Florida Legal Learning Center
February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day 2024!
February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day! Learn some ways you can celebrate!
3 Arguments for Seeking Medical Attention Following a Car Accident
Physical Therapy: Three Justifications for Visiting a Doctor After a Car Accident After a car accident, it may be tempting to put off seeing the doctor. Perhaps you believe you can endure the discomfort or have hope that the pain will subside on its own. Take a few minutes to read this article before you decide to put off visiting the doctor. There are numerous reasons why you should seek medical assistance as soon as possible following an automobile accident. Following an automobile accident, visit the doctor for the following three reasons: 1. You must look out for your long-term health and take care of yourself You must prioritize taking care of yourself first. It’s still better to get medical help, even if you think you can fight it out or don’t think your injuries are serious. The longer you wait to get treatment for latent injuries like concussions, whiplash, or internal wounds, the more serious (and expensive) they can become. In addition to physical injuries, traumatic car accidents can result in mental and emotional harm. Like physical wounds, emotional stress is extremely real and, if addressed, can be dangerous. After a horrible accident, it’s common for victims to endure worry, anxiety, insomnia, or even PTSD. It’s common to experience some initial apprehension when driving or even riding in a car. After an accident, you can start living your life again with the assistance of a medical specialist who can suggest the best course of treatment for your emotional distress.
What to Know About Your Vehicle’s Drive train
The parts of a motor vehicle’s drive train convert energy from a simple stored form into kinetic energy, whether the vehicle is an automobile, boat, off-road vehicle, or an airplane. This conversion is made possible by traction on a specific surface, which propels the vehicle ahead over uneven terrain, the atmosphere, or even water. The drive train of a car, or any vehicle, is made up of the engine, transmission, drive shafts, differentials, and drive axels. The final drive, sometimes referred to as the drive axels, might consist of propellers, continuous tracks (as on a tank), drive wheels, etc. All of these drive types are components of the process by which the fuel injected into the vehicle is transformed into the mechanical energy that eventually propels the vehicle forward. There are two different types of drive trains. The powertrain, which normally comprises all the components of the engine and transmission, is one category. The other components of the drive train fall under the second classification, which is referred to as the driveline. The parts that follow the transmission, such as the axel, drive shafts, and differentials, are referred to as the driveline. Depending on whether the vehicle is front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, four wheel drive, or all wheel drive, the configuration of these vehicle components may change. Sir Alec Issigonis invented front wheel drive, which is often the most used type of drive train. In a front-wheel drive vehicle, the transaxle is connected to the back bottom of
5 Things You Must Know If You Are Ever In A Car Accident
Brian S. Brijbag, Esquire The frightening reality is that the likelihood of you getting in a car accident at some point in your life is pretty high. They can be scary – the confusion at the accident scene, the physical pain, and all the phones call afterwards to try and get your life back together. A car accident can certainly be an impactful disruptor of life. That is why it is important to know these 5 things: 1. What to do • Stop your vehicle immediately and position yourself in a manner as not to obstruct other motorists. In fact, leaving the scene of an accident can be a crime. • Stay Calm. • Call 911 to get help for anyone that is injured. 2. Get the information included in our “Car Accident Information Sheet” This includes the names, phone numbers, and license numbers of all involved including witnesses. The insurance information of all the drivers involved with the make, model, and license plate number of each vehicle. Note the exact time, location, and road/weather conditions. Also note the injuries and damage. 3. Do not start apologizing It may seem like good manners to apologize if you feel you were at fault but this is not the time to practice that particular social etiquette. Simply saying, “I am sorry” could be looked at as an admission of liability if you find yourself in court at a later date. 4. Get medical attention for yourself Many states have specific timelines to
COVID-19 – Taking it one day at a time
COVID-19 – Taking it one day at a time This very moment in time may be one of historic proportions – a point on our earthly calendar that marks the permanent change of our ways of life. It is the point, to quote an overused phrase, of the “new normal.” For those with personal injury lawsuits, our court system has been impacted which has required wading into new territory. When taking inventory of the landscape, multiple industries have been at a standstill including the legal profession. When looking from our unique legal perspective, personal injury claims may be forever complicated by the challenges of COVID-19. With all the unknowns, and the political pressures and posturing, we all are trying to navigate this pandemic. The difficulties we have experienced seem to touch everyone all over the world and its ramifications are certainly being felt here in Florida. “Here in our great state of Florida, our firm recognizes that we are dealing with a trial of epic proportions yet this will not stop out team, who are dedicated to seeking justice for our clients, from working hard to fight for the compensation for the victims of another’s negligence.” Attorney Brian S. Brijbag How is my Personal Injury Lawsuit affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? There are several areas of your case which may be impacted by the current pandemic and our Firm is prepared to guide your claim through those muddy waters. In terms of your responsibility, the most important items for maintaining
Property Damage – Why Can’t I Find An Attorney To Handle getting my car repaired?
Law & Why Can’t I Find An Attorney To Handle My Property Damage Case? Spring Hill Car Accident Attorney Discusses Property Damage Representation I often get asked by folks if I will represent them to help them deal with the insurance company after a car accident, not for an injury, but with getting their vehicle repaired or with getting enough money to cover what they owe (Side note – get gap insurance!). Sometimes these same people have another attorney for their personal injury case but that attorney will not assist with the property damage. They usually have a car about to be totaled but the amount they are being offered does not cover what they have left on their loan. So why is it difficult to find an attorney to handle your non-injury property damage case? At our firm, we have a policy that we will help with our injury client’s property damage claim without additional charge. What we strive to do is to get our clients back into their vehicle as quickly as possible as we find that is often the major, immediate stressor. The sooner the car is taken care of, repaired or replaced, the sooner our client gets back to work and can make all the necessary doctor appointments. The goal of our firm is to minimize the inconvenience of being without a car after a serious accident. For those who are not injured or choose a personal injury attorney that does not help with the property
Florida Teen Drivers – Typical Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most important milestones for most teenagers, getting their driver’s license is a big deal and a time of great pride. Being a parent of five children, and having been through the teenage driving period multiple times, I know the worries of every parent – the roadways are a very dangerous place, especially for inexperienced drivers. For Florida teen drivers, car accidents are the number one cause of death as well as a leading cause of injury. Some the typical errors made by teenage drivers include: Lack of Wearing a Seat Belt – When looking at statistics involving teenage drivers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that seat belt use among teenagers is the lowest as compared to all other age groups. In fact, in a 2016 study looking at fatal teen car accidents, 58% of the time, the drivers and passengers were not wearing seat belts. Driving too Fast – That same 2016 study revealed that speeding was a factor in 32% of fatal crashes involving a teen driver. Even for seasoned drivers, excessive speeds increase the likelihood of getting into an accident and also makes a crash exponentially severe. When it comes to having the ability to make quick decisions and reacting swiftly, that is a skill that comes with experience, something Florida teen drivers lack. Driving and Drinking – Underage drinking is a problem among our young people, and mixed with driving, it becomes even more deadly. The 2016 study also concluded that in
Pedestrian Personal Injury Lawsuits in Florida 101
Brian S. Brijbag, Esq Even as the number of fatal traffic incidents has dropped over the past 10 years, pedestrian accident casualties have risen by more than 35 percent. According to Smart Growth America’s Dangerous by Design report, Florida claims 8 of the Top 10 most dangerous urban locations for pedestrians and is the number 1 most dangerous state for pedestrians. The Tampa/St Petersburg area ranks as number 9 most dangerous metro area and Lakeland is number 5. More than 5,400 of the nearly 50,000 pedestrians killed between 2008 and 2017 died on roads in Florida. Significant injuries were suffered by tens of thousands more individuals. Filing Florida lawsuits for a pedestrian personal injury is somewhat different from filing lawsuits for auto accidents. Part of this is that it is almost always the pedestrian who suffers the injury, regardless of who was at-fault in a pedestrian accident, and those accidents are often substantial. In these cases, that means there is a lot at stake. A Spring Hill personal attorney will help answer your questions and advocate on your behalf for just compensation. Who is a Pedestrian? A person is considered a pedestrian whom is “afoot”. That applies to individuals using roller skates or a wheelchair, but not bicycle riders. It is expected that pedestrians will use sidewalks where they are accessible. Pedestrians can walk on the road if there is not a sidewalk, but they must face traffic (reducing the risk of accidents). Pedestrians, in a marked crosswalk, have the right-of-way, but a
4 Tips for Driving in Bad Weather
4 Tips for Driving Living in the Sunshine State, we are accustomed to pleasant weather conditions with short burst of heavy rain. These occasional periods of bad weather can make for dangerous driving conditions, especially if people are not experienced in driving in the rain. The risk of a car accident increases during inclement weather because you may have difficulty controlling your vehicle though all the rain and flooding plus your visibility will be hampered. Finally, your response time may be significantly reduced as you try to navigate through the weather. To help prepare you for driving in the rain, here are some tips to consider: 1. Check your windshield wipers – If your wiper blades are old, worn, or cracked, they need to be replaced. In the same way, the entire wiper unit, including the motor, could malfunction over time. You should make sure the entire unit is functioning properly and the wipers themselves are clean and free of dirt. When not clean, wipers can instead smear grime and leave streaks further decreasing your ability to see. 2. Inspect your tires – It should be part of your routine vehicle maintenance that your tires are inspected for damages and signs of wear. The tread of a tire is designed to dissipate the water and dirt from the road so that the tire can make solid contact. If the tread has worn down, the likelihood of slipping on a wet road increase. Make sure your tires are in good condition. 3.
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Attorney Brian S. Brijbag is a Florida licensed lawyer who practices personal injury law.. Serving the Nature Coast of Florida, Attorney Brijbag represents clients in Hernando, Pasco, and Citrus counties. We will help you receive your just compensation if you are the victim of someone else’s negligence. We offer virtual consultation when appropriate and can travel to you. There are NO COSTS UNLESS WE WIN!
Free legal resources in Florida:
- Florida Law Help – A comprehensive legal information website offering a directory of all legal aid offices throughout the state. It covers a wide range of legal areas such as Family Law, Domestic Violence, Immigration, Housing, Public Benefits, and more. Visit Florida Law Help for more details.
- Florida Rural Legal Services – Provides high-quality civil legal services to address the special legal needs of migrant and seasonal farmworkers throughout Florida. They also offer a virtual legal advice clinic where you can ask questions and receive answers. For more information, visit Florida Rural Legal Services.
- Three Rivers Legal Services – Offers free civil legal aid and has been providing such services since 1978. They serve a broad audience, including veterans and survivors of abuse. Their website, Three Rivers Legal Services, contains informational videos and resources on various legal topics.
- Legal Aid Service of Broward County – Provides free civil legal services to low-income and otherwise eligible residents of Broward County. You can find more information on their website, Legal Aid Service of Broward County.
- Legal Services of North Florida – More details can be found on their website, Legal Services of North Florida.
- The Florida Bar – The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service is designed to make it easy for consumers to connect to verified attorneys.
These organizations provide legal services and support for various communities in their field. It’s recommended to visit their websites or contact them directly for specific legal advice.
5 Things You Must Know If You Are Ever In A Car Accident
Brian S. Brijbag, Esquire
The frightening reality is that the likelihood of you getting in a car accident at some point in your life is pretty high. They can be scary – the confusion at the accident scene, the physical pain, and all the phones call afterwards to try and get your life back together. A car accident can certainly be an impactful disruptor of life. That is why it is important to know these 5 things:
1. What to do
• Stop your vehicle immediately and position yourself in a manner as not to obstruct other motorists. In fact, leaving the scene of an accident can be a crime.
• Stay Calm.
• Call 911 to get help for anyone that is injured.
2. Get the information included in our “Car Accident Information Sheet”
This includes the names, phone numbers, and license numbers of all involved including witnesses. The insurance information of all the drivers involved with the make, model, and license plate number of each vehicle. Note the exact time, location, and road/weather conditions. Also note the injuries and damage.
3. Do not start apologizing
It may seem like good manners to apologize if you feel you were at fault but this is not the time to practice that particular social etiquette. Simply saying, “I am sorry” could be looked at as an admission of liability if you find yourself in court at a later date.
4. Get medical attention for yourself
Many states have specific timelines to seek medical treatment after an accident and missing those deadlines may limit or even invalidate your benefits. Symptoms may not immediately present themselves after a car accident as adrenaline has kicked in making you oblivious to the pain. That is why it is best to see a doctor that specializes in the unique medical needs of post-accident injuries. The things to look for include:
- • Headaches and nausea
- • Muscle pain or weakness
- • Pain in the neck, shoulder, or back
- • Dizziness or swelling
- • Feelings of fear, anxiety, or depression
- 5. Be careful who you talk too
You may start to get calls from the insurance companies that represent the other drivers. They will want to get details from you that may adversely impact you later. Do not talk to them! Your best bet is to consult
with an attorney that specializes in these types of cases so they can guide you through the process of being made whole again.
While we do whatever we can to avoid an accident, no matter how careful we are, the reality remains that one happens every 5 seconds. Do not let the next one be you. To be safe, try and follow these tips:
- • Plan your trip before you leave
- • Know where you are going and the route you plan on taking
- • Know your travel time
- • Give yourself plenty of time to get there
- • Keep your vehicle well maintained
Florida Teen Drivers – Typical Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most important milestones for most teenagers, getting their driver’s license is a big deal and a time of great pride. Being a parent of five children, and having been through the teenage driving period multiple times, I know the worries of every parent – the roadways are a very dangerous place, especially for inexperienced drivers. For Florida teen drivers, car accidents are the number one cause of death as well as a leading cause of injury.
Some the typical errors made by teenage drivers include:
Lack of Wearing a Seat Belt – When looking at statistics involving teenage drivers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that seat belt use among teenagers is the lowest as compared to all other age groups. In fact, in a 2016 study looking at fatal teen car accidents, 58% of the time, the drivers and passengers were not wearing seat belts.
Driving too Fast – That same 2016 study revealed that speeding was a factor in 32% of fatal crashes involving a teen driver. Even for seasoned drivers, excessive speeds increase the likelihood of getting into an accident and also makes a crash exponentially severe. When it comes to having the ability to make quick decisions and reacting swiftly, that is a skill that comes with experience, something Florida teen drivers lack.
Driving and Drinking – Underage drinking is a problem among our young people, and mixed with driving, it becomes even more deadly. The 2016 study also concluded that in these fatal teen driving accidents, alcohol was an element 20% of the time. Mixture of underage drinking with inexperienced driving skills is a devastating combination.
Peer Pressure – When around other teens, it is well established that they may make decisions that they may not otherwise have made absence the pressure. When driving with other teens as passengers, studies have shown that Florida teen drivers are more likely to engage in risky behaviors. More teens in the car equal even more pressure to do something regrettable.
Driving while Distracted – Teen drivers, due to maturity and inexperience, are much more likely to be distracted by phones, the radio, or something else mores than other drivers. When asked if they have ever texted while driving, 33% of teen drivers stated “yes.” This activity increases the risk of an accident 23 times. A distraction of even a couple of seconds could have deadly consequences.
Doing stupid things – Finally, and particular for young male drivers, teens are much more likely to engage in unnecessary behavior. They may try and mimic the latest social media fad or challenge. They may decide to drag race, do burnouts, or some other type of stunt. Teens may decide it would be fun to drive on the hood or hang out of a window. Even seemingly well-behaved teens could have a momentary lapse in judgement that could result in catastrophic and life-altering consequences.
As parents, we need to make sure our children get as much experience and education of possible about driving. It is important to make the time to allow them to practice so they can understand the dangers of driving. Give driving privileges in stages and have them earn your trust. Talk to them about driving safety. Even if you think “never my child,” you would be surprised how common underage drinking is – make sure they know they can call you for a ride without fear. Lets keep our Florida teen drivers safe.
If your Florida teen driver is in an accident, do not hesitate to call our office at (352) 358-5880. As a Spring Hill Car Accident Attorney, Brian S. Brijbag Esq is here to help your family. It is important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. Please call for a free consultation.
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Disclaimer
For the general public: This Blog/Web Site is made available by the law firm publisher, The Law Firm of Brian S Brijbag PLLC, for educational purposes. It provides general information and a general understanding of the law, but does not provide specific legal advice. By using this site, commenting on posts, or sending inquiries through the site or contact email, you confirm that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog/Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
For attorneys: This Blog/Web Site is informational in nature and is not a substitute for legal research or a consultation on specific matters pertaining to your clients. Due to the dynamic nature of legal doctrines, what might be accurate one day may be inaccurate the next. As such, the contents of this blog must not be relied upon as a basis for arguments to a court or for your advice to clients without, again, further research or a consultation with our professionals.
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