Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida? 3 Reasons You Do

Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida? 3 Reasons You Do

RRBHLAWZENPersonal Injury Lawyer Florida, Vehicle Accidents

If you are wondering, “Do I need uninsured motorist coverage in Florida?” finding an answer might seem difficult. To make it easier, we provide three reasons you should have it below. As with any type of insurance, uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for your losses in the event of an accident. This particular type of coverage, however, can be essential if you are in an accident with a driver who is uninsured or whose coverage is inadequate to cover your injuries. In fact, we think it is one of the most important insurance decisions a person can make. Here’s why. What is UM coverage? Uninsured motorist insurance covers the injuries and damages that you and those covered under your policy sustain when involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. It can cover things like your medical care, lost wages, and other losses you experience. Why You Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida Florida is a no-fault state. As a no-fault state, Florida requires drivers to use the coverage from their own policies before pursuing damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance. The minimum coverage for personal injury protection (PIP) that drivers are required to carry is $10,000 …

Need a Lawyer for Hurricane Insurance Claim? Only If You Want a Fair Settlement

Need a Lawyer for Hurricane Insurance Claim? Only If You Want a Fair Settlement

RRBHLAWZENHomeowners' Insurance

Should you hire a lawyer for your hurricane insurance claim? It depends on your situation, but your settlement could benefit. Here’s how. This year is going to be another busy Atlantic Hurricane Season, according to the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project. “We anticipate that the 2021 Atlantic basin hurricane season will have above-normal activity,” Dr. Phil Klotzbach, the leading scientist on the project, wrote in the 2021 report. If you have not already begun preparing your home and yourself for the possibility that your home could be damaged, you should begin doing so as soon as possible. You should also educate yourself about what to do following a hurricane. If you want a fair settlement, here are a few reasons you might need to hire an attorney. Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer for Hurricane Insurance Claim When you are considering whether to hire an attorney to handle your hurricane insurance claim, you might have a few questions. How will an attorney help me with my claim? Will it be worth it? Hurricane insurance claims can be time-consuming, complicated ordeals. Having a lawyer on your side can make the process easier and more streamlined. Here are a few things that …

Your Whiplash Injury Claim Amount Could Hinge on This

Your Whiplash Injury Claim Amount Could Hinge on This

RRBHLAWZENPersonal Injury Lawyer Florida, Vehicle Accidents

Interested in learning how to protect your whiplash injury claim amount? This article discusses one critical aspect you may not have considered. Thousands of car accidents happen every day, and a large portion of those accidents result in some sort of neck injury. Since they see them so frequently, insurance companies are all too familiar with whiplash injuries—and how to avoid paying out for them. You should do everything you can to keep your claim free of any mistakes that might help your insurance company deny your claim. And that includes one seemingly simple choice you make following an accident. The Doctor You Choose Could Make or Break Your Case When you visit a doctor for treatment after your accident, you should be careful to choose someone who is reputable and qualified to treat your injuries. While you may not have a choice about the doctor who treats you first if you are in need of emergency medical services, you can choose where you go once you are no longer in immediate danger. This choice could prove to be one of the most important in the insurance claim process. The size of your whiplash injury claim amount could be impacted …

can i sue my insurance company?

Can I Sue My Insurance Company for a Better Settlement?

RRBHLAWZENInsurance Litigation

Can I sue my insurance company? Get the answers to your questions. Here’s what you need to know about suing your homeowners insurance company for a fair settlement. If you have ever filed a claim with your homeowners insurance provider and felt like you should have gotten more compensation when the check came, you are not alone. As profit-driven enterprises, insurance companies have gotten really good at paying out as little as possible for claims, even when they know that their offer is not even close to what it should be. So, the question is, can you do anything about it? Can you sue them for a fair settlement? The answer? Yes, You Can Sue Your Insurance Company In some cases, litigation is your only remedy when the insurance company does not hold up its end of the bargain. You may find yourself in many different situations where you need to file a lawsuit for your property damage claim. For instance, if you believe they are acting in bad faith, have wrongfully denied your claim, or are delaying your settlement, you may need to sue. When Can I Sue My Insurance Company? Just like people are expected to follow the …

FAQ: car accident lawsuit

Car Accident Lawsuit: Should I Sue for My Injuries?

RRBHLAWZENPersonal Injury Lawyer Florida, Vehicle Accidents

Wondering whether you should file a car accident lawsuit for the injuries you sustained in a crash? This article offers some advice. When you are hurt in a car accident, your first thought should not have to be about whether you will be able to afford medical treatment. In some cases, however, you will need to file a lawsuit to recover fair compensation for your injuries and suffering. If you are trying to decide whether to file a car accident lawsuit to pay for your injuries, here are some of the things you should know. What Makes a “Good Case”? Put into simple terms, a good case for a car accident lawsuit is any case that involves significant injuries, but it really depends on your situation. The other driver’s insurance may adequately cover your expenses, in which case there would be no reason to seek further compensation. If, however, the other driver’s insurance coverage is inadequate, offers a low settlement, or denies your claim, you will need to take legal action to compensate you for the damages suffered. Damages can range from injuries and loss of income to pain and suffering. When to File a Car Accident Lawsuit If you …

mold insurance claims

Why Mold Insurance Claims Get Denied

RRBHLAWZENHomeowners' Insurance, Insurance Litigation, Property Insurance

Words are important, especially in the legal industry. Homeowners insurance policies are often vague in their wording when it comes to mold coverage. Insurance providers sometimes deny mold insurance claims because of how a policy lays out what it covers—for the homeowners who receive a denial, that can mean they are out thousands of dollars. In a typical mold coverage case, the fate of the claim often hinges on one thing—whether the mold is a result of covered damage. Here’s what you need to know about mold insurance claims. When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold? As mentioned above, in most homeowners insurance policies, mold removal is only covered when it is the result of a covered peril. Therefore, if a pipe bursts (or you experience other covered water damage) and the moisture causes mold to grow, you could file a claim for mold removal and the repair of anything permanently damaged by the mold, as well as any damage caused by the water. The primary stipulation to remember is this: if your homeowners insurance policy covers sudden, accidental water damage, you should be covered if any mold results from the water damage. Here are a few common examples of covered …

woman shopping before grocery store injuries

10 Grocery Store Injuries That Could Entitle You to Compensation

RRBHLAWZENPersonal Injury Lawyer Florida, Slip and Fall

The average person goes shopping at the grocery store about six times per month. With 72 trips to the store every year, it should be no surprise that grocery store injuries are a relatively common occurrence. Whether you shop for your family’s food at Publix, Walmart, or a local supermarket, you should know that if you get hurt in a grocery store that you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Here are 10 common grocery store injuries and accidents that could mean you need to file a lawsuit. Common Grocery Store Accidents Many of the grocery store accidents can be classified as slip and fall accidents. For example, if an employee mops a section of the floor but fails to put up proper signage and someone falls, that person could be entitled to compensation for their injuries. Here are some of the most common accidents that occur: Slip and fall accidents due to debris Slip and fall accidents due to spilled liquid or wet floors Improperly placed floor mats Falling items Uneven or damaged pavement on sidewalks or in the parking lot While there are many more kinds of accidents that may occur at a grocery store, these …

Sign in flood waters Hurricane Insurance Claim

These 4 Steps Could Help You Get the Most from Your Hurricane Insurance Claim

RRBHLAWZENHomeowners' Insurance, Hurricane damage, Insurance Litigation, Property Insurance

No one knows when the next big hurricane is going to hit, so it is impossible to predict when you will need to file a hurricane insurance claim. Understanding the steps that you need to take after your home or property is damaged will not only help to speed along recovery time—it can also lead to a bigger claim check. Hurricane claims are some of the most stressful to file considering the devastation that can occur. Furthermore, your insurance company is likely to be overwhelmed by claims, which can slow recovery times. In many cases, the amount people receive from their insurance is less than they deserve, so when you know how to move forward, you are less likely to be taken advantage of by the insurance company. Many of the provisions included in a typical insurance policy are confusing, and it can be difficult to tell what your policy actually covers. To prepare for a worst-case scenario in which you have to file a hurricane insurance claim, you should review your insurance policy, if possible, with the help of an attorney. Which brings us to the first step you should take after a hurricane damages your property. Call Your …

Florida Hurricane Season 2020 Is Going to Be Busy, Possibly Destructive According to Experts

RRBHLAWZENHurricane damage

Every year, Florida residents must prepare their homes and families for the possibility of a hurricane making landfall in their area. According to weather and climate experts, Florida hurricane season 2020, which is expected to see more activity than previous years, might require more planning. Many of our clients come to us because they need help getting what they are owed from the insurance company after a major storm. Even after taking the proper precautions for securing and protecting their homes, many people still experience significant losses from hurricanes. When the insurance company refuses to pay policyholders for covered damage, negotiation and litigation are often necessary. Here is what you should know about this year’s hurricane season so that you can make adjustments to your insurance policy and get your home ready. The NOAA Predicted a Busy Hurricane Season On May 21, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published a news article titled, “Busy Atlantic Hurricane Season Predicted for 2020.” As the title suggests, the article details the scientific agency’s forecast for the frequency of major storms this year. According to the NOAA, 2020 is going to be very busy: NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a likely range …

Florida Personal Injury Attorney: 5 Tips for Preparing for a Deposition

RRBHLAWZENPersonal Injury Lawyer Florida

When you and your Florida personal injury attorney file a lawsuit against the insurance company, both parties are permitted to collect evidence during what is known as the “discovery process.” Depositions are part of this process. What is a deposition and how can you prepare for yours? Here are five tips to help you get ready. What Is a Deposition? In the context of a personal injury lawsuit against an insurance company, a deposition is a pre-trial interview conducted under oath. During your deposition, your attorney and the attorney for the insurance company will ask you a series of questions. Your answers to these questions will form your testimony, which will be recorded. Review All Relevant Documents During your deposition, the attorney for the insurance company will ask you all kinds of questions about your case. The answers you give could influence how the court views your lawsuit, so it is best to be prepared. You can start preparing by reviewing documents like accident reports, medical records, notes or journal entries you wrote after your accident, and any other documents that could be relevant. Take Your Time with Each Answer Depositions are often high-stress situations, so when you start answering …

Should I Try to Handle My Accident Claim without a Car Insurance Attorney?

RRBHLAWZENInsurance Litigation, Personal Injury Lawyer Florida, Vehicle Accidents

For many car accident insurance claims, you should be able to go through the filing process without a problem, even if you do not consult with or hire a car insurance attorney, as long as the car insurance company acts in good faith. However, if you sustained injuries or someone close to you died as a result of an accident, your best course of action is to find an attorney you can trust to get you the justice you deserve. Here are four other reasons you should hire an attorney to take care of your claim. Your Policy Limits Might Not Be Enough to Cover Your Injuries In Florida, we operate as a no-fault insurance state, which means that each driver first must file a claim with their own insurance. While being a no-fault state makes accidents that do not result in injury or significant damage easier to handle, it also has drawbacks. For instance, when the cost of damages exceeds your insurance policy’s limits, things can get complicated. With multiple insurance policies in play and several parties trying to protect their interests, it is best to let a professional who knows how to navigate such a complex situation handle …

insurance litigation attorney

Hurricane Preparation Tips

RRBHLAWZENHurricane damage, Property Insurance

Hurricane season is upon us so keep these tips on hand to make sure you’re prepared. General Hurricane Preparation Tips: Fill Ziploc-type plastic bags ¾ full of water and stuff them in every corner of your freezer. You want them to freeze while you have electricity. It might take a couple of days for them to freeze. Nothing is lost if you don’t get the storm. Fill up with gas Get cash Fill your prescriptions Wash your clothes and dishes Take photos of every room and the outside of your house. Upload them to the cloud, or email them to yourself in Gmail, Hotmail, etc. Also take photographs of important papers, ID cards, the information in your wallet and contact information. Upload or email those photos as well. Get a rabbit-ears type TV antenna so you can watch TV if the cable goes out. Try it out now. The antennas are cheap, and the TV is free. Gather up toys and games and put them in one place. In case you have to leave home, you will want them to keep the kids entertained. Know if you are in an evacuation zone. Contact your county emergency management office online or …

Miami Attorney Wins Decision on Insurance Policy Following Irma Damage

RRBHLAWZENInsurance Litigation

Daniel J. Rodriguez of RRBH Law in Miami recently won a decision for two of his clients that helped them get the award they sought from their homeowners’ insurance provider. When Lazaraly Guzman and Larry Rosado’s dwelling was damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017, they notified their insurance provider, American Security Insurance, Co., and filed a claim. Both Parties Disagreed on Damage Costs From the start, the insureds and representatives of the insurance company could not agree on the cost of the damage from the storm, so Guzman and Rosado started the litigation process. When both parties agreed to an appraisal per the insurance policy’s instructions, the court stayed the case until an award was issued. After both parties failed to agree on a neutral umpire for the appraisal, the court appointed Lawrence Leiby to oversee the appraisal. The disagreement centered on an email exchange between the appraisers for each party and Leiby. Leiby initially circulated an award amount of $121,800 to both parties’ appraisers. Court documents allege that the appraiser representing American Security Insurance, Co. objected to the amount and asked for an itemized list that detailed the damage. Leiby then sent a revised figure to both parties: $90, …

hurricane irma claim nearing an end

Hurricane Irma Claim: The Window to File Is Closing

RRBHLAWZENBusiness Interruption, Homeowners' Insurance, Hurricane damage, Insurance Litigation

Hurricane Irma resulted in over 838,000 residential property insurance claims. And although the storm that devastated the entire state of Florida occurred in September of 2017, it is still possible to file a claim. Damage from the hurricane has totaled nearly $50 billion. And some Florida homeowners still have not had their Hurricane Irma claims settled—roughly 7 percent, to be exact.   According to this Florida statute, affected parties must file a claim with their insurance company within 3 years of the date the hurricane made landfall. Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida on September 10, 2017, which gives policyholders until September 9, 2020 to file.   Don’t let the fear of a denial stop you from submitting a Hurricane Irma claim It’s common for homeowners to feel as though their claim will be denied. Horror stories of dealing with insurance companies are always talking points for aggravated policyholders. And with exposure via social media to an even broader group of angry individuals whose claims have gone denied, the stigma grows even greater. Fear of a denial holds many policyholders back from filing in the first place. This is especially true during hurricane season, when deductibles are higher. As the holder …

Sun shining through clouds in Miami

Mold in the Home: Will Insurance Pay for This Health Hazard?

RRBHLAWZENHomeowners' Insurance, Insurance Litigation, Property Insurance

In mid-September of last year, southern Florida experienced the power that remained of Hurricane Irma. Though only a category 2 hurricane when it made landfall in the contiguous United States, the damage that the storm caused reached over $50 billion and cost 90 people their lives. Irma has long since dissipated, her wreckage cleared, but she has left many people to deal with a serious health risk: mold in the home. Many in Florida will be feeling the effects—possibly for years to come, if Hurricane Katrina was any indication—of the mold spores that implanted themselves in the drywall, carpet, and wood of countless homes and businesses. These spores remain like a memory of Irma’s damage. What this means for homeowners is that if left unchecked, mold can take over and make a home uninhabitable. And that means fixing the problem is of the utmost importance. So how will you pay to fix your mold in the home problem? Let’s take a look at, first, why it is such a serious issue, and then, what to do if your insurance provider denies your claim. Why Mold in the Home is Serious There are many strains of mold, some extremely toxic and …

Is There A Calculator for Pain and Suffering?

RRBHLAWZENPersonal Injury Lawyer Florida, Slip and Fall, Vehicle Accidents

Has your life been altered due to someone else’s negligence? Are you unable to work and worried about falling behind on your bills as a result? This is the unfortunate circumstance that affects many individuals who suffer an injury. They fear for their current way of living, wondering how they will be able to pay the bills during their recovery period. If this has happened to you, then you know you need to be compensated. But how much? What do you need to receive to ensure you can maintain your normal life? In this instance, many insurance adjusters will bring up what is called a pain and suffering calculator. This will give a glimpse into the expenses accrued over the recovery period as well as money lost due to their inability to work. When you’ve been injured, your pain and suffering are more than a math formula. Personal injury attorneys will look much deeper into your case to determine just how much your life has altered due to the injury—or injuries—sustained. What is a pain and suffering calculator? Ask anyone who has been injured before and they’ll tell you that their mortgage company doesn’t care that they’re out of work—they …

storm damage

Assignment of Benefits Reform: Why Homeowners Are in Trouble

RRBHLAWZENHomeowners' Insurance, Insurance Litigation, Property Insurance

The new assignment of benefits, or AOB, reform could seriously restrict homeowners, their options, and, more importantly, their out-of-pocket costs for property repairs. Hurricane season in Florida. It’s the only thing anyone thinks of when they think of disasters that can occur in The Sunshine State. Many of our friends up north assume our homeowner’s insurance policies are through the roof due to the chance of our homes being picked up and taken away like The Wizard of Oz. For some they are, though not for reasons as severe as the iconic movie depicts. It is true. Hurricanes do decimate many of our beloved cities and cause levels of preparedness not seen in other parts of the country. But there are additional methods of property destruction that frequently occur as well. Cast iron pipe corrosion causing pipe bursts King tides flooding our properties Wind damage to windows, roofs, and pool enclosures In recent years, we have all seen the onslaught of contractors banging on doors and ringing phones to try to win the repair jobs. And while there’s nothing wrong with contractors getting work done—and getting it done quickly—insurance companies are not happy. What is an assignment of benefit, or …