Automobile Accidents

Work with the Right Doctor If You Are Injured in an Accident

Published on: April 15, 2024 | Anthony Quackenbush, Esq.

If you have been injured in an accident here in Florida, make sure you are treated by a doctor who is an expert in accident injuries, because not all doctors know what to look for, especially in car accident victims, slip-and-fall victims, and those injured by recreational vehicles or sporting equipment. Here in Florida, the vacation destination of the world, injuries are unfortunately not rare. As a personal injury attorney and lifetime Florida resident, I am committed to helping my fellow Floridians get the compensation they need when they are injured due to the negligence of others.

If medical personnel come to the scene of your injury, or if you are transported by ambulance to a hospital for immediate treatment, do not refuse such treatment. An immediate examination to find any obvious injuries and any possible internal bleeding or other critical medical emergencies is always a good idea. But be sure to follow up with specialists.

PIP Coverage

Hit by a Rental Car in Florida – What Should You Do?

Published on: April 3, 2024 | Anthony Quackenbush, Esq.

Florida is the number one tourism state in the country, and many of those millions of tourists every year choose to rent a car. Unfortunately, being in an unfamiliar vehicle in unfamiliar territory is often a dangerous combination, which is why our beautiful state has one of the highest rates of auto accidents in the country. If you are hit by someone driving a rental car, there are a few things you should know.

What to do in the event of an accident

Regardless of who is driving what type of car, there are certain things everyone in Florida should do immediately after an accident and within the subsequent days:

Will Rental Car Insurance Protect You When Renting a Car in Florida?

Published on: March 13, 2024 | Anthony Quackenbush, Esq.

While you are not required to purchase insurance from the rental company, it might be a good idea to do so. Insurance can cover car damage or injury, in the event that you are involved in an accident.

If you have auto insurance already, you may not need to pay for additional coverage from the rental company. Most personal insurance policies cover rental cars, as well. However, check your policy or call the company to confirm and to determine if there are any limits or exceptions – for instance, renting certain types of vehicles or renting for extended periods of time. You may also want to fill in any gaps in your personal insurance with rental insurance.

Types of insurance coverage

Why Call Police after an Accident in Florida

Published on: October 26, 2023 | Anthony Quackenbush, Esq.

If you are involved in an automobile accident in Florida, call 911 right away. A 911 call will automatically record that an accident occurred, will dispatch the police, and will allow you to request medical assistance. Florida law states that drivers are required to contact the police as soon as possible after an accident when:

there is bodily injury or death
the accident involved an intoxicated driver or a hit-and-run

Car Accident: When the Other Driver Goes Silent after an Accident

Published on: June 11, 2023 | Anthony Quackenbush, Esq.

A car accident, whether minor or serious, can damage your physical and emotional health, as well as damage your vehicle. Unfortunately, Florida has one of the highest auto accident rates in the United States, due in large part to the many visitors to our Sunshine State who don’t know the area and may be distracted as they look for their destination. It’s important to know what to do in the case of an accident and when to reach out for legal help.

What to do after a car accident

Be prepared to take these important steps if you’re ever involved in a vehicular accident in Florida:

After a Car Accident, NEVER Do This

Published on: December 15, 2022 | Anthony Quackenbush, Esq.

Florida is a destination state year-round. Visitors from around the country and the world flock to Florida because of our state’s natural beauty, many attractions, amusement parks, and resorts. The presence of a large number of tourists creates unique traffic conditions in the Sunshine State because so many drivers are unfamiliar with the region. This almost guarantees a lot of distracted drivers or erratic driving, which translates into car accidents.

If you are in a car accident in Florida, whether you’re a native or a visitor, there are several things you should NEVER do in the aftermath of the accident.

Never skip calling 911. Even if the accident seems minor and no one is hurt, it’s important to have police or medical personnel come to document the event and provide immediate medical attention.

Accidents Due to Road Construction in Florida

Published on: July 26, 2022 | Anthony Quackenbush, Esq.

You may not think accidents caused by road construction are common, but according to OSHA, every year more than 40,000 people are injured in work zone accidents, and every day three people on average die in accidents due to highway construction.

Nearly 20% of the U.S. highway system is under construction in peak seasons, with active construction sites estimated to be about every 100 miles.

Partly because of our wet weather and partly due to heavy traffic, road construction is common in Florida. While sometimes accidents can’t be avoided you can help keep yourself safe when going through work zones by staying alert and slowing down.

Your Auto Accident – How We Build a Strong Case

Published on: July 18, 2022 | Anthony Quackenbush, Esq.

Florida is a destination state for so many people from around the world because of our incredible natural beauty and our many attractions, amusement parks, and entertainment venues. The downside of this is that many drivers aren’t familiar with the area, giving Florida a very high auto accident rate.

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Florida involving a motor vehicle, whether you were driving or riding in a vehicle, operating a bicycle or motorcycle, or were a pedestrian, and the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and loss of income.

What you should do right away

Types of Injuries Caused by Different Types of Car Crashes

Published on: June 30, 2022 | Anthony Quackenbush, Esq.

Here in Florida our roads are congested which calls for careful driving. The possibility of a car accident should always be taken seriously, no matter how seemingly insignificant. Anyone who has been in an accident should see a medical professional within 48 hours of the accident. Florida, a “no-fault” insurance state, requires that you carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which covers up to $10,000 of medical expenses and/or lost wages. However, you must see an approved medical provider for your injuries within 2 weeks of the accident in order to be eligible for any financial compensation.

The degree of injury in an auto accident varies depending on the speed of the impact, the size of the cars involved, the degree of safety features in the car, the angle of the impact, and the size, age, and health of the occupants and how close they are to the impact. In short, every accident is different, but few people escape an accident with no injuries. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may even take a few days or weeks to become evident, which is why medical attention is critical.

Types of Injuries

When Your Insurance Company Will Not Pay

Published on: April 4, 2022 | Anthony Quackenbush, Esq.

You filed a claim with your insurance company, expecting to receive reimbursement for your loss, but they denied your claim or offer way too little. Now what? Here in Florida, this is a common problem and we are here to help. Most importantly, if you are not happy with their response, do not sign anything until we talk.

Whether it’s car insurance, business interruption insurance, homeowner’s insurance, or any other type of insurance, the company is in business to make money. I do not mean to paint with a broad brush, suggesting that insurance companies are dishonest or unwilling to help their customers, but the fact remains that they do need to make a profit for their stockholders. Thus, unless the coverage is very clearly defined in your policy, there may be ways to decrease or deny a payout.

Let’s look at some of the reasons why your claim may have been denied and what you can do. Do not sign anything or cash any checks until you have attempted a dispute process or spoken to an attorney experienced in resolving insurance disputes.