Legal Insights Blog | Rader Law Group

Avoiding Injuries: Staying Safe during Spring Break

March 5, 2021

Spending spring break in Florida means sunshine, beaches, and waves. But before you head out on your spring break getaway or your Florida staycation with family or friends, keep safety in mind as you plan your vacation.

Below are a few easy ways to keep your vacation happy, healthy, and injury-free.

Drink Responsibly – Dodge Slip & Falls

Know your limit and respect it. If you’ve had too much to drink, stop! Drinking excessively leads to accidents, injuries, and adverse situations.

Keep an eye on your drink so nobody tampers with it.

Drinking and swimming can be a lethal mix. Avoid consuming alcohol if you plan to play in the waves.

Drive Carefully – Avoid Car Collisions

There will be more people on the roads during spring break, especially near the beaches. Be extra cautious when driving in crowded areas.

Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you and your friends or family members are planning to drink, plan ahead and ensure you either have a designated driver or a plan to get a safe ride home by taxi, Uber, or Lyft.

Stay alert, drive defensively, and avoid distraction. Before starting the vehicle, turn off your cellphone or put it on mute in a closed compartment in the vehicle.

Steer Safely – Prevent Boating Accidents

Florida leads the nation with the highest number of boating accidents and fatalities. If you plan to operate a boat, take a boating safety course, conduct a thorough boat safety check before heading out, and avoid alcohol and other substances that may impair your ability. Additionally, when you’re in the boat, wear a life jacket.

Walk Cautiously – Avoid Pedestrian Accidents

Spring break is notorious for partying and recklessness, especially near the beaches. Although it can happen anytime, you can bet that some drivers won’t have their undivided attention on the road. As a pedestrian, be extra cautious as you cross streets, even if there are crosswalks.

Be Aware – Don’t Become a Victim

Be careful if you are traveling, particularly if you are in an unfamiliar, crowded area. Be aware of your surroundings and be ready to act. Stay with the people you came with. No matter how enticing it may be, leaving the group to go with someone you just met is risky.

Be Smart — Protect from the Pandemic

Just because it is spring break doesn’t mean we aren’t still in the midst of a pandemic! Be sure to continue following the CDC guidelines and wear a mask in public, wash hands frequently, clean frequently touched surfaces, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated places, stay six feet apart from others (unless you reside together), and avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
On behalf of Cuter Rader, P.L., we wish you a sunny, fun-filled, and safe vacation or staycation in Florida.

Rader Law Group, LLC

With decades and decades combined experience, the attorneys at Rader Law Group understand the meaning of Justice. Our one and only mission is to get each client the justice he or she deserves; our team of attorneys never back down when we know our client is right.
We offer our clients the compassion and guidance they need as they work through trying times in their lives. The balance of working relentlessly for our clients combined with our caring approach has helped us achieve a fantastic record of success with our clients. We get our clients the justice they deserve.

At Rader Law Group, You matter. Your justice matters. Your Justice Starts Here. 954-913-2273

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What If the Police/Accident Report Contains Wrong Information? Does It Hurt My Case?

February 23, 2021

What is a Police or Accident Report?

If you have been in an automobile accident before, you may be familiar with a police report. A police or accident report is an account of the accident conducted by the officer who arrives on the scene. The report contains vital information including details about the accident, potential causes, proof if either or both parties were under the influence, witness statement information, statements from each party and their passengers, contact information for each party, and opinions from the officer.

Even though police reports are not permitted as evidence in civil cases for personal injury claims in the state of Florida, they are still crucial for settlement discussions with insurance carriers and negotiations with the opposing side.

What if there is a Mistake in the Report?

Police officers are human, and they make mistakes. Typos or small errors such as the wrong make of car can be easily corrected. However, mistakenly omitted words such as “not” next to “driving under the influence” can transform the outcome of a case. Convincing an officer or police department to correct that type of information will be much more difficult unless the officer recognizes his or her error.

How Can You Help Prevent Mistakes in the Police Report?

In addition to reviewing the police report at the scene and alerting the officer to any inconsistencies, you can help your case by documenting evidence from the scene that may be crucial in correcting the police report. You can take pictures and write notes about what happened, the vehicles involved, the location of each vehicle, damage to vehicles and anything else, road conditions, weather conditions, witness statements and contact information.

How do You “Change” a Mistake in the Report?

Any changes to the report must be made directly by the police officer or the department. Each individual police department or law enforcement agency follows their own policies regarding making changes to police reports. Obviously, you should avoid writing on or altering the report. But here is what you should do:

If you were in an accident, obtain medical attention first and then request a copy of the police or accident report from the police officer.

If possible, review the report at the scene and request that the police officer update any part of the report that is incorrect.
If you are unable to review the report at the scene but find that there are incorrect items that need to be corrected, contact the officer directly as soon as possible.
If you were unable to obtain a copy of the police or accident report at the scene, contact the law enforcement agency and request one.

You can expect the officer or law enforcement agency to correct minor details quickly. However, if the police department refuses to change the police report and you believe you have a personal injury case, you should contact an experienced attorney to help you navigate the legal process. Please call 954-913-2273 for a free consultation.

Rader Law Group, LLC

With decades and decades combined experience, the attorneys at Rader Law Group understand the meaning of Justice. Our one and only mission is to get each client the justice he or she deserves; our team of attorneys never back down when we know our client is right.

We offer our clients the compassion and guidance they need as they work through trying times in their lives. The balance of working relentlessly for our clients combined with our caring approach has helped us achieve a fantastic record of success with our clients. We get our clients the justice they deserve.

At Rader Law Group, You matter. Your justice matters. Your Justice Starts Here. 954-913-2273

Learn More

Personal Injury Due to Sexual Assault, Do I Have A Case?

February 12, 2021

According to American nonprofit RAINN, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, someone in our country is sexually assaulted every 73 seconds. Moreover, the majority of sexual assault and rape victims are under the age of 18, and 34% of victims are under 12.

In Our Community

Sexual assault and abuse occur throughout our country, in our state of Florida, and in our own Broward and Palm Beach communities. In fact, several sexual assault cases have come to light in recent months including charges against Broward County resident and Coral Springs gastroenterologist Dr. Craig Bitman, former Parkland and Palisades teacher Christian Willman, and Plantation-based pediatrician Dr. Michael Mizrachy. These crimes involving pornography, soliciting minors, and sexual abuse are happening right here in our communities of Parkland, Coral Springs, and Plantation.

Sadly, many victims of sexual assault and abuse suffer devastating consequences immediately after the ordeal and some victims continue to suffer for months or years after the assault or abuse has ended. Without proper help, sexual assault and abuse victims are at higher risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), drug dependency, and addiction. Additionally, they may also be at risk for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.

Seeking Justice

Victims of sexual assault deserve protection and justice. If you have been sexually assaulted or abused, you will need an experienced and compassionate legal team to take the lead and help you pursue justice and safety.

Whether you were the victim of rape, groping, fondling, indecent exposure, sexual abuse or assault committed by a physician, teacher, authority figure, or anyone else, or were coerced into conducting non-consensual sexual acts on someone else, you can – and should — file a lawsuit against the perpetrator. You deserve justice.

Civil versus Criminal Lawsuits

Whether or not the perpetrator has been convicted or charged with a crime, you can file a civil lawsuit. A civil lawsuit does not address the guilt or innocence of the perpetrator; that is accomplished independently in a criminal court. But criminal court does not address the victim’s pain, suffering and medical bills. Rather, a civil lawsuit is needed to prove that the perpetrator is accountable for the injuries suffered by the victim.

Civil lawsuits give victims the ability to recover the punitive and compensatory damages to which they are entitled. Recovery compensation may include medical bills, lost wages and/or earning capacity, emotional distress, psychological therapy and counseling, and pain and suffering. Additionally, because sexual abuse and assault can be devastating to couples, civil lawsuits may also include compensation for loss of consortium if the non-consensual sexual act results in the breakdown of a spouse or domestic partner relationship.

As a personal injury law firm, Rader Law Group specializes in investigating and bringing justice to victims of sexual abuse and assault. Recently, Rader Law Group obtained compensation for several victims of a pedophile at a local South Florida charter school. In doing so, we obtained just compensation for the victims while discreetly maintaining their anonymity. If you are a victim or know someone who is, please call 954-913-2273 for a free consultation.

Rader Law Group, LLC

At Rader Law Group, You matter. Your justice matters. Your Justice Starts Here. 954-913-2273

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Was Your Home or Car Damaged in Tropical Storm Eta? Now What?

November 16, 2020

As Floridians close another busy hurricane season and dry out following Tropical Storm Eta, many are facing new questions and concerns as they deal with roof leaks, flooding and a host of other damages following this storm. Even what some may view as a “minor” storm may cause significant damages. We at Rader Law Group attempt to address a few of those questions for you below.

What will your insurance cover if your home or car were damaged in Tropical Storm Eta?

Every tropical system brings with it the potential to damage you home, car and other possessions. Now that the storm has passed and the damage can be seen, Florida homeowners are looking at their insurance policies to see what will be covered and what will not. This is governed by the insurance policy.. Roof leaks, broken windows and storm flooding that lead to water intrusion in a home, as well as cars that were left outside also suffered damage from debris, water or fallen trees during the high storm winds, may be covered by your insurance policy. Power outages in which food stored in a fridge or freezer spoiled may even be covered. It is best to have an attorney carefully review the policy to make sure you get the most out of your coverage.

When should a claim be filed?

Generally, following a storm, a homeowner who has suffered damage should file a claim with their insurance company as soon as possible. Starting the process early is extremely important, even if at first you think that you can personally cover the cost of the repairs. Often times, what we think can be a simple repair can be much more complicated and costly than expected.

You should read and review your entire homeowner’s insurance policy before calling to make a claim. Though these policies are often very difficult to fully understand, you should do your best to be aware any endorsements and amendments. Also, take the following steps to preserve your evidence and proof for later:

Create a detailed list noting everything lost or damaged to the storm, including personal items
Keep a log of the brand name, model, and an accurate description
Take photos of the damage to keep with your list and if possible, have a time and date stamp on each image.

When you are ready to call your insurance company to file a claim, be honest in reporting the damage. Remember, you have a right under the Florida and Federal Constitutions to have an attorney report the claim and deal with the insurance company for you if you desire. The adjuster is a trained professional; you are not. As the homeowner is not typically familiar with the way insurance policies are interpreted and how insurance companies value losses, the homeowner will always be at a severe disadvantage.

Is my car covered if it was damaged during the storm?

If your car suffered damage from Tropical Storm Eta, in most circumstances you will be covered under your car insurance if you have purchased comprehensive coverage. This is an optional coverage found in a standard auto insurance policy. Again, it is important to read the policy to be sure coverage applies.

What do I need to know about a hurricane deductible?

A deductible is an amount that you must pay before the insurance company pays out under your policy. Larger deductibles mean smaller premiums which is great when you are paying your monthly bill but can be expensive when you make a claim.

There are two kinds of deductibles for wind damage. The first is a hurricane deductible which only applies to hurricane wind. The second is a windstorm or wind/hail deductible, which would apply to any other kind of wind damage. In Florida, the deductibles for hurricanes are in effect for any damage incurred during the 72-hour period after a hurricane warning has been issued. Each insurer and state applies the deductible differently so it is very important for homeowner’s to read and understand their policy.

According to the Insurance Information Institute:

“Percentage deductibles typically vary from 1 percent of a home’s insured value to 5 percent. In some coastal areas with high wind risk, hurricane deductibles may be higher. The amount that the homeowner will pay depends on the home’s insured value and the “trigger” selected by the insurance company, which determines under what circumstances the deductible applies. In some states, policyholders may have the option of paying a higher premium in return for a traditional dollar deductible, depending on how close to the shore they live. In some high-risk coastal areas, insurers may not give policyholders this option, making the percentage deductible mandatory.”

What about flood damage?

Homeowner’s insurance does not cover property damage caused by floods. A separate policy typically must be purchased for flood insurance, which will cover damages caused by rising water, accumulation of water and inflow of tidal water, which includes storm surge. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), can provide maximum insurance coverage of $250,000 for the structure of the property and $100,000 for contents. Property and contents must be purchased separately, but may be included in the same policy. Additional coverage may be purchased from private insurers for excess flood insurance.

Flood insurance pay outs for each type of property covered:

Property: You can opt for replacement cost coverage (the cost to replace the damaged or lost property with new property, without regard to depreciation) if you’re insuring a single-family home that is your primary residence. Available coverage is at least 80% of the full replacement cost of the building (an amount that’s set in advance for your property) or the maximum available under the NFIP.

Contents: Flood insurance pays actual cash value.

What if I need to relocate or stay in a hotel after the storm? Will my insurance cover the cost?

Homeowner’s or rental insurance policies will generally cover the cost of additional living expenses that have been incurred due to the damage to your home.

I don’t have insurance on my property. Now what?

If you do not have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, you may apply for assistance from FEMA. If you need to apply for assistance, click here. https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

If you have more questions regarding hurricane insurance claims, give us a call for a free consultation today at (954) 913-CASE (2273) or visit us at www.RaderLawGroup.com.

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Recreational Vehicles (RVs) – Is This The New Safest Way To Travel?

October 1, 2020

The desire to get outside while still social distancing has, over the last few months, created huge interest in the sale and rental of motor homes, travel trailers and recreational vehicles (RVs) of all types. People who want to travel but are concerned about staying in hotels or eating in restaurants, have turned to RV’s as their new accommodations on wheels.

But RV’s pose risks the new RV driver, whose only experiences with driving has been with an automobile or small truck, may not expect. And, while the driving experience may feel like driving a car, it is not the same and those differences should be understood and respected.

RVs are notorious for their unanticipated blind spots for drivers, which the drivers don’t recognize as blind spots until it is too late. RV’s are also much heavier and bigger than cars and require longer braking times and distances. They have larger centers of gravity and lack maneuverability which, if not handled properly, cause them to tip over or easily go out of control. To add to the danger, common car crashes, that otherwise may not have resulted in serious injury, are worsened by the increased size and weight of an RV.

Inexperienced RV driving also contributes to collisions. Many states do not require special training or permits to drive an RV. Another contributor to collisions is the age of the average RV driver. A significant percent of RV drivers are over the age of 55, as this age demographic is better able to afford the vehicles and typically have more free time. As we know, however, statistically as people age their response times get slower and their vision gets weaker.

But an RV’s greater size and weight, lack of visibility, and longer braking times and poorer maneuverability, or driver inexperience and lack of training are not the only factors that make RV travel dangerous. Add in, speeding, high winds that unexpectedly push the vehicles, overtired drivers, overloaded vehicles, runaway vehicles on unfamiliar or steep roads, higher centers of gravity, miscalculations in turns and stopping distances, poorly balanced or secured loads, improperly hitched or attached recreational trailers or mounts, and the increase in blind spots, and one can see how they can combine to spell catastrophic disaster.

While the above examples may be frightening, an RV driver certainly be aware of them, as should other defensive drivers on the road. Those risks can be minimized by taking the following steps:

Get the smallest RV that will suit your needs;
Get training on how to drive an RV before taking it on a trip;
Read and understand the RV user’s manual, and make sure you fully understand where all controls are and what they are for- prior to your trip;
Follow the same advice you’d give to others about not driving tired, distracted or otherwise impaired;
Plan out your trip so that you don’t need to make last minute decisions on the road;
Know the rules about what passengers can and cannot do. For example, Florida Statute §316.614 requires that everyone in the front of the vehicle, and all people ages 6 to 17 in the rear of the RV, wear a safety belt (younger children must be in an appropriate child restraint, which is governed by Fl. Stat. §316.613). However, this rule does not apply to the “living quarters” of an RV.
Watch some of the many videos on YouTube on how to drive an RV. Simply go to YouTube.com and search “How to Drive an RV.”

To help ensure the safety of everyone on the shared roads, please drive cautiously and remember the dangers that can occur while driving and alongside RVs and other types of recreational vehicles.

Rader Law Group has extensive expertise in handling all types of vehicular collisions, including RV cases. We welcome your questions and comments, or if you’d like a free consultation, please feel free to contact us.

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Reviewing Your Insurance Policies

August 14, 2020

We have written before on the various types of auto insurance available to Florida drivers. Now, stuck at home during the coronavirus outbreak, it is as good a time as any to review your policies to be sure that you and your loved ones are properly insured. It is also a great time to shop around your policies and make sure that you are not overpaying on your premiums.

Though not insurance agents, as personal injury and commercial litigation attorneys, of course, we must be knowledgeable about the different types of insurance. We are also well-aware of many hidden perils and exclusions contained within policies. Our knowledge and experience have been invaluable in the handling of many insurance claim denials, declaratory actions and insurance-related litigation.

For example, when one of our clients is injured in auto accident, we must of course carefully review the insurance policy for the at-fault driver, and our client’s policy as well. Estimates show that 1 in 4 South Florida drivers do not have bodily injury coverage. Do you have uninsured motorist coverage in case you are hit by one of these drivers? Is your coverage stacked, allowing you to increase your coverage depending on the number of cars included on the policy? We can explain these different types of coverages and, in turn, what you may be able to recover in case you are injured in a car crash.

We are not insurance brokers or agents, and do not offer advice or opinions on coverage. However, as a courtesy to our clients, as lawyers who deal with insurance on a daily basis, we would be happy to review and explain the basics of your policy, whether car insurance, home insurance or a business policy. If, after reviewing your policy, you have additional questions or concerns, or determine that you would like to change your coverage, we do recommend that you contact a licensed and trusted insurance agent. We have a network of trusted advisors that we would be happy to refer you to for these matters, should you so require.

Rader Law Group is a full-service personal injury and commercial litigation firm dedicated to providing our clients the best possible services and representation. We are committed to getting our client’s the justice they deserve and making sure their rights are fully protected every step of the way. Call us today to take advantage of our free insurance policy evaluation. Your justice starts here.

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Blog

As Seen In:

Car Insurance: Do You Really Have Full Coverage?

Recent Blogs

Avoiding Injuries: Staying Safe during Spring Break

Drink Responsibly – Dodge Slip & Falls

Drive Carefully – Avoid Car Collisions

Steer Safely – Prevent Boating Accidents

Walk Cautiously – Avoid Pedestrian Accidents

Be Aware – Don’t Become a Victim

Be Smart — Protect from the Pandemic

Rader Law Group, LLC

What If the Police/Accident Report Contains Wrong Information? Does It Hurt My Case?

What is a Police or Accident Report?

What if there is a Mistake in the Report?

How Can You Help Prevent Mistakes in the Police Report?

How do You “Change” a Mistake in the Report?

Rader Law Group, LLC

Personal Injury Due to Sexual Assault, Do I Have A Case?

In Our Community

Seeking Justice

Civil versus Criminal Lawsuits

Rader Law Group, LLC

Was Your Home or Car Damaged in Tropical Storm Eta? Now What?

Recreational Vehicles (RVs) – Is This The New Safest Way To Travel?

Reviewing Your Insurance Policies

Call for a Free Consultation

Let's Talk About
Your Case

Blog

As Seen In:

Car Insurance: Do You Really Have Full Coverage?

Recent Blogs

Avoiding Injuries: Staying Safe during Spring Break

Drink Responsibly – Dodge Slip & Falls

Drive Carefully – Avoid Car Collisions

Steer Safely – Prevent Boating Accidents

Walk Cautiously – Avoid Pedestrian Accidents

Be Aware – Don’t Become a Victim

Be Smart — Protect from the Pandemic

Rader Law Group, LLC

What If the Police/Accident Report Contains Wrong Information? Does It Hurt My Case?

What is a Police or Accident Report?

What if there is a Mistake in the Report?

How Can You Help Prevent Mistakes in the Police Report?

How do You “Change” a Mistake in the Report?

Rader Law Group, LLC

Personal Injury Due to Sexual Assault, Do I Have A Case?

In Our Community

Seeking Justice

Civil versus Criminal Lawsuits

Rader Law Group, LLC

Was Your Home or Car Damaged in Tropical Storm Eta? Now What?

Recreational Vehicles (RVs) – Is This The New Safest Way To Travel?

Reviewing Your Insurance Policies

Call for a Free Consultation

Let's Talk About Your Case

Let's Talk About
Your Case