Practice Areas
Automobile Accidents
Jacksonville, Florida, sees more automobile accidents annually than many other areas of the state. In fact, the city has been named the deadliest on I-95. Whether you’ve been involved in a minor fender bender, or something more serious, it’s vital that you work with an experienced automobile accident attorney.
We have worked with victims of car crashes for many years to represent them in all areas of automobile accident law, including:
Hit and runs
DUI
Distracted driving/texting while driving
Rear-end collisions
Uninsured/underinsured motorist
Motorcycle crashes
Tractor-trailer collisions
And more
Every day, tens of thousands of Jacksonville residents begin their days by getting behind the wheel of a car. Most do not realize the risk they are taking and do not consider what other drivers around them are doing (or not doing) on the roadway. In fact, in some circumstances even the safest driver cannot follow every rule or anticipate every situation they might face. Accidents happen when you least expect them, so make sure you have a trusted automobile accident attorney to call when the unexpected does occur.
We understand how important it is that you have access to not only advice and guidance, but skilled representation in a court of law. You cannot afford to go it alone here, and you can bet that the insurance company will have their own team of attorneys working to limit their liability and reduce any potential award of damages that could be obtained in court.
What you do after being involved in an automobile accident matters. It will affect everything that follows, from your ability to have your car repaired to whether or not your medical bills will be paid. Don’t leave anything to chance.
If you’ve been injured in an automobile accident, we provide the peace of mind and legal representation that you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation on your case.
Motorcycle Accidents
Sadly, “look twice, save a life” is a mantra that too few people practice today. Jacksonville, Florida, is home to thousands of motorcycles, with many more passing through on their way to events throughout the state, from Daytona’s Bike Week, to couples taking their annual vacation. Sadly, many of these trips will end in disaster.
Motorcycle accidents are almost universally caused by some form of negligence, whether on the part of another driver or on the part of the motorcycle rider. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Florida include the following:
Unsafe lane changes
DUI
Sudden stops
Inexperienced driver
Driver negligence
Inclement weather
Motorcycle malfunction
Road defects
In all but a few instances, motorcycle accidents are serious. Riders lack the protection provided to those within a passenger vehicle, and what would be nothing more than a fender bender in other situations can lead to serious injury or even death for a motorcycle rider.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, or someone you love has been injured or even killed, help is available. We have represented clients in motorcycle-related cases for many years, and provide you with the experience, passion and dedication you would expect from experienced lawyers who make a living handling these types of cases.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation on your case. We can help ensure you have the best chance of a positive outcome, prior to, or in court. From uncovering evidence overlooked by others, to in-depth investigations and interviews, we believe in fighting for our clients every step of the way.
Truck Accidents
Today, we share the road with not just other passenger vehicles, but also with trucks that can weigh up to 40 tons. Trucks are responsible for keeping America running. They deliver vital goods and supplies throughout Jacksonville, the rest of Florida, and the entire country. However, when trucks collide with smaller vehicles, the results can be horrifying.
We can provide guidance and experienced legal representation if you have been injured in a truck accident, or if a loved one has been injured or killed.
Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Florida include the following:
DUI
Driver error
Distracted driving
Failure to maintain lane
Fatigue
Florida takes third place for most truck accidents in the US. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, over 30,000 truck accidents occurred in the state in 2017, killing almost 30 people, and injuring almost 1,100 individuals.
Jacksonville has been named the most dangerous city on I-95 when it comes to auto accidents, and that includes trucking accidents. Many of these accidents are incredibly serious – the size and weight of the trucks involved almost guarantee that anything smaller, such as a passenger car, truck, minivan, or motorcycle, will sustain immense damage.
Truck accidents are often more complex than regular automobile collision cases. Indeed, due to their nature they often involve multiple parties, federal transportation regulations, multiple sources of potential insurance coverage, and may require the hiring of multiple experts in different fields of expertise ranging from accident reconstructionist to bio-mechanical engineers.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident in any way, do not take chances.
You need experienced legal representation. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS
A pedestrian is a person walking along a road in a developed area. This means, if you are walking down a street or in a parking lot, you are a pedestrian! Unfortunately, automobile accidents where people walking (pedestrians) are hit by a car happen frequently.
These types of accidents can result in very serious injuries or sometimes even death.
In Florida, any pedestrian action for damages brought shall be commenced within 4 years from the time of the accident involving injury (or 2 years from the time of the death).
If you or your loved one has been the victim of a pedestrian accident, contact our office for a free consultation and speak with an attorney about your case immediately.
BICYCLE ACCIDENTS
According to Florida law, a bicyclist (a person propelling a vehicle by human power, a bike) has all of the rights and all of the duties that apply to the driver of any other vehicle.
A bicycle is considered to be a vehicle under Florida law and therefore, if you’re riding a bicycle, you have the same rights as if you were driving a car! Unfortunately, sometimes people riding their bicycle get hit by someone driving a vehicle. This type of accident, car or truck vs. bike can result in very serious injuries or sometimes even death.
In Florida, any action for damages brought shall be commenced within 4 years from the time of the bike accident involving injury (or 2 years from the time of the death).
If you or your loved one has been the victim of an accident while on a bicycle, contact our office for a free consultation and speak with an attorney about your case immediately.
Slip & Falls
Every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans are injured in slip and fall accidents. In fact, most of these involve accidents that should never have happened and are frequently caused by someone’s negligence. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, we can fight for your rights.
Slip and fall accidents are frighteningly common in Jacksonville, Florida. It could happen at a public swimming pool, while walking to the beach, inside a restaurant, or outside your favorite store. For all their commonality, slip and fall accidents are unique to their own circumstances and legal issues. They can also be incredibly serious. They can lead to:
Sprains and strains
Bruising and contusions
Broken bones
Traumatic brain injuries
Cognitive impairment
Long-term health complications
Lost time at work
Lost wages
Serious injuries that require physical therapy
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in Jacksonville, FL, it’s important to have experienced representation. A seasoned personal injury attorney can provide you with answers to your questions, guidance throughout the entire process, and the representation you need in a court of law.
It’s about more than simply stating your case. In slip and fall accidents, you must prove fault – the fault of the premises owner (or someone acting on their behalf) who could have, or should have, prevented fall from occurring. This, however, can be incredibly challenging. You must prove that the defendant owned, leased, or occupied the property where the accident occurred and you must also prove that the accident occurred because of the negligence of that party.
Whether you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in a private home, in a public place, on a sidewalk outside a store, or somewhere else, we can help. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Premises Liability
Thousands of people are injured each year around Jacksonville, Florida, through no fault of their own. No one expects to be injured simply going about their day, but that is the situation in which you could find yourself because of someone else’s negligence.
Premises liability accidents no only include so-called “slip and fall” accidents, but also encompass a broad range of other accident types. Some of the most common include the following:
- Slip and fall
- Inadequate maintenance
- Defective conditions
- Inadequate security
- Elevator and escalator accidents
- Swimming pool accidents
- Parking lot accidents
- Amusement park accidents
- And more
Despite the wide range of accident types, premises liability cases all have one thing in common – you’ve been injured through no fault of your own. In fact, the fault can be laid at the feet of the person or entity who owed a legal duty to properly maintain the property in a safe condition or warn of dangers on the property, but failed to do so. We work with clients throughout Jacksonville and the surrounding area who have been injured by dangerous conditions on a property or in a building through no fault of their own.
The property owner, renter, lessee, or person otherwise in control of the property is responsible for maintaining the premises in a reasonably safe condition. This is called a “duty of care” and it is extended to invitees, licensees, and even those considered trespassers in some situations. We can help you understand what legal standard would apply to your circumstances, what duty of care you deserved, and then fight for your rights in court, if necessary.
If you have been injured through the negligence of someone else, contact us today. We will be happy to schedule a no-cost consultation on your case.
WRONGFUL DEALTH
Wrongful Death is a cause of action, or type of claim, that can be brought when somebody has died because of another person or entity’s legal fault through negligence or misconduct.
Wrongful death claims can be pursued for an auto accident, slip and fall, medical malpractice, or other injury claims where someone died as a result of their injuries.
Florida law mandates who can bring a claim on behalf of the deceased and what damages can be sought. It’s important to remember that there is a statute of limitations for bringing a Wrongful Death claim.
In Florida, any action for damages brought shall be commenced within 2 years from the time of the death.
If you suspect your loved one has been the victim of a wrongful death, contact our office for a free consultation and speak with an attorney about your case immediately.
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
A Medical Malpractice claim is an action for recovery of damages based on one’s death or personal injury where it is alleged that such death or injury resulted from the negligence of a health care provider.
The claimant shall have the burden of proving that the alleged actions of the health care provider were a breach of the prevailing professional standard of care for that health care provider.
The prevailing professional standard of care for a given health care provider shall be that level of care, skill, and treatment which, in light of all relevant surrounding circumstances, is recognized as acceptable and appropriate by reasonably prudent similar health care providers.
In Florida, any action for damages brought shall be commenced within 2 years from the time of the medical malpractice. If you suspect you or your loved one has been the victim of a medical malpractice, contact our office for a free consultation and speak with an attorney about your case immediately.
NURSING HOME NEGLIGENCE
Its can be hard to watch our parents and other loved ones age. And it is especially hard to be a caregiver. So when it came time to make the decision to admit your loved one into a nursing or long-term care facility, it probably came with extra precaution to make sure your loved one would be well taken care of. But what happens when the nursing home you chose is not providing the care and support that they said they would? Unfortunately, a lot of Nursing home abuse and neglect goes undetected and therefore, unreported.
What is nursing home abuse and neglect? Florida law provides that the nursing resident has the right to be free from mental and physical abuse. (Fl. Stat. §400.022). Nursing home abuse and neglect can take several different forms: physical, mental, emotional, or financial. Abuse is a broad term and encompasses many actions, behaviors and treatments. It can range from negligence and disregard to intentional mistreatment, violence and disrespect. Abuse and neglect are not the same, but they may overlap. Nursing home neglect is the failure of the nursing home staff to provide reasonable care for residents. Nursing home neglect is generally the result of indifference, oversight and carelessness. Either way, this type of treatment is NOT OKAY.
These types of claims may be pursued as both a criminal charge (if brought by the Government) or through the civil court system by the victim or their family.
It’s important to remember that there is a statute of limitations for bringing a nursing home abuse or neglect claim. In Florida, any action for damages brought under this part shall be commenced within 2 years from the time the incident giving rise to the action occurred. If you suspect your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact our office for a free consultation and speak with an attorney about your case immediately.
Suspended License
Many Jacksonville, FL, drivers don’t realize just how much they depend on their driver’s license until they no longer have it. Something as simple as going to the grocery store now requires significant planning, long waits for public transit, or even asking for help from friends or family members.
A suspended license can result in a suspended life. Don’t let this happen to you. We can fight to have your suspension lifted, or possibly even have your case thrown out depending on the situation. Contact us today to get your life back on track (904-446-9990).
Living with a suspended license is rarely a simple thing. It requires rearranging your life, changing your routine, and lots of frustration. In some cases, it may create a catch-22 situation. For instance, if your suspension comes with a fine, how can you pay the fine off if you’re unable to drive to work?
Our experienced team has worked with drivers throughout Jacksonville and the surrounding area to find a solution to these challenges. Each case requires a unique strategy, and we research every situation in great depth. Based on that research, we build a case-specific approach with the ultimate goal of having your license reinstated.
Whether your license has been suspended because of your motor vehicle record, repeated ticketed offenses, or for something unrelated, such as failure to pay child support, we can help you find a way forward.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation. It’s free and there is never an obligation – we strive to provide you with the experienced legal counsel and guidance you need.
Traffic Tickets
Any driving infraction, no matter how seemingly minor, could end with you being ticketed by a police officer. Just doing 70 in a 65 MPH zone could be enough to get you a speeding ticket. Didn’t see that stop sign? Another ticket.
Don’t sit back and do nothing. We can help.
All too often, residents of Jacksonville pay their traffic tickets without realizing that they may have legal rights or defenses that could keep them from having to pay all or part of the tickets. Also, there may be other legal consequences to paying a ticket that they might not be aware of. Pleading guilty to running a stop sign or paying a speeding ticket fine could mean additional points on your license, increased insurance, or even result in the suspension of your driver’s license. Don’t let that happen. Contact us to fight for your rights.
In some cases, choosing to fight your ticket in court can result in an immediate dismissal. For instance, if you were cited for speeding but the ticketing officer does not appear in court, the judge may throw out your case.
In other instances, going to court can provide you with a way to tell your side of the story. Things are rarely as clear cut as a ticket makes them seem and our attorneys can assist you with the presentation of your case.
Whether you’ve been ticketed for speeding, running a stop sign, or been involved in an at-fault auto accident, we can help. Our years of experience provide us with the ability to fight for your rights, no matter what the situation might be.
Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation on your case.
HTO (Habitual Traffic Offender)
Many people are surprised to learn that they are considered a Habitual Traffic Offender. Driving while a Habitual Traffic Offender(HTO) is a very serious offense. This can even carry felony criminal charges. A Habitual Traffic Offender(HTO)is a suspension of your driver’s license for a period of 5 years. This suspension can happen in a variety of ways.
For those facing these situations, it can be difficult to get to work, to the store, and to run even the simplest errands. If you are facing HTO charges, we can help you get your life back on track. In fact, we may be able to get your license back.
It simply requires that you are convicted of specific actions three times or more within a five-year period. These offenses include:
DUI
Manslaughter (voluntary or involuntary)
Motor vehicle-related felonies
Driving with a suspended license
Driving with a revoked license
Failing to stop and render aid in relation to an auto accident
Driving a commercial vehicle without relevant qualifications
Additionally, you could be labeled as an HTO if you are convicted of 15 moving violations within five years under the current point system used in Florida.
If you’re caught driving while a Habitual Traffic Offender you could face felony charges resulting in thousands of dollars in fines and even up to five years in prison.
Our office has helped several clients that have been classified as a Habitual Traffic Offender. We understand the impact this can have in your life and we are here to assist you. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and let us provide you with the help you need.
LICENCIA NO VALIDA
Si ha recibido una multa por No Licencia Válida, debe establecer una audiencia judicial dentro de los 30 días calendario. Esta multa no se puede pagar, ya que esto se considera una infracción criminal. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha recibido una multa por manejar sin licencia válida, llame a nuestra oficina y hable con nuestro personal que habla español para ayudarle. (904) 446-9990.
