Florida Personal Injury Attorneys Blog

Allachua County, Florida - Florida Highway Patrol reported a series of fatal multi-car accidents in I-75 in Alachua County which killed 10 and injured at least 18 others. The initial trigger of the accidents was thought to be from poor visibility from smoke.

Despite the poor visibility, the drivers still has an obligation to use reasonable care. As a result of the negligence of one or more drivers, several drivers and passengers were killed and severely injured. The Florida Highway Patrol said involved at least 12 passenger cars and about seven semi trucks.

Most of the collisions were on Interstate 75, said Alachua County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Todd Kelly, with other crashes occuring on U.S. Highway 441.

The interstate's northbound and southbound lanes remained closed Sunday afternoon, and would stay closed until the roadways are cleared, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Traffic was being detoured.

"It was just so crazy," said one Gainesville resident. "We were just sitting in the car and all of this came out of nowhere."

Continue reading "Fatal Accident in Alachua County Kills 10 and Injures More" »

Costa Cruise accident - Several Costa cruise passengers are feared dead with an estimated sixty more still missing after a cruise departed from Italy.

Reports say that the ship began to list, or tilt to one side, and then began to sink.

Cruising is often an amazing, relaxing vacation, but things can go wrong. Cruise lines generally have a legal obligation under maritime law to act reasonably under the circumstances. When they don't, they could be held liable for damages or wrongful death.

Continue reading "Costa Cruise Accident Kills Several Passengers Near Italy" »

Fort Lauderdale, FL - Many Florida personal injury lawyers shy away from liquor liability claims and pursue only the underlying accident or injury case. If a drunk driver hits or kills someone, many injury attorneys will only pursue claims against the drunk driver or any possible uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Inquiry into the accident should not stop there.

Liability in Florida for serving alcohol to minors or alcoholics
Florida has a Dram Shop Act which may impose liability on bars, restaurants and homeowners if certain provisions are met.

Florida Statute section 768.125 states that a person who sells or furnishes alcoholic beverages to a person of lawful drinking age shall not thereby become liable for injury or damage caused by or resulting from the intoxication of such person, except that a person who willfully and unlawfully sells or furnishes alcoholic beverages to a person who is not of lawful drinking age or who knowingly serves a person habitually addicted to the use of any or all alcoholic beverages may become liable for injury or damage caused by or resulting from the intoxication of such minor or person.

Continue reading "Florida's Dram Shop Act and Liability for Serving Minors and Alcoholics" »

What should I do if my attorney closes my accident or injury case?
We often get calls or email submissions from accident victims and families of wrongful death victims who were dropped by their prior attorney, and who believe they were hurt by someone else's negligence. They want us to take their case.

Lawyers drop cases for a variety of reasons, so don't be discouraged if your lawyer drops your case. Reasons include:

• Lawyer is too busy to effectively handle all cases


• Lawyer is not experienced enough to recognize the value in your case


• Lawyer got in trouble with the State Bar and must withdraw from all cases


• Lawyer took a job with another law firm and can't take your case any longer


• Law firm split up and you are left to find another lawyer


• Case was denied and lawyer won't file a lawsuit


• Conflict of interest prevents the lawyer from continuing with your representation


• You and your lawyer don't get along anymore and the attorney withdraws because of irreconcilable differences

The list is not absolute, but suffice it to say that I've handled many cases where other lawyers couldn't resolve the case. Just because one lawyer says he or she can't help you didn't mean you have no case. It may simply mean that one lawyer out of tens of thousands can't help you.

Continue reading "My Attorney Withdrew From My Accident Case...What Now?" »