Auto Accident

What are Damages? Seeking damages after a car accident is not purely about the money, even though money awards help injured parties get back to a life of normalcy, it is about making the plaintiff whole. Damages are awarded to the plaintiff in a personal injury case to help them move on with life in the best way possible. Calculating damages depends on several factors, including medical billed costs, pain and suffering and lost wages. Attorneys at Balkan and Patterson can assist you in calculating your damages. Special Damages: Economic Special or economic damages are generally easy to calculate. If you or someone you loveRead More →

In the state of Florida, a great majority of cyclists qualify for damages in a personal injury lawsuit when they are involved in an accident with a car or motorized vehicle. It is a good idea that you consult with a board-certified personal injury attorney at Balkan and Patterson to find out if you qualify for compensation. Should you or someone you love become injured in a car accident while riding a bicycle, here are 6 critical steps to take to ensure that you can be reimbursed for the costs associated with those injuries. 1.  Call the Police Always stay put and involve the police.Read More →

Even minor motorcycle accidents can become a nightmare for motorcyclists. Those wearing the proper gear are likely to survive, though they may still suffer injuries as a result of their accident. If you or someone you love is involved in a motorcycle accident, there are a few things that you should be aware of. Here is a quick guide to help you know what to do after a motorcycle accident. What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident It is never helpful to exchange stories with the other driver(s) or admit to any fault. Your focus should instead be about getting treated for your injuries andRead More →

Injuries suffered in a vehicle accident are already terrible, but what if the driver responsible was driving so recklessly that there was no way to avoid an accident? Reckless driving is illegal in Florida, and many choose to sue the reckless driver responsible for their injuries. If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of another driver’s reckless driving, you are perfectly able to sue that driver for damages. Here is a quick guide to understanding the consequences of reckless driving in Florida. What is Reckless Driving? According to Florida statute 316.192, “Any person who drives any vehicle in willful orRead More →

An accident involving a semi-truck can lead to extensive injuries and damage. Medical costs and reduced quality of life are common outcomes following a semi-truck accident. You must understand your rights in the state of Florida if you’ve been injured in an accident involving a semi-truck. How Often Do Semi-Trucks Cause Accidents? Each year, around 5,000 non-truck drivers die in accidents involving semi-truck drivers and thousands more are injured in these road accidents. Due to the size and weight of semi-trucks, it is rare that these accidents only involve one other car and crashes usually involve several vehicles. In addition, due to the size andRead More →

Car accidents are more common in South Florida than in other parts of the United States. As such, it is important that local drivers know what to do should they be involved in a car accident. Here is our quick list of the four things you should do right after a car accident. If you neglect one of these things, you may find yourself paying expenses out of pocket or even becoming the target in a personal injury lawsuit. 1. Check to See if Anyone is Hurt If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road and check to see if anyone isRead More →

For most of us, our daily lives depend on our cars to get us from place to place. Whether we have a long commute each day or have to drive down the street, avoiding a potential accident is a concern for many. No matter how cautious of a driver we try to be, accidents are often inevitable. Without giving up our freedom of driving completely, there are ways to help avoid accidents. When driving, it’s always important to follow these top safety tips. If you consistently do so, you will not only be preventing harm to yourself, but to all other drivers on the roadRead More →

Here in Florida, we are no stranger to accidents occurring on our roadways. In fact, our state is routinely on the list for most accidents around the country. Even the most cautious drivers are sometimes unable to avoid getting into a crash. And while many of the accidents we see seem to occur on highways, specifically I-95, local streets are actually more prone to dangerous accidents. To stay safe while on the roads, it’s important to always practice safe driving. Avoiding distractions is key, as that is often the main cause of accidents, specifically on local roads. In addition, always follow the rules of theRead More →