet ski rider collided with you while you were swimming, it is important to know your legal options.
Who is Liable for a Jet Ski Collision?
Jet skis come with inherent risks. However, responsible boating can prevent the majority of jet ski accidents. Alcohol use is extremely common among boaters, despite being against Florida law. Consequently, intoxicated drivers is a common cause of boat accidents - especially during spring break. Traveling too fast for the conditions, failure to pay attention, and inexperience can also cause jet ski crashes.
What Are My Legal Options if a Loved One Died in a Motorcycle Crash?
For motorcyclists, a motorcycle is much more than a mode of transportation. It is a source of enjoyment, freedom, and independence. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are at a much greater risk of death in motor vehicle accidents than individuals in passenger vehicles. Sometimes, it is the very activity motorcyclists love the most that kills them.
If your spouse, sibling, parent, child, or other relative died in a motorcycle wreck, you may be grief-stricken and shocked. You may want to take legal action against the responsible party but are unsure of where to start. In this blog, we will discuss the basics of filing a wrongful death claim in Florida as well as the financial and non-financial benefits associated with this type of legal action.
What is a Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death is a death that is caused by another party's wrongful, careless, or negligent actions. In motorcycle accident cases, the other party is often a negligent driver. Distracted driving, intoxicated driving, speeding, failure to yield, and inattention can all lead to a deadly motorcycle crash.
Filing an Injury Claim After an Accident Caused by a Distracted Driver
Distracted driving comes in countless forms. Often, it involves the use of a smartphone or other electronic device behind the wheel. However, distractions may also come in the form of passengers in the vehicle, eating or drinking, or even daydreaming.
No matter the type of distraction that contributed to a crash, victims of distracted driving accidents should understand their rights and options for filing a claim for damages. It may be possible to recover compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company for vehicle repairs, medical bills resulting from crash-related injuries, and other losses.
Holding a Distracted Driver Accountable
Looking down at a phone while driving is extremely dangerous. It takes the driver's mind off of driving, eyes off of the road, and hands off of the wheel. Florida law prohibits drivers from typing on their phones while operating a motor vehicle. However, texting and driving laws are difficult to enforce, and data shows that citations for texting and driving are issued infrequently.
Can I Sue if I Was Injured by Objects Falling From a Truck?
Federal law requires all trucks transporting consumer goods, supplies, garbage, packages, dirt, and hazardous material, to ensure that cargo is safely secured. Unfortunately, those responsible for transporting goods are sometimes in a rush or are not sufficiently cautious. This leads to incidents of unsecured cargo falling from trucks and landing on the road, endangering drivers who may be hit by the cargo or who may have to suddenly swerve to avoid it.
Catastrophic injuries happen, and lives are lost every year because of falling cargo on the road. If you were injured or lost a loved one in an accident like this, it is important to explore your legal options. Truck accident victims may be entitled to financial compensation for their vehicle damage, past and future medical expenses resulting from the collision, lost earnings from missed work, and more.
Who is Responsible for Fallen Objects in the Road?
Insurance Claim Appeal Success Rates
What to Do If Your Insurance Claim is Denied in Florida
Having an insurance claim denied can be a frustrating and upsetting experience. Under most circumstances, however, you have the right to an appeal. It is important to review your insurance policy to determine the appeals process and any legal deadlines that you must meet.
At The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A., we represent individuals in insurance claims including wrongful denials. Our lawyers are well-versed in holding insurance companies accountable when they deny a claim in bad faith. If your insurance claim was denied, contact our office at 800-555-4011 to schedule a free consultation.
Why Are Insurance Claims Denied?
Insurance claims can be denied for a number of reasons. It may be as simple as you did not adequately fill out the paperwork or it could be as complicated as there is a dispute about what is covered.
How Do I Appeal an Insurance Claim Denial?
3 Steps to Take If Your Insurance Claim Was Denied
There is nothing more frustrating than submitting an insurance claim only to have it denied by the insurer. There are several reasons that an insurance claim can be denied, but the most important thing to remember is that you have rights. Under certain circumstances, you may have the option to appeal the decision.
At The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A., we provide dedicated representation for insurance claims including denial appeals. Our lawyers have over 50 years of collective legal experience to help you get the insurance settlement you deserve. If your claim was denied, contact our office at 800-555-4011 to schedule a free consultation.
Follow these three steps if your insurance claim was denied:
1. Review Your Claim
First, review your claim for any obvious errors. Check to make sure that your claim was filed timely and that the damages are covered by your policy. If you are unsure about what is covered you can speak to an insurance claims attorney.
Can You Sue a Funeral Home for Negligence?
Your Rights If the Florida Funeral Home Was Negligent
When a loved one dies, it can be unbearably difficult. Depending on your loved one’s wishes, you may need to make funeral arrangements and wrap up their affairs. During this time you may assume that the funeral home you rely on is always handling your loved one with the utmost care. Unfortunately, this may not be the case.
At The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A., we represent individuals who have suffered harm because of a funeral home’s negligence. We understand that this may be a challenging time for you and your family. We are here to help. Contact our office at 800-555-4011 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.
Who Can Sue a Florida Funeral Home?
If a Florida funeral home was negligent in the handling of your loved one or engaged in some form of unethical or unlawful activity, you might be entitled to compensation. Depending on the circumstances of the case, you may be able to sue for damages.
Who Will Pay for Property Damage After a Car Accident?
Getting Your Car Fixed After a Florida Auto Accident
If you are involved in a car accident, you may wonder who is responsible for your damages. While many people worry about whether they will receive compensation for their injuries, they overlook the fact that they may need vehicle repairs. In some instances, the car may be totaled and they will need to seek money to replace the vehicle. Determining who should pay for these damages can be challenging without the help of a qualified attorney.
At the Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A., our lawyers can help you understand your rights after an auto accident. We fight for individuals who have suffered losses in car crashes throughout Florida. Whether you were seriously injured or your vehicle needs to be repaired, we can help. Contact our office today at 800-555-4011 to schedule a free consultation.
Is a Store Owner Liable If I Was Injured on Their Property?
Why You Need an Attorney If You Are Injured at a Store
You may assume that a store owner is automatically liable if you are injured while on their property. Unfortunately, holding a store owner legally responsible for your injuries can be challenging. Not all injuries result in liability. To determine whether you have a valid claim for damages, you need to speak with a qualified attorney.
At the Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A., we represent individuals who have been injured due to another person’s negligence or wrongdoing. Our lawyers fight hard to ensure that our clients receive the maximum compensation allowed by law. If you have been injured at a store, contact our office at 800-555-4011 for a free case evaluation.
Holding a Store Owner Accountable for Your Injuries
In general, a store owner is required to keep their property in a reasonably safe condition. They also have a duty to warn customers of a dangerous condition that they knew or should have known about. In some cases, proving a store owner’s liability can be relatively straightforward, but in others, it may be difficult to prove.
What are the Minimum Insurance Requirements in Florida?
Navigating Your Mandatory and Recommended Coverage
Choosing to purchase a car, home, or business in Florida may require varying levels of insurance coverage to be obtained. Furthermore, you may feel more comfortable purchasing additional forms of coverage to protect yourself in the event of natural disasters, injury, and significant property damage. If you're a new Florida resident or are looking to obtain a new property, read on to learn more about what insurance may be required in your circumstances.
Florida Insurance Requirements
Car Insurance
Florida drivers are required to register all four-wheel vehicles. In doing so, they must obtain minimum insurance coverage for personal injury and property damage liability and show proof of coverage when registering.
The minimum requirements for automobile coverage include:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $10,000
- Property Damage Liability (PDL): $10,000