| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | Uncategorized

Economic and Non-Economic Losses in a Personal Injury Auto Crash Case

A Thorough Investigation and Diligent Research are Essential for Maximum Compensation

When people are involved in a car, truck, or motorcycle crash their immediate concerns should be treating injuries and dealing with damages. Those priorities are important but in the days and weeks that follow any injury it is important to look into additional losses – economic and non-economic – that may have been sustained and that deserve compensation.

Initially victims of car crashes and other incidents involving injuries worry about covering their medical bills and their lost or damaged property. These are certainly substantial concerns, but it’s also important to look at all economic and non-economic losses and to address these issues immediately so there are no stones left unturned. This should be done as soon as possible because in all legal actions, time is important.

In a legal context, “time is of the essence” is a statement that may be included in the language of the provisions of a contract to emphasize that the parties must complete their obligations on time. In other words, the phrase “time is of the essence” means that timing is material to the performance of the contract. Cornell Law School

Examples of economic losses include:

  • Medical Expenses
  • Property Damages
  • Lost Wages
  • Rehabilitation Expenses

While economic losses refer to quantifiable financial expenses, non-economic damages refer to subjective, non-monetary losses. You may have frequently heard the term “pain and suffering,” and that’s what people are referring to. This includes compensation for:

  • Emotional distress
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of consortium (loss of spousal emotional or physical support)
  • Permanent disabilities and impairments
  • Permanent disfigurement

When you choose an attorney to handle your damage/injury it’s very important to select someone who is thorough and not just rush to a settlement for economic losses only.

Experience has taught us to probe deeply into every case a look for potential long-term effects, some which may last a lifetime. We fight hard for our clients to make sure they get the maximum compensation they deserve.

A consultation is free and easy to arrange. Please call us at (954) 356-0006 seven days a week.

Accident Attorneys Fort Lauderdale
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Auto Accident Attorneys | ,

Glove Compartment Check-Up and Checklist – Lazarus & Lazarus Law Firm – Auto Accident Attorneys

Motor Vehicle Accident Checklist

What do you have in your glove compartment? Probably not gloves because we’re in Florida!

How often have you gone to the grocery store without a list and then realized later you forgot something? Probably about two thousand times. Imagine being in an accident and then trying to remember what to do when you’re completely stressed out. You’ll likely forget several important things.

Automobile accidents are among the most stressful things that happen and fortunately they are pretty rare. The average driver will be involved in an accident every 17 years. If you’re a careless driver probably more often, if you’re a very careful driver, less.

If and when you do have an accident, a little preparation now will make things much better, in fact a little information now may save you time and money later.

Check your glove compartment to make sure you the have the basics:

Evidence of Insurance. If you have it on your phone you still may want a copy in your glove compartment in case Auto Accident Checklistyour phone dies.

A copy of your vehicle registration.

A checklist of things to do after an accident. Where can you get such a checklist? Right here!

We have put together a checklist that covers things that might not jump into your head immediately after an accident because you’re anxious and confused. Click Here to download the checklist.

Remember that everyone’s safety is the top priority immediately after an accident. Your actions subsequent to those first moments are also very important, and in a state of confusion you want a clear headed person to guide you. The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been helping people injured in car, truck, and motorcycle accidents for nearly 30 years and we are proud of our record of success and our reputation as experts in our field. Call us at (954) 3556-0006 if you have any questions.

Accident Checklist Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys

Personal Injury Lawsuits
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Personal Injury Lawsuits

Eight Steps to a Personal Injury Case – Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus

Every Case is Different but this is a General Guide

Fort Lauderdale and Weston Personal Injury Lawsuit and Settlement Options

You wake up every day with plans to get things accomplished and make life better for you and your family. Sometimes there is a bump in the road and sometimes there are serious setbacks. Injuries caused by accidents are something we don’t expect but they happen more often than you may think.

When people are hurt due to someone else’s carelessness, negligence, or malpractice, they do have options. The key is to have someone to help you navigate the system, protect your rights, and heal physically, emotionally, and financially. This is what experienced personal injury attorneys do.

Our primary goals for every client are to (1) expedite the process so victims can move forward as soon as possible and (2) obtain the highest possible financial settlement or award so there are no issues regarding medical care or other expenses related to the injuries.

Here are 8 steps we are prepared to initiate to benefit our client’s cases. They are in no particular order and they may not be necessary, but it is good to understand the process.

Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury CasesGet the Facts – We will obtain all necessary reports and details so we understand the who, what, when, where, and how for each incident.

Gather Evidence – We want to win for you so we spare no effort in getting everything we need to prove your case. Physical evidence, photographs, witness testimony, and more.

Demand Letters – Often we can quickly settle a case with a very effective demand letter. We are tenacious dealing with insurance companies and they know we are serious about getting results.

File a Lawsuit – Lawsuits are sometimes necessary when a reasonable settlement is not possible. Once again, we plan and prepare to win every case and our reputation for complete and thorough lawsuits is well-known.

Settlement – Our experience has taught us when to settle and when to press on for more. Settlements sometimes happen literally hours before the start of a trial. We make sure your best interests are completely covered. Please remember that it’s generally not a good idea to sign a settlement without at least a consultation with your own legal advisor.

Mediation – This is often a preferred way to achieve a reasonable conclusion to a personal injury lawsuit. An impartial mediator helps settle issues in a manner that is acceptable to everyone.

Trial – When there is no way to settle or mediate a case, we are prepared to go all the way to a trial by judge or jury.

Appeal – In some rare cases lawsuits don’t go the way we hoped or expected. A careful appeal can reverse a previous decision and bring out the truth so justice is done.

Every option for every case is considered and we take the time to explain every step we take. As a small firm we are happy to spend time with every client so they never feel they’re on the outside of the process.

We’re available seven days a week at (954) 356-0006 for questions about your situation.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus

(954) 356-0006

Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorney
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | South Florida Car Accident Attorney

Can You Afford to Hire an Attorney After an Accident? The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus

Ask About Fees Before Making a Decision

South Florida Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys

Have you ever signed a contract and later regretted it? Maybe you bought a car and agreed to a payment that was too high? Or you signed up for a monthly service that committed you to a long-term commitment?

Accident Injury AttorneysHere’s Some Good News: Almost all personal injury and accident cases that involve an attorney are initiated on a contingency basis. This means it is an arrangement between a plaintiff and a lawyer, stating that the lawyer will represent the plaintiff without money to pay up front. In these situations, the plaintiff pays the lawyer only if the lawyer wins the case.

In many other circumstances involving, for example, criminal law, family law (divorce), and contract law (real estate) an individual must pay an up-front fee to an attorney for services.

Florida Bar Association rules prohibit any fee agreements that can result in an illegal, prohibited, or clearly excessive fees or costs. Whether a fee is excessive is a matter of “reasonableness” under Florida Bar rules. An unreasonable fee is one where the fee constitutes a “clear overreaching or an unconscionable demand by the attorney.” A fee is also unreasonable if it is based on fraud or intentional misrepresentation.  Florida Bar rules set out factors for reasonableness that mirror rules set for by the American Bar Association.

We are here first and foremost to help people who have been injured in an auto, truck, or motorcycle accident. We also work for people who have been hurt in other accidents caused by someone’s neglect or negligence. Our areas of experience include:

  • Construction Accidents
  • Inadequate or Negligent Security
  • Aviation and Train Accidents
  • Boating Accidents
  • Defective Products
  • Medical Malpractice

Our consultations are free and it is unlikely you will be charged any upfront fees at all if we represent you.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been helping people who are injured in accidents since 1992. We are committed to helping our clients recover from any and all damage done by medical errors.

We are available 7 days a week by calling (954) 356-0006

Gary and Arleen Lazarus

(954) 356-0006

| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | Auto Accident Attorneys

Is Your Insurance Company Really Your Friend? Lazarus Law Firm – Weston Personal Injury Attorneys

Weston Personal Injury Attorneys

Do you know what companies match to these slogans?

  1. Just do it.
  2. What’s in Your Wallet?
  3. Finger Lickin’ Good.
  4. Breakfast of Champions.
  5. You’re in Good Hands.

The answers are below, but most people know the answers right away. Slogans are a big part of branding and they are designed to get a response in consumers, sometimes an emotional one. Insurance companies want people to feel safe and protected when they pay their premiums every month and it works. State Farm Insurance says they are “Like a Good Neighbor” and everyone likes to have a good neighbor looking out for them.

All big corporations offer products and services that hopefully benefit the consumer who buys them but their primary goal is to make a profit which means they need to take in more money than they pay out. Insurance companies differ from others in that they only pay out benefits after a loss by their customer so they are very meticulous about trying to minimize money going out. That’s not to say they cheat people, but if they can offer a low settlement to the victim of an auto accident, for example, and the person accepts it….that’s a good day for them.

Insurance companies have employees called claim adjusters who review circumstances of a claim and determine what benefits their company should pay. They often ask a victim to sign a settlement agreement which may or may not be the best outcome available. Insurance companies and their adjusters are not “bad” but they will usually put their financial interests first, and that’s not good for a person who has just been injured in a car accident.

Is There a Solution?

Working with a personal injury attorney means you’ll have someone working for you who wants to see you obtain the best financial out come possible. Experienced attorneys have dealt with insurance companies for years and they know when  it’s time to settle and when it’s time to negotiate for more.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has represented victims of other’s negligence and won substantial outcomes since 1992. A free consultation is available by calling 954-356-0006.

The Answers are:

  1. Nike
  2. Capital One
  3. Kentucky Fried Chicken
  4. Wheaties
  5. Allstate Insurance

Weston Personal Injury Attorneys

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.

No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.

Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and the Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus.

South Florida Wrongful Death Attorneys
| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | WRONGFUL DEATH

Wrongful Death Cases in Florida – Lazarus and Lazarus Law Firm

South Florida Wrongful Death Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus

When someone is injured in an accident because of someone else’s negligence they have the right to sue and seek compensation for damages. The right to sue is guaranteed by the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which ensures that citizens’ civil cases can be heard and decided upon by a jury of their peers. The jury trial provides a forum for all the facts to be presented, evaluated impartially and judged according to the law. Chapter 768 is a lengthy section of the Florida Statutes that covers issues related to negligence.

South Florida Wrongful Death AttorneysWhat happens when a person is killed in an accident? Who speaks for them, and do they have a right to justice?

Thankfully the answer is yes. A suit Wrongful Death may be filed with the court to seek compensation for damages.

A wrongful death claim may come after an auto, motorcycle, or truck accident, including DUI. Wrongful death cases also arise after a product liability issue, a workplace accident, an incident occurring because of negligent security, or any number of other tragedies including plane crashes that result because of the negligence of a person, product, or business entity.

Examples of damages after a wrongful death:

Medical bills,
Property damage,
Lost wages,
Pain and suffering, and
Loss of enjoyment of life.

Attorneys who are experienced with Florida Statutes and Federal and Local Law are capable of gathering the evidence necessary to proceed with personal injury and wrongful death cases. When considering attorneys to represent you in a legal case always look for length of experience and reviews by previous clients.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been serving victims of negligence in south Florida since 1992 and we are available 7 days a week be calling 954-356-0006.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.

No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.

Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and the Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus.

 

 

 

 

South Florida Personal Injury Attorneys
| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | Personal Injury Lawsuits | , ,

Time is of the Essence – The Importance of Timing in Personal Injury Cases

South Florida Personal Injury Attorneys

The phrase “time is of the esssence” is often included in legal contracts and it basically means that participants in the agreement must adhere to the deadlines for performance of specific duties. For example, if you sign a document to purchase a house there will likely be a date for closing and you will have to deliver the money for the purchase by that date. If you don’t you may lose your deposit and possibly be sued for the full purchase price.

When you buy insurance for your vehicle and a policy is issued you should read it baecause there are likely several references to timing and they should not be ignored. For example this is from an actual auto insurance policy: “Benefits will be paid only while the insured person is alive and only if the disability commences within 20 days of the accident and…..”

After an auto, motorcycle, or truck accident many injury victims are anxious to settle and recover monetary damages as soon as possible. They may be in a financial bind due to their inability to work or because of medical bills and there is an urge to rush into a settlement. In cases like this it’s often best to seek legal advice and remain patient.

Insurance companies will sometimes reach out to an injured person and offer a check but a qualified and experienced personal injury attorney can guide people to a conclusion that may, in the end, be far more substantial.

These are guidelines to consider after being involved in an accident:

  • Dont communicate with any insurance company without first consulting with an attorney.
  • Do not accept an offer or sign documents without asking advice from an attorney.
  • Do not give a recorded statement to an insurance company or anyone else.
  • Don’t post things on social media about your accident.

It’s also important to be aware of several Statutes of Limitations regarding personal injury and medical malpractice cases. An attorney can make sure these important laws are adhered to.

Remember that personal injury attorneys usually do not charge anything until your case is concluded. We work hard to protect your legal rights and always do everything possible to make sure you receive the maximum monetary compensation for your injuries, property damages, and pain and suffering.

Questions? We are available to speak with victimes of accidents 7 days a week at (954) 356-0006.

South Florida Personal Injury Attorneys
| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | South Florida Accident Attorney |

What to do if Your Car Stalls on the Highway – South Florida Personal Injury Accident Attorneys

South Florida Accident Attorneys

A recent tragedy here in south Florida concerns a dangerous situation that every driver should be prepared for: a stalled vehicle while driving down a major roadway. The headline Police: 11-Year-Old, Adult Killed in Crash While Trying to Push Stalled Vehicle out of Road is simply sad beyond words and it will take time to piece together what happened in that instance but there are some guidelines for how to handle a situation where a car suddenly stops running in traffic.

Keep in mind, these are guidelines and not firm rules – every situation is different.

  • Try not to panic if your car starts to stall. If possible, pull over to the side of the road before the vehicle shuts down. If you are able, try to pull over to the right. Then, once you come to a stop, turn on your hazard lights.
  • If you are not able to pull over to the side of the road before the vehicle stalls, do not exit the car. Instead, turn on your hazard lights. Call the police and tell them if the situation is dangerous to you and to other drivers. Then, call for a tow truck, roadside assistance or some other type of help.
  • While in the vehicle, keep your seatbelt on.
  • Chances are the traffic passing you will be traveling at a high rate of speed, and while it may seem safe to cross lanes of traffic it probably is not.
  • Even if you have the ability to repair your car, do not get out of the vehicle to attempt to repair the vehicle unless absolutely necessary.

Also: You might be able to prevent a stalled vehicle by having it serviced regularly.

South Florida roadways are among the most dangerous in the nation and we all need to be better educated about following traffic laws as well as how to handle stalled vehicles, roadway obstacles, heavy traffic, and inclement weather,

We are available for a free consultation if you or someone you know is involved in an accident. Call us at 954-356-0006 7 days a week.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.

No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.

Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and the Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus.

| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys

What are the Odds? Florida Accident Statistics Reveal our Roads are Dangerous Places

South Florida Personal Injury Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus

 

What is an accident?

accident: an undesirable or unfortunate happening that occurs unintentionally and usually results in harm, injury, damage, or loss; casualty; mishap.

In Law: such a happening resulting in injury that is in no way the fault of the injured person for which compensation or indemnity is legally sought.

Obviously no one expects to be in an accident, but the odds of being in a motor vehicle accident in Florida are higher than you might think.

Accident Attorneys in FloridaAccording to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Department (FLHSMV) there were 401,179 crashes on our roads in 2021. Google says there are 21.22 million people living in Florida so if you do the math it works out to one crash for every 52.8 residents. That’s not one-in-a-million like we would like to think.

Your chances of being in a car crash can be reduced significantly if you observe traffic laws: Never text while you are driving, obey the posted speed limit, and never drive when you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Maintain your vehicle’s safety systems and make sure your brakes and other components are checked according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

When Florida drivers are involved in an accident there is often a lot of confusion and uncertainty about what to do. We recommend you read our blog “Ten Things to do After a Car Accident”

The FLHSMV maintains a “Crash Dashboard” where you can break down crash data by county, type of accident, etc and you may visit the site by clicking here.

Questions about any accident? We’re here to help. We’re available 7 days a week by calling 954-356-0006

 

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The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.

No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.

Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and the Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus.

| Gary Lazarus | 0 Comments | Weston Personal Injury Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus |

What is Your Insurance Quotient? Weston Personal Injury Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus

Weston Personal Injury Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus

People often use the acronym IQ but some don’t know it stands for Intelligence Quotient which is a measure of a person’s reasoning ability. An IQ test is supposed to gauge how well someone can use information and logic to answer questions or make predictions.

We’re interested in people’s Insurance Quotient, or their knowledge of different coverages as they pertain to owning and driving a car in Florida. It’s prudent to understand the basic types of insurance so you can have the best coverage, because many people find out after an accident that they don’t have the coverage they thought they had.

The basic types of auto insurance are:

Auto Liability Coverage is mandatory in most states. Drivers are legally required to purchase at least the minimum amount of liability coverage set by state law. Liability coverage has two components: (1) Bodily Injury Liability may help pay for costs related to another person’s injuries if you cause an accident. (2) Property damage liability may help pay for damage you cause to another person’s property while driving.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage may help pay for your medical bills or, in some states, repairs to your vehicle. If you’re hit by an underinsured driver, that means they have car insurance but their liability limits aren’t enough to cover your resulting medical bills. That’s where underinsured motorist coverage may help.

Comprehensive Coverage may help cover damage to your car from things like theft, fire, hail or vandalism. If your car is damaged by a covered peril, comprehensive coverage may help pay to repair or replace your vehicle (up to the vehicle’s actual cash value). This coverage has a deductible which is the amount you’ll pay out of pocket before your insurer reimburses you for a covered claim. If you have a car loan your lender will likely require this coverage.

Collision Coverage If you’re involved in an accident with another vehicle, or if you hit an object such as a fence, collision coverage may help pay to repair or replace your car (up to its actual cash value and minus your deductible). Collision coverage is typically optional. It may be required by your vehicle’s leaseholder or lender.

Personal injury protection (PIP), also known as “no-fault insurance,” is a component of an automobile insurance plan that covers the healthcare expenses associated with a car accident. PIP covers medical expenses for both injured policyholders and passengers, even if some don’t have health insurance.

Medical Payments Coverage is similar to PIP but is often more extensive and covers higher dollar amounts for serious injuries. It can also cover the owner of the policy if they are involved in an accident while in someone else’s vehicle.

The State of Florida only requires drivers carry $10,000 for personal injury protection (PIP) $10,000 for property damage liability (PDL) and every driver should consult with their own insurance company about the coverage that is best for them. We are not insurance agents and we only recommend that people educate themselves about their rights and responsibilities regarding insurance.

If you are involved in any accident, we’re here to answer your questions. Call us 7 days a week at 954-356-0006 for a free consultation.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.

No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.

Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and the Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus.