If you were injured as a pedestrian, The Altman Law Firm provides compassionate, dedicated legal representation to help you seek the recovery you deserve.
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Under Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 95.11), you generally have two years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the accident resulted in a fatality, a wrongful death claim must also be filed within two years. Failing to file within this statute of limitations typically bars you from seeking compensation. Because evidence disappears and witnesses' memories fade, it is prudent to act quickly. The Altman Law Firm can evaluate your timeline and ensure all legal deadlines are met to preserve your right to recovery.
The timeframe is strictly limited. Under Fla. Stat. Sec. 95.11, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in Florida is generally two years from the date of the deceased person death. Failing to initiate legal action within this period usually results in the loss of your right to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and lost income. Prompt action is necessary to preserve evidence. Jeffrey S. Altman and The Altman Law Firm provide compassionate guidance during this difficult process.
While many personal injury cases are settled out of court, we prepare every case as if it is going to trial. This rigorous preparation often leads to better settlement offers. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to advocate for your rights in front of a jury.
Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, is a mandatory insurance coverage in Florida that pays for your medical bills and lost wages after a crash, regardless of who caused the accident. Under Florida law, drivers must carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage. To access these benefits, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident. If your insurance company denies or underpays your PIP claim, The Altman Law Firm can assist you with a PIP dispute to help you recover the benefits you purchased.
Florida Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, governed by Fla. Stat. § 627.736, provides coverage for up to 80% of all necessary medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, capped at a maximum of $10,000. However, to access the full $10,000 limit, a medical professional must determine that you suffered an Emergency Medical Condition (EMC). If your injury is not deemed an EMC, your PIP medical benefits are capped at $2,500. The Altman Law Firm can help review your medical records and insurance policy, and Jeffrey S. Altman is available to assist you with these complex claims.
Multiple parties may be liable in a commercial truck accident. The truck driver is responsible for driving while fatigued, but the trucking company may also be held liable for encouraging hours-of-service violations or failing to monitor their drivers. Additionally, cargo loaders or maintenance providers could share fault depending on the crash factors. Trucking companies have extensive legal resources. Jeffrey S. Altman at The Altman Law Firm thoroughly investigates logbooks and corporate records to identify all responsible parties in these complex cases.
The value of a personal injury claim depends on multiple unique factors and cannot be predetermined. Compensation is based on the severity of your injuries, total medical expenses, lost wages, future rehabilitation needs, and the impact on your quality of life. Available insurance policy limits and your percentage of fault under Fla. Stat. Sec. 768.81 also play major roles. At The Altman Law Firm, Jeffrey S. Altman meticulously evaluates all evidence and damages to pursue appropriate compensation for your specific circumstances.
You may have a valid premises liability claim. Under Fla. Stat. Sec. 768.0755, if you slip and fall on a transitory foreign substance in a business establishment, you must prove the business had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition and should have taken action. A missing warning sign strengthens the argument that they failed to protect visitors. The Altman Law Firm investigates incident reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements. Jeffrey S. Altman can assess the specific facts of your fall.
Liability frequently falls upon the negligent motorist, but commercial property owners can also share legal responsibility. Drivers must navigate parking structures at safe speeds and yield to pedestrians entering or exiting retail spaces. Additionally, commercial property owners owe a duty under Florida premises liability principles to maintain safe grounds. Property owners can be held accountable if substandard garage lighting, obscured blind corners, missing stop signs, or poorly planned pedestrian paths contributed to the collision. Jeffrey S. Altman investigates maintenance records, commercial site plans, and surveillance footage to identify every responsible party.
Yes, you may still be entitled to financial recovery even if you were crossing outside a designated crosswalk. Under Florida's modified comparative fault law (Fla. Stat. § 768.81), an injured pedestrian can recover damages as long as their share of responsibility does not exceed 50 percent. While Fla. Stat. § 316.130 requires pedestrians to yield when crossing outside marked crosswalks, motorists retain an ongoing legal duty to maintain vigilance and avoid striking individuals on the roadway. Jeffrey S. Altman and The Altman Law Firm examine driver speed, phone records, and sightlines to demonstrate that driver negligence substantially caused the collision.
Under Fla. Stat. Sec. 95.11, the statute of limitations for most general personal injury claims in Florida is two years from the date of the accident. For medical malpractice or wrongful death, the timeframe is also generally two years. Failing to file within this strict deadline usually permanently bars you from seeking compensation. Because evidence can disappear quickly, Jeffrey S. Altman and The Altman Law Firm recommend seeking legal guidance promptly to protect your rights.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system under Fla. Stat. Sec. 768.81. This means you can still recover compensation if you are partially at fault for an accident, provided your fault is not greater than 50 percent. Your financial recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 51 percent or more responsible, you cannot recover damages. At The Altman Law Firm, Jeffrey S. Altman investigates the facts to help ensure fault is accurately assessed. This information is for educational purposes and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Under Fla. Stat. § 316.130(7), drivers approaching marked crosswalks or intersections must yield the right-of-way and stop to permit a pedestrian to cross safely. Furthermore, Fla. Stat. § 316.130(15) requires all motorists to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians on any roadway, give audible warnings with a horn when necessary, and practice heightened caution when observing children or confused persons near a street. Passing another vehicle stopped at a crosswalk or failing to yield constitutes a direct breach of statutory safety rules and serves as evidence of driver negligence.
In Florida, insurance bad faith occurs when an insurer fails to act in good faith to settle a claim against their insured when they could and should have done so, had they acted fairly and honestly. Under Fla. Stat. § 624.155, insurers have a statutory duty to settle claims in good faith. Common examples include failing to properly investigate a claim or unreasonably delaying payments. If you suspect your insurer is acting in bad faith, The Altman Law Firm and attorney Jeffrey S. Altman can evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a bad faith claim.
Navigating the aftermath of an injury can be overwhelming, but Florida law provides robust avenues for comprehensive financial recovery. At Altman Law Firm, our priority is to meticulously build your case to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. We fiercely advocate for your right to recover all applicable economic damages, which encompass past and anticipated future medical expenses, lost current wages, and any long-term diminished earning capacity. Beyond your direct financial losses, our experienced legal team aggressively pursues non-economic damages to account for your physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. Furthermore, in instances involving egregious or extreme negligence, we may also seek punitive damages to hold the at-fault party fully accountable and deter future misconduct.
You can afford legal representation because The Altman Law Firm operates on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs or hourly fees. Attorney fees are only collected as a percentage of the financial recovery if compensation is secured on your behalf. If no recovery is made, you do not owe attorney fees. Jeffrey S. Altman provides initial consultations at no charge to discuss your case, ensuring that anyone injured by negligence has access to legal guidance regardless of their financial situation.
Yes, your personal auto policy usually provides initial medical coverage. Under Florida Statutes § 627.736, if you own an insured motor vehicle or reside with a qualifying family member who does, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) pays 80 percent of necessary medical costs up to $10,000, regardless of fault. To qualify for PIP benefits, you must seek medical care within 14 days of the incident. If you do not own a vehicle or reside with an insured relative, you may claim PIP through the at-fault vehicle. The Altman Law Firm assists injured pedestrians in identifying all applicable insurance policies to pursue full compensation.
It is not necessarily too late, but you should seek medical attention immediately. Adrenaline often masks injury symptoms like whiplash or internal trauma for days. Under Florida Personal Injury Protection laws, you must seek initial medical treatment within 14 days of the motor vehicle accident to qualify for benefits. Delaying care can harm your health and complicate your legal claim. The Altman Law Firm emphasizes that documenting your injuries promptly is vital. Consult Jeffrey S. Altman to understand how treatment timelines affect your case.
If you are struck by a vehicle, take these immediate actions to protect your health and potential legal claim: 1. Move out of the flow of traffic if physically possible and call 911 to request police and emergency medical services. 2. Undergo a full medical evaluation immediately, ensuring compliance with Florida's 14-day PIP treatment window under Fla. Stat. § 627.736. 3. Gather driver details, license plate numbers, insurance information, and names of eyewitnesses. 4. Take photographs of your injuries, the vehicle, and roadway conditions. 5. Consult with The Altman Law Firm before providing any recorded statements to insurance adjusters.
Yes, you can seek additional compensation if your medical bills exceed your PIP limit, but you must meet certain statutory thresholds. Under Fla. Stat. § 627.737, you may pursue a bodily injury liability claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver if you have sustained a permanent injury. To pursue this: 1. Document all medical expenses exceeding the $10,000 PIP limit. 2. Identify all potential third-party insurance policies. 3. Contact Jeffrey S. Altman at The Altman Law Firm for a consultation to evaluate your legal options for recovering your remaining damages.
If your insurance company denies your claim, you should take immediate action to protect your rights. 1. Request a formal, written explanation detailing the specific policy exclusions or reasons for the denial. 2. Gather all relevant documentation, including your medical records, police reports, and correspondence with the insurer. 3. Consult with Jeffrey S. Altman at The Altman Law Firm to review the denial letter. Under Florida law, insurers must handle claims in accordance with fair claims practices, and we can help you evaluate your options for appealing or pursuing legal action.
Florida motorists owe pedestrians a strict legal duty of care under Fla. Stat. § 316.130. Drivers must yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping completely, whenever a pedestrian is lawfully crossing within a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. In addition, Florida law explicitly prohibits drivers from overtaking and passing any vehicle that has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross safely. When a driver fails to yield due to distraction, speeding, or failing to check a crosswalk before turning, The Altman Law Firm uses traffic cameras, black box data, and witness statements to establish the driver's breach of duty.
The property owner or business operator may be responsible if their negligence caused your injury. Under Florida premises liability law, you must prove the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn you. Initially, your own health insurance may cover the bills. However, The Altman Law Firm can pursue a claim against the negligent party liability insurance to seek reimbursement for your medical expenses and other damages. Jeffrey S. Altman has over 25 years of experience evaluating these claims.
Following a dog bite, prioritize your health and document the incident. 1. Wash the wound and seek emergency medical care immediately to prevent infection. 2. Identify the dog and its owner, requesting their contact and insurance information. 3. Report the bite to local animal control or law enforcement to create an official record. 4. Take photographs of your injuries and the location of the attack. 5. Contact The Altman Law Firm. Jeffrey S. Altman can explain your rights under Florida strict liability dog bite laws.
Initial settlement offers from insurance companies are often much lower than what your claim may require. Accepting an early offer typically requires you to sign a release, preventing you from seeking further compensation even if your injuries require surgery or long-term care later. You should never sign documents or accept payments without understanding the full extent of your damages. The Altman Law Firm reviews all settlement offers. Jeffrey S. Altman advocates for compensation that accurately reflects your current and future medical needs.
If you do not own a motor vehicle, your medical bills are addressed through a priority structure under Florida's No-Fault Law (Fla. Stat. § 627.736). First, if you reside with a relative who owns an insured vehicle, you are generally covered under their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy. Second, if no resident relative owns an insured car, you may claim PIP coverage directly through the auto insurer of the vehicle that struck you. Additional costs exceeding PIP limits may be sought through the at-fault motorist's bodily injury liability policy. The Altman Law Firm assists injured pedestrians in identifying all available insurance coverage.
If the at-fault driver lacks bodily injury liability coverage, you may still have options. You can turn to your own Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage if you purchased it. This policy steps in to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering up to your policy limits. Florida law does not mandate bodily injury coverage for all drivers, making this coverage crucial. Jeffrey S. Altman at The Altman Law Firm can review your insurance policies to identify available coverage for your recovery.
At The Altman Law Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of the final settlement or verdict.
You should prioritize your safety and health while preserving evidence. 1. Move to a safe location and call 911 to report the crash. 2. Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine, to document your injuries. 3. Gather information from the other driver and take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. 4. Notify your insurance company about the accident. 5. Consult with a qualified attorney before speaking to the other driver's insurance adjuster. Jeffrey S. Altman and The Altman Law Firm can help review your case and protect your rights during this critical time.
Under Florida law, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the incident. Likewise, specialized matters—such as medical malpractice and wrongful death cases—are subject to a stricter two-year filing deadline.<br><br>Because failing to comply with these statutory timeframes can permanently bar your right to seek financial compensation, taking prompt legal action is absolutely vital. We strongly encourage you to consult with the experienced legal team at Altman Law Firm as soon as possible. Engaging knowledgeable counsel early ensures that your rights are fully protected and all critical filing deadlines are meticulously observed.
Under Florida law, specifically Fla. Stat. § 627.736, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of a motor vehicle accident to qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. If you do not receive medical care within this 14-day window, your insurance carrier will likely deny your claim. To protect your health and your right to coverage, follow these steps: 1. Seek immediate medical evaluation at an emergency room or with a licensed physician. 2. Obtain a formal diagnosis. 3. Contact The Altman Law Firm so Jeffrey S. Altman can review your policy and help navigate the claims process.
Yes. Crossing outside of a marked crosswalk does not automatically prevent you from pursuing compensation. While Fla. Stat. § 316.130 requires pedestrians to yield the right-of-way outside designated crossings, drivers still maintain a legal duty to exercise due care and avoid hitting pedestrians. Under Florida's modified comparative fault law (Fla. Stat. § 768.81), an injured pedestrian may recover damages as long as their share of fault does not exceed 50 percent. Jeffrey S. Altman and The Altman Law Firm thoroughly examine driver speed, visibility, and distracted driving evidence to establish motorist liability.