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Fatal Crash Occuring Every Week in Southwest Florida

Throughout Southwest Florida, including Cape Coral, Venice, Lehigh Acres, Port Charlotte, Ft Myers, Naples, and beyond, there has been at least one fatal crash every week in this early 2011 (and several serious car wrecks occurring in just the few months leading up to 2011).

Some of these deadly crashes were single-vehicle crashes, while others involved other car-truck accidents, car-motorcycle collisions, and truck-car accidents. Too many drivers are distracted, whether driving while texting, talking on a cell phone, or even momentary inattention while adjusting the radio or focusing on passengers.

The losses are devastating to the surviving families of the victims. They must pick up the pieces of the lives, knowing they will no longer be able to share their dreams of a future with their loved one who was suddenly, and tragically, taken from them.

While a car crash attorney may help pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of surviving family members, such a claim can only help in financial terms, as well as assist the family understand what exactly happened and why. Financial security and stability of the family, in the wake of such a devastating loss of a loved one, is simply one measure of relief. Comforting the grief is really something only faith and love from the surviving family members and friends can provide.

At the Harris Law Firm PA, we understand the limits of what the law can and does provide. We’re here for the victims of such challenging times, and work hard to hold the negligent parties accountable for the losses they have caused. We pursue negligent motorists who cause fatal auto crashes because we understand the depth of that loss.

As a personal injury attorney experienced in civilly prosecuting motor vehicle crash claims, I may be able to help the family secure financial assistance and security through a wrongful death lawsuit or claim. As a friend, I can and will be that person you can talk to when perhaps other family members and friends are not enough. I care about each of my clients, which is why I work so hard for them.

If a loved one has been the victim of a fatal crash, or injured in a serious car wreck, in Ft Myers, Cape Coral, Venice, Lehigh Acres, Port Charlotte, Naples, or elsewhere in Southwest Florida, then contact me for a prompt discussion about what has happened in your life. I’m here to help. God Bless.

Tagged Cape Coral, car crash attorney, deadly crash, fatal crash, Ft. Myers, Lehigh Acres, Naples, personal injury attorney, Port Charlotte, venice |

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Finding an Accident Lawyer Who is the Best Fit for You

Finding an Experienced and Driven Accident Lawyer Can be a Challenge — But Doing Some Basic Homework Can Help

Finding the best Florida car accident lawyer for your accident injury matter can be a challenge, unless you are one of those folks who opts to call the first number you see on TV, or the accident lawyer having the biggest ad in the local phone book.

With just a little time and effort, however, you can overcome the challenge by pre-qualifying the prospective attorney who will be handling your case (like you might do for a doctor who is going to perform your surgery). The fact is, you, the consumer, do have choices.

Yes, there are several attorneys or “accident lawyers” out there who suggest you contact them. But do you know anything about them?

Seek a Southwest Florida accident lawyer — one who is familiar with Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Naples, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, LaBelle — and has experience in our local courtrooms. Ask about the lawyer’s education, training, and experience in personal injury law, and whether your counsel has experience in litigating vehicle accident cases. Most serious accident cases settle before any trial, but having actual trial experience is helpful, so keep that in mind when interviewing your potential lawyer.

For example, attorney David Harris of the Harris Law Firm has more than 15 years of litigation and trial experience, and more specifically, has litigated auto accident cases, locally, in Collier County, Lee County, Charlotte County, Sarasota County, Hendry County, and beyond.

We handle car accidents, highway crashes, motorcycle wrecks, and and trucking accidents throughout SWFL, including those involving herniated discs, broken bones, brain injury, spinal injury, burn injury, paralysis, and more.

Perhaps most importantly, besides our experience, is that we put our clients first.

Tagged accident lawyer, attorney, best, Cape Coral, florida, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Naples, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda |

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Many Car Accident Victims Do Not Timely Seek Medical Attention

Car accidents are a daily occurrence throughout Southwest Florida, including Ft Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, and Naples. Those of us living here know this fact all too well.

Insurance publications have reported that approximately 25% of auto accidents result in bodily injury claims. A separate study claimed an increase in personal injury claims resulting from car accidents. The records, however, indicate that many people involved in traffic accidents are embarrassed to seek medical attention because of what they’ve determine to be bumps and bruises, and they didn’t seem serious enough or because the onset of the symptoms did not immediately occur.

While we agree that minor bumps and bruises are generally not worth bringing injury claims for compensation of pain and suffering, it is alarming that many folks don’t seek or receive medical confirmation that what they believe may be minor injuries are in fact minor bumps and bruises. We understand: going to the doctor or a hospital Emergency Department following a car accident can be a real hassle, and people don’t want to get caught up in the time-consuming waiting game.

Doctors, however, suggest that as soon as possible, after a car accident, an initial evaluation at a local Emergency Room is recommended. The reason for that is: X-rays can be performed which will generally rule out broken bones or factures. Some hospitals are also performing CT scans or other imaging to rule out emergency medical conditions. In addition, muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory medications can immediately be prescribed so as to address muscle strains and/or pulls. Of course, a serious underlying or asymptomatic injury may be discovered, so proper treatment can be begin.

If the onset of a serious injury is delayed, the failure to have a medical complaint recorded can affect your physical recovery. Back and neck injuries (like a herniated disc) are not always immediately determinable. They are often initially diagnosed as “Soft Tissue” injuries before an MRI or a CT Scan reveals a disc injury. Normal x-ray films cannot diagnose a disc injury.

While everyone wants to believe that there is no need to seek medical attention following a car accident, where the injury seems minor, the safest approach is to have a doctor perform a proper evaluation. Generally, that will provide the peace of mind you deserve. From a legal standpoint, the visit to your doctor or emergency department will document your complaints in the event, you do develop long-term injury conditions.

So do yourself a favor, and get checked out following a car accident.

Contact Us After An Serious Accident

In Southwest Florida, a dedicated personal injury attorney at the Harris Law Firm PA will serve your needs whether you are in Charlotte County (Englewood, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda), Collier County (Everglades City, Golden Gate, Immokalee, Marco Island, Naples, Ochopee), Glades County (Moore Haven, Palmdale), Hendry County (Clewiston, Felda, LaBelle), Highlands County (Lake Placid, Sebring), Lee County (Alva, Bonita Springs, Captiva, Cape Coral, Estero, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Lehigh Acres, North Fort Myers, San Carlos Park, Sanibel, St James City), Manatee County (Bradenton, Palmetto), Sarasota County (North Port, Sarasota, Venice), and beyond.

Call us today. We’re here to help, and we’ll tell you whether or not we believe you have a valid car accident claim. If you do, then we may be able to help you recover fair and just compensation.

Tagged accident attorney, Cape Coral, florida, Ft. Myers, Lehigh Acres, Naples, personal injury lawyer, southwest |

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Avoiding Car Accident Mistakes

There is no doubt about it. A car accident has the real tendency to shock the unshockable, cool-as-a-cucumber, individual. If the crash is serious, and the injured party is conscious and alert, being confused is a known consequence. Because the car crash victim is not thinking clearly, mistakes can be made at the outset which harm that victims chances of recovering fair and just compensation from the negligent motorist.

Here we provide some tips on keeping it together, and being your own advocate as you maneuver through the claims process to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and related harms and losses.

1. Avoid the mistake of failing to call the police. Not only do they perform the preliminary investigation, including witness identification and interviews, but they establish the incident in official records.

2. Avoid the mistake of failing to be treated by EMS and taken to the hospital. If you’re hurting, then don’t take chances with your health. There may be more going on than you realize, and your post-accident haze can cloud your judgment. It’s worth the time and bill to identify your injuries so they can be treated, and to avoid even more serious injuries or worsening of your condition caused by non-treatment.

3. Avoid the mistake of failing to notify your insurance company. You should report the accident to your insurance company as soon as you reasonably can after the accident. Your insurance policy likely requires you to give them notice of the auto accident as soon as possible after the collision. This does not mean that you should be lulled into thinking they are looking out for you. They’re not. Insurance companies universally want to protect their shareholders’ money.

4. Avoid the mistake of failing to contact an experienced accident lawyer after your car accident. At the Harris Law Firm PA, for example, you will speak to an experienced, principled, and driven car accident lawyer who serves the Southwest Florida region, including Ft. Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Naples, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and beyond.

5. Avoid the mistake of giving the negligent driver’s insurance company a statement. Giving a statement to them is designed to help them. Contact an experienced accident lawyer at the Harris Law Firm first.

6. Avoid the mistake of signing forms that the insurance company wants you to sign. Do you have any idea what it is that you are signing? Contact an experienced accident attorney at the Harris Law Firm first.

7. Avoid the mistake of failing to know your harms and losses. If you’re hurt, then find a doctor and obtain an exam and treatment (including after that ER visit right after the traffic crash). This is about getting better. In order for your doctors to help, you have to tell your doctor what all of your injuries are. Keep it real. Tell the truth. Do not exaggerate.

8. Avoid the mistake of not asking questions of your doctor. Question Your Doctor In Personal Injury Cases about his experience dealing with the types of injuries you have suffered, his treatment plan, his prescription or nonprescription medication suggestions, the tests he will perform, his willingness to prepare a report or testify at your trial, the permanence of your injury, the frequency of follow-up visits, and whether he plans to refer you to other specialists for your injuries. In this way, both you and your doctor will be prepared if your case goes to trial.

9. Avoid the mistake of failing to keep records of all of your medical bills, and of the expenses you spent going back and forth to the doctors. Keep your receipts for co-pays and deductibles.

10. Avoid the mistake of not telling your lawyer and treating physicians the whole truth. If you have had any past accidents or injuries or serious illnesses, then let them know. Insurance companies pool their information into national databases, so they will find out how many accidents you have been in and how many times you have made an injury claim. If you lie about your past (or anything for that matter), then your case is dead.

11. Avoid the mistake of exaggerating your activity level before and after the car accident. Insurance companies routinely hire private investigators to conduct videotape surveillance. Lying about or exaggerating your injury, such as saying you cannot do strenuous activities while an investigator is taping you fixing a roof or playing tennis, is a dead end. Be honest about what you can and cannot do, your limitations and restrictions.

12. Avoid the mistake of having embarrassing, or contradictory, social media content. Facebook, MySpace, and other social networking sites have been used by insurance companies and defense lawyers to embarrass and discredit legitimate personal injury victims. This typically arises when a seriously injured accident victim posts content which is graphic or shows the accident injury victim engaged in activity he or she said they could not do. Even when there is a reasonable explanation, the damage to the case can be already done.

Contact Us

At the Harris Law Firm PA, you can speak to an experienced, principled, and driven accident lawyer who serves you throughout Southwest Florida, including Ft. Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Naples, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and beyond. Just call us to evaluate your claim. Maybe we can help.

Tagged accident attorney, accident lawyer, auto, Cape Coral, car, Ft. Myers, injury, Lehigh Acres, Naples, personal |

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Southwest Florida Car Accident Causes

Southwest Florida Car Accident Causes

Car accidents happen very quickly but usually leave a lasting and devastating effect. Due to these accidents, countless individuals and families are left changing the direction that their lives are taking. Unfortunately, we see this throughout Southwest Florida every week.

Think about just the last 30 days throughout Southwest Florida: Ft Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Port Charlotte, LaBelle, Lehigh Acres, etc. There have been more than two dozen traffic fatalities. Staggering.

Personal injury sustained from a car accident is a huge burden for our residents. Medical bills, lost income, lost productivity, etc.

Insurance companies drag out valid and serious claims or deny them altogether, adding insult to injury.

An experienced, principled, and dedicated car accident lawyer at the Harris Law Firm PA in Ft Myers and serving all Southwest Florida in serious claims, focuses on vehicle accident claims and lawsuits. We are dedicated advocates focused on battling for your rights and securing just compensation for your harms and losses.

Among the factors cited in the recent wave of serious vehicle accidents and traffic fatalities afflicting our neighbors throughout SW Fla. include the following:

cell phone use while driving
aggressive driving
DUI
drowsy driving
physical impairment or medical condition
driver inattention
careless driving
road construction

In sum, car accidents are a combination of driver error, road conditions, and other human factors. If you or your loved one were seriously injured in a car accident, then contact a car accident lawyer at the Harris Law Firm PA immediately to ensure that your rights are protected.

It’s time.

Tagged Cape Coral, car accident lawyer, Ft. Myers, LaBelle, Lehigh Acres, Naples, Port Charlotte |

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Tire Care Safety Tips

Southwest Florida Accident Lawyer
Safety First, Second, and Third . . .

Tire Safety Tips

A tire’s tread provides road grip and stopping capability. This is why it’s important to make sure your tire treads are good shape and measure up.
A tire is considered bald if it has 1/16 of an inch or less of tread depth. What does this mean?
You can do the “penny test” to check tread wear. Just place the penny upside down within the tread, with Lincoln’s head facing downward. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, this indicates the tread is worn to 1/16 of an inch and the tires need to be replaced.
Additionally, most newer model tires have built-in tread wear indicators which let a motorist know when the tires should be replaced. The indicators are raised sections spaced intermittently in the bottom of the tread grooves. When they appear, it’s time for new tires.
A new test for tread depth is replacing the “penny test” with a quarter is more effective. The quarter test will show when a tire has worn down to 1/18 of an inch of tread. This tiny bit of additional tread makes a significant difference, providing greater protection and stopping capability. They say motorists should replace tires when they have worn past this point, rather than waiting until the tire is considered “bald.”
Bald tires are almost 2x more likely to be under-inflated than tires with deeper tread. Make sure you are using an accurate gauge to test tire inflation.
The NHTSA found that almost 20 percent of gas station tire-pressure gauges over-report the pressure by at least 4 psi or more. It’s better to keep and use your own gauge, which has been tested and certified as accurate.
Do not rely on a visual inspection to determine whether a tire is properly inflated. Always use a reliable gauge.
Proper tire inflation guidelines can be found in your automobile’s owner’s manual or on a placard in the glove compartment or driver’s doorjamb.
If your tires are more than six years old, then replace them. As tires age, the rubber can become more brittle and more prone to a blowout. A blowout can lead to loss of vehicle control, rollover, and serious personal injury.

It’s hard enough nowadays driving defensively to protect yourself and your family. Don’t let your guard down when it comes to your tires. Tires are likely to be your primary defensive partner when trying to avoid a vehicle collision, as they provide grip, stability, traction, and maneuverability to your defense driving arsenal.

Contact a Dedicated Accident Attorney at the Harris Law Firm PA

If you have been the unfortunate victim of a car accident, SUV accident, or other motor vehicle collision in Southwest Florida, then contact a dedicated Southwest Fla. accident lawyer here are the Ft. Myers-based Harris Law Firm PA. We serve serious accident injury victims throughout Southwest Florida, including Naples, Ft Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, LaBelle, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Arcadia, and beyond. We put your needs first.

Tagged accident, attorney, blowout, Cape Coral, Ft. Myers, lawyer, Lehigh Acres, Naples, safety, southwest florida, tire, tread |

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Uninsured Motorist (UM) Claims

What happens if I am hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist?

Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (UM) is insurance coverage that you purchase for yourself in the event of an automobile accident where the at-fault driver either has no insurance or not enough insurance. It is elective, not mandatory, auto insurance. Because it is elective and don’t understand it, unfortunately, many people waive this coverage. Waiving UM or failing to “stack” your UM coverage is a big, big mistake.

Many drivers in Florida do not have any auto insurance at all. Others purchase the absolute minimum coverage to stay “legal” per Florida laws – only to find out after an automobile accident that they do not have bodily injury liability coverage (BI).

Although Florida law states that a driver may have his or her driver’s license suspended if they cannot cover damages exceeding $10,000.00 after an accident, I recommend that you purchase UM coverage of your own. Without your own UM coverage, you might be left without any way to obtain payment for the medical expenses, physical injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and inconvenience that you have suffered.

If you or someone you know has been injured by an uninsured or underinsured motorist in a car accident and needs a lawyer, contact a car accident attorney at the Harris Law Firm, P.A. serving Cape Coral, Fort Myers, LaBelle, Lehigh Acres, Naples, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and the rest of Southwest Florida.

Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawsuits

UM cases are more complex than a liability case against the at-fault driver. In a UM case, your uninsured motorist carrier will stand in the shoes of the negligent driver at trial. In these accident cases, our Southwest Florida firm will file a lawsuit on your behalf against your own insurance company when they fail to pay you the UM benefits that you are due.

Many times, your insurance company will assert that they have not denied your claim but, instead, do not value the claim in the same manner that we do. Your insurance company has a duty to act fairly and honestly while settling your claim; we may pursue your rights with a Civil Remedy Notice of Insurer Violation with the Florida Department of Financial Services.

In certain cases, the Department of Financial Services may fine or punish the insurance company for denying your claim. After the filing of the Civil Remedy Notice of Insurer Violation, your insurance company has 60 days to pay your claim.

Uninsured Motorist Claims after a Car Accident: Contact an Accident Attorney

If you are having difficulty resolving insurance claims after being hit by an uninsured driver, contact a car accident lawyer at the Harris Law Firm, P.A. to assert and protect your rights.

Tagged Cape Coral, Fort Myers, LaBelle, Lehigh Acres, Naples, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, UM, underinsured, uninsured |

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Drunk Driver Accident Attorney Serving Cape Coral, Ft. Myers, Lehigh, SW Fla.

Florida Drunk Driver Accident Attorney

Lee County Car Accident Lawyer

Drinking to excess and then driving is a clear example of negligence. It puts everyone on the road at risk of injury and wrongful death. Yet drunk drivers continue to injure and kill thousands of innocent motorists every year.

Have you been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver? Was someone you love killed in an alcohol-related crash? Contact the Harris Law Firm to arrange a free consultation and case evaluation.

Harris Law Firm: Attorneys for Drunk Driver Accident Cases

I’m David Harris, trial attorney and personal injury lawyer. I have years of experience representing people injured in DUI accident or drunk driver accidents. I know how to aggressively prosecute these cases in our civil justice system in an effort to maximize the financial compensation you receive for your damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, property damage and more. These money damages are meant to compensate you.

Keep in mind that in drunk driving accident claims, punitive damages may be available. These are money damages used to punish the drunk driver, as well as deter others, from engaging in this type of conduct.

Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit

Don’t assume that the jury will automatically hear that the person who hit you was drunk. The insurance company’s lawyers will maneuver to keep evidence of their client’s drinking and driving out of court. Our attorneys will work to see that the jury hears all the facts so that our client receives justice.

Contact Us

To learn more about how we can help you recover financial compensation after a collision with a drunk driver, please contact the Harris Law Firm today.

From our office in Fort Myers, Lee County, Florida, our lawyers represent people who have sustained injuries in drunk driver accidents throughout the region, including Cape Coral, Ft. Myers, Lehigh Acres, Naples, La Belle, Bonita Springs, Clewiston, Port Charlote, Punta Gorda, and beyond.

Tagged Cape Coral, drunk driver accident attorney, drunk driving accident lawsuit, DUI accident, Ft. Myers, Lehigh Acres, SW Fla |

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Car Accident Lawyer Fort Myers

Car Accident Lawyer Fort Myers

Car crashes and motor vehicle accidents are a common occurrence. As a result, they make up a large portion of personal injury claims.

While auto accidents are among the most common types of personal injury claims, they are nowadays not often simple to resolve. There are numerous statutes, rules, regulations, court precedent – as well as the contracts for insurance themselves – which together form a complex web or maze for a consumer to navigate, risking rights, benefits, and protections along the way if not handled properly.

The Fort Myers auto accident lawyers at Harris Law Firm, P.A. understand the “Rules of the Road” and everyday car wrecks, from simple rear end collisions to the complicated engineering issues needed to prove who was responsible for the crash in more challenging cases.

I’m attorney David Harris, and I handle auto accident claims and motor vehicle accident cases on behalf of good, decent, hardworking people throughout Southwest Florida, including Ft. Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Naples, La Belle, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and beyond.

What causes the large number of auto accidents, car accidents, and motorcycle accidents throughout SWFL every week? Generaly, inattention and carelessness. In other words, negligence.

I personally handle your auto accident Florida case from beginning to end. Among the types of cases I handle:

rear end collision
intersection accident
alcohol related crashes
drunk driver accident
hit and run
passenger injury
driver injuries
motorcycle accident
semi accident
tractor trailer crash
pedestrian accident
bicycle accident

In such cases, I set out to prove not only who is directly responsible, but also those who may be indirectly yet undeniably responsible. At the Harris Law Firm, P.A., we think outside of the box.

We also make sure that you maximize your benefits. Signing a release, for example, can wipe out your rights in a single stroke of the pen. Does the release take into account that there may be other parties at fault? Are you protected in the release to esnure you can continue hold others accountable? Key issues that consumers – and sadly many lawyers – overlook. I don’t.

I also look to recover the full range of damages and human losses that must be fixed or helped, which represents full justice in our civil justice system, including:

physical pain and suffering;
mental pain and suffering;
emotional distress;
economic losses
medical bills
future medical bills
lost income
future lost income
loss of enjoyment of life

My goal is to return as much normalcy as possible in the client’s life, as well as trying to restore some financial certainty so the client and his/her family does not have to move forward alone.

Without question every auto accident Florida is different. Every set of losses, injuries, and needs is different.

Contact Me Today For a Free Consultation

If you have been injured in a car accident Florida or motor vehicle crash in Florida, and it resulted in permanent personal injuries, you will need compensation to make up for your physical and mental pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, medical bills (past and future), wage loss (past and future), or rehabilitation costs. Please contact me for a free consultation.

Tagged auto accident Florida, Cape Coral, Car Accident Lawyer Fort Myers, Ft. Myers, La Belle, Lehigh Acres, Naples, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda |

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Southwest Florida Accident Attorney

Helping Accident Victims Achieve Justice

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Accident Law

Fatal Crash Occuring Every Week in Southwest Florida

Finding an Accident Lawyer Who is the Best Fit for You

Many Car Accident Victims Do Not Timely Seek Medical Attention

Avoiding Car Accident Mistakes

Southwest Florida Car Accident Causes

Tire Care Safety Tips

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Claims

Drunk Driver Accident Attorney Serving Cape Coral, Ft. Myers, Lehigh, SW Fla.

Car Accident Lawyer Fort Myers

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Helping Accident Victims Achieve Justice

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Accident Law

Lehigh Acres

Florida Accidents

Welcome!

Harris Law Firm, P.A.

Our mobile site

Follow!

Online Chat

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