Do I Need a Lawyer In Traffic Court In Florida?

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Most people in Florida who are ticketed in connection with their vehicle – either a moving violation like speeding, or a non-moving violation like a parking ticket – really do not need a lawyer unless they plan on contesting the infraction in court. And even then, some people do fine in court representing themselves. First, unless you’re an habitual traffic offender, there just isn’t that much at stake: a few points on your driver’s license and a modest fine. And if you opt to take Read More +

A Primer on Defamation: I’ve Been Defamed, What Are My Rights?

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Every so often I get a call from a potential client who wants to litigate against someone for “defaming” them. The caller is generally spitting mad and wants blood. This is usually in the context where the client was the subject of some rant by some aggrieved party where he or she gets cursed at in front of a bunch of others. Think of the homeowner’s association meeting or the school board meeting where somebody stands up and starts swearing up and down that you’re Read More +

Have My Pre-Existing Injuries Reduced the Value of My Recent Car Crash Injuries to Nothing?

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Most people reach a certain age and it’s unlikely that some part of their body hasn’t sustained some degree of prior trauma or degeneration. Remember that high school football injury to your knee 30 years ago? Yeah, it likely bothers you today – especially when the weather changes. In fact, lots of people have either degeneration to a joint, like a knee or shoulder, or an area of their spine without even knowing it. It may be “asymptomatic”, or without symptoms. It’s just as a Read More +

FAQ: I just won the Lottery! Wow! Should I Call Someone?

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Well, yes, you should call someone, but be very selective. Tell only those people you know and absolutely trust. Obviously, your spouse should be first on your list, but despite your obvious elation, keep your circle of confidants close.  I had one client who didn’t tell his adult children he won the lottery for weeks. Your next call should be to someone who can help you navigate the complexities of lottery collection and protection of your newly discovered wealth. Whether you won $300,000 or $30 Read More +

FAQ: My doctor has recommended I have surgery because of my injury. Should I?

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This is one question that makes every injury attorney cringe. Really? You’re asking me if you should have surgery? While I appreciate the opportunity to weigh in on a client’s medical decision, this is really a decision that is best made by the client, their doctor and their family. However, once in a while I will answer the question, when it’s phrased like this: “I cannot stand the pain any longer. I cannot go on like this. My surgeon has recommended surgery and I think Read More +

FAQ: How Long Should My Injury Claim Take to Resolve?

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Ahh, the eternal question that injury clients always want to know: “I hurt, I feel terrible, I know I need medical treatment, but I’ve heard these cases take 5 years to resolve. I don’t want to get involved in that. Is this true?” Everyone has heard bad stories of cases that drag on for years. While it does occasionally happen, it’s very rare for a claim to last more than one year, two at the most. First, when someone is injured, medical care is essential Read More +