Following an auto accident, it’s common practice for drivers to file a claim with an insurance company to cover the cost of repairs. After all, that’s why we have insurance. But insurance companies are always looking for ways to cut costs, and for a long time, one way they have…
Drivers who want the thrill of getting behind a luxury car or revving the engine on a high-powered vehicle have the option of patronizing one of 50 race tracks located throughout the state – including one in Naples and another in Immokolee. But these experiences are not without risk, as…
Florida is a prime destination for people from all over the world at all times of the year. In addition to warm sandy beaches and popular theme parks, there are countless music festivals and concerts, art shows, cruise line departures, resorts, boating, water sports, diving, race tracks, casinos, golf courses…
As far as insurance coverage goes, plaintiff in Bartlett v. Commerce Ins. Co. was fairly well situated to fully recover damages for injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. After all, she had a total of five insurance plans that provided some degree of coverage for her injuries. However, because not…
A new study reveals the numerous state-level bans on texting-while-driving may actually be having their intended effect. Researchers from the Texas A&M School of Public Health reported hospital emergency room visits within the 45 states that had enacted some type of texting restriction for drivers between 2003 and 2010 dropped…
In one of the largest studies of its kind, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety paints a very troubling picture of the problem of teen driving and distraction. The compelling new evidence suggests distractions – particularly using cell phones and talking to other passengers – play a significant role in…
A loophole in Florida law allows rental car drivers who live out-of-state to avoid providing proof of insurance when renting a vehicle. Rental car companies in the state have little incentive to require or even push for this because of a federal law known as the Graves Amendment, which exempts…
In any negligence case that can’t be soundly defeated on its merits, defense lawyers may try to assert the victim was in some way or to some degree responsible for his or her injuries. This is called comparative fault. In some states, a finding of comparative fault – no matter…
Florida courts have long held that insurance agents/brokers owe a duty of care to the insured. This means the agent has a duty to insureds to explain the coverage and to explain when unilateral changes are made. The law also requires insurance agents to use reasonable care in the procurement…
Last year, there were more motor vehicle recalls than any other year on record. This stemmed from a combination of issues, including the fact that years-old problems were finally being conceded and addressed by manufacturers, and regulators were beginning to take a hard line with the auto industry as new…