The High Cost of Personal Injuries

When an accident happens, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of potentially serious conditions can take days or even weeks to appear. Not getting medical care or failing to follow all of your doctor’s instructions could jeopardize your health and your rights in a personal injury claim.

Victims of personal injuries have a tendency to downplay the severity of the situation and are likely to not consider the costs they could incur in the future. Injuries such as broken bones and muscle strains or tears can take six months or more to recover from. More serious injuries, such as those affecting the back, neck, head, or spinal cord, could require ongoing medical treatment for years to come. All can result in potentially permanent disabilities.

Car accidents are a good example to use in getting an estimate of personal injury costs. According to studies from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), injuries suffered in even a minor fender bender are likely to result in medical expenses and lost wages of $20,000 or more. A more severe accident can easily leave you facing losses worth millions of dollars.

Common Types of Compensation In Daytona Injury Claims
When personal injuries happen, it is important to understand that you have only one chance to get the compensation you are entitled to in a claim. Before accepting a settlement that is likely far less than what you deserve, consult with our Daytona personal injury attorneys first.

Statements from you, your medical providers, your employer, and family members can all be used in determining the amount you are entitled to in a claim. Common types of compensation available under the Florida Statutes include:

• Economic damages: These cover actual costs, such as current and future medical expenses and lost wages.
• Non-economic damages: These cover intangible costs, such as pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment in life.
• Punitive damages: This is an additional amount that may be ordered in cases where the at-fault party acted in a particularly negligent manner. In Florida, these can add up to three times the amount of other damages you are awarded.

Let Us Help You Today

To ensure you get the maximum amount you need to recover in your personal injury claim, reach out to Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A. Call or contact our Daytona Beach personal injury attorneys online and request a consultation today.

Resource:

crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812013

Common Types of Soft Tissue Injuries

Injuries to soft tissues can occur due to car crashes, slips, trips, and falls, or as a result of being struck by and against objects. Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that the most common types of soft tissue injuries include:

• Sprains: These involve stretching and partial tears of ligaments, which are soft tissues connecting and supporting the bones throughout the body. Sprains commonly impact the ankles, knees, and wrists.
• Strains: This involves stretching of the muscles or tendons. Tendons connect muscles to bones. Strains often occur near joints and frequently impact the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.
• Contusions: Often referred to as bruising, this is when blood pools in soft tissues under the surface of the skin. In severe cases, it can result in nerve damage.
• Tears: This is when ligaments, tendons, or muscles are completely torn in two. Depending on the severity, surgery may be required to repair the tear.

When soft tissue injuries do occur, regardless of the cause or the severity, it is important to follow all of your doctor’s instructions. These will likely include refraining from using or putting weight on the affected area, taking medications to alleviate pain and inflammation, and eventually attending physical therapy to regain flexibility and muscle strength. Not getting adequate rest or failing to follow other instructions can aggravate soft tissue injuries, resulting in potentially permanent impairments.

Seeking Compensation For Soft Tissue Injuries

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), it can take several months to uncover the full extent of the damage caused by soft tissue injuries and up to a year or longer for the actual injury to heal. It is important to be aware of these time frames when seeking compensation in a personal injury claim.

In personal injury cases, the reckless actions of others are often to blame. Depending on the situation, insurance policies may cover a portion of your damages. However, it is important not to rush in accepting a settlement, particularly if you suffer soft tissue injuries. Not giving your doctor adequate time to uncover the extent of your injuries or to determine any lasting damage you are likely to suffer as a result could cause you to incur hundreds of thousands of dollars in out of pocket costs.

Contact Us Today for Help

At Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A., we act as a strong legal advocate on your side when personal injuries happen, helping you get the maximum amount you are entitled to in a claim. Call or contact our Daytona Beach personal injury attorneys online and request a consultation today.

Source:

orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries/

The Role Insurance Adjusters Play In Your Property Damage Claim

Insurance adjusters may be referred to as claims representatives, claims analysts, or other titles but their job is basically the same. As your main point of contact with the insurer, they investigate your case, determine whether your policy covers your costs, and calculate the amount you may be entitled to in a settlement.

Any time you are dealing with insurers, it is important to remember that they are for-profit businesses. According to the Insurance Information Insitute (III), the insurance industry takes in more than $1.3 trillion each year and one of the ways they protect their bottom line is by reducing payouts on claims. This is where insurance adjusters come in. While they may present themselves as being on your side, their job hinges on settling your claim for the least amount of money possible. Common tactics they are likely to employ include:

• Disputing the terms of your policy;
• Disputing how damages occurred and whether they are covered;
• Disputing the extent of the losses you suffer and the amount you will need for repairs/replacements.

How To Deal With Insurance Adjusters In A Property Damage Claim

The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau advises that there are steps homeowners should take to protect themselves when filing a property damage claim. These include:

• Thoroughly inspect your property prior to visits from the insurance adjuster and make a note of all damages that exist;
• Take pictures of the current damage to your property and use old photos to show what the area looked like previously;
• Get estimates for repairs as well as replacement costs for anything that cannot be fixed;
• Avoid downplaying your damages or blaming yourself in any way when taking to the insurance adjuster;
• Resist accepting the first settlement amount offered, which is likely to be far less than what you deserve.

Contact Us Today for Help

When dealing with insurance adjusters, you can count on Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A. to act as a strong legal advocate on your side. Our goal is to ensure you get the maximum amount you are entitled to in any property damage settlements, helping you avoid out-of-pocket costs. To discuss your case and how we can help, call or contact our Daytona Beach property damage claims attorneys online to request a consultation today.

https://www.daytonalawyers.com/filing-an-insurance-claim-for-condominium-damage/

What Does Your Condominium Insurance Policy Cover?

Condominium insurance coverage, often referred to as an HO-6 insurance policy, provides protection against damages to the unit. The same as with a standard homeowner’s insurance policy, individual condo insurance is generally required by your mortgage lender and includes personal liability coverage in the event someone is injured on your property. It can also provide coverage of living expenses if the unit is damaged to the degree that you are unable to remain in it.

Condominium insurance protects you against damage to your unit, including walls and fixtures. To ensure you are fully protected, the Insurance Information Institute (III) advises that you may also want to consider the following riders:

• Unit assessment, which reimburses you for your share of any assessments charged to all condo owners in the aftermath of property losses, such as fire damage in the lobby.
• Water backup, which protects you against water damage due to backed-up sewers and drains;
• Flood insurance, if you have a ground floor unit;
• Additional coverage if your unit contains antiques, expensive jewelry, or other collectibles.

What Losses Are Covered Through Condominium HOA Insurance?

Under the Florida Statutes, condominium building owners are also required to provide insurance, generally through the HOA. Rather than covering damages to a specific unit, this provides insurance coverage for general building property and the grounds. This includes:

• Broken water lines
• Broken water heaters
• Broken sprinklers
• Damage to common areas including elevators, lobbies, swimming pools, and parking covers
• Fire and smoke damage
• Roof damage
• Water damage
• Other damages due to hurricanes, hail, and other types of storms.

Problems can arise in filing insurance claims regarding which policy is required to provide coverage. Damage to your individual unit may occur due to overall property damages, which your own insurer is likely to claim that the HOA is liable for.

Reach Out to Us Today for Help

Filing a claim for property damages with one insurer is challenging enough. The situation becomes more complex and confusing for condominium owners as there are likely to be multiple insurance companies involved. To get the compensation you are entitled to, reach out to Bundza and Rodriguez. Give us a call or contact our Daytona Beach condominium property insurance claims attorneys online and request a consultation today.

https://www.daytonalawyers.com/five-common-reasons-for-denial-of-property-damage-claims/

Raising Awareness of Youth Sports Injuries

April is designated as Youth Sports Safety Month and aims at raising awareness regarding how personal injuries involving young athletes can happen and the ways parents, sports program administrators, coaches, and sports or activity staff can help to reduce the risks.

Sports are fun and can be a positive learning experience for your child, but they can also make them vulnerable to injuries that can impact their health, both now and for years to come. Playing football, soccer, baseball, volleyball, gymnastics, track or being a part of a swim team are among the most common activities that have the potential for causing harm. Common types of sports injuries children are likely to suffer include:

• Broken bones;
• Deep cuts and lacerations;
• Crushing injuries;
• Heat stroke and heat exhaustion;
• Muscle and tendon sprains, strains, or tears;
• Overuse and repetitive stress injuries;
• Spinal cord injuries;
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) resulting from concussions.

Protecting Your Child Against Youth Sports Injuries

According to Stanford Children’s Health, more than 3.5 million children engage in some type of sports or organized recreational program. Of these, nearly a third end up visiting hospital emergency rooms each year as a result of sports-related injuries. As a parent, it is important to take an active role in whatever activity your child is engaged in and to not simply assume coaches or other staff will take the steps needed to protect them. Actions you can take to reduce your child’s risks:

• Check the credentials of coaches and other sports staff;
• Check the surface on which your child will be playing to ensure it provides appropriate support and/or cushioning;
• Make sure they have all the appropriate safety equipment, such as helmets and pads;
• Inquire as to what kind of training is provided and what warm-up activities are used to get children ready for play;
• Make sure they are shielded from direct sun, have plenty of water on hand, and get frequent breaks;
• Inquire about policies regarding benching injured players and handling emergencies;
• Make sure coaches and staff have your emergency contact information and request they call you immediately if accidents or injuries happen.

Contact Us Today for Help

Youth sports directors, coaches, and supporting staff have a duty to protect young players. When they fail to do so and personal injuries happen, Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A. helps you hold them accountable. To protect your rights in filing a claim, reach out and call or contact our Daytona Beach personal attorneys online and request a consultation today.

Resource:

stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=sports-injury-statistics-90-P02787

stopsportsinjuries.org/STOP/Blog/Sports_Safety_Month.aspx

https://www.daytonalawyers.com/drug-and-alcohol-use-often-fuels-juvenile-crimes-in-daytona-beach/

The Impacts Of Teen Alcohol And Drug Use In Volusia County

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is held each year at the end of March. It aims at raising awareness about the dangers substance use and abuse poses to teenagers. Drug and alcohol have major impacts on teens, with common effects that include:

• General declines in physical health and increased risk of illness and infections;
• Declines in mental health, leading to personality changes that often involve depression, increased anxiety, and fits of rage;
• Developmental impacts, causing them to do poorly in school;
• Social impacts, causing them to lose interest in their favorite activities and to isolate from family and friends.

According to a report from the Florida Department of Health, more than a third of all teens in Volusia County admit to experimenting with drugs and alcohol on a regular basis. In addition to the above impacts, substance use also results in serious lapses in judgement among teens. This makes them more likely to escalate their drug and alcohol intake, as well as to engage in other dangerous and destructive behaviors. They are more likely to be involved in accidents, which can leave them and others suffering serious personal injuries. They are also more likely to engage in illegal activities, resulting in serious criminal charges.

Drugs and Alcohol Fuel Juvenile Crimes

Using alcohol and drugs in general puts young people at risk of facing criminal charges in Daytona Beach. Underage drinking and drug possession could leave them facing heavy fines, mandatory community service, and possible detention in juvenile facilities.

Unfortunately, the compulsion to obtain these substances and the ways being under the influence impacts their behavior can lead them to commit even more serious offenses with heavier criminal penalties. According to the federal Office of Justice Programs (OJP), common types of juvenile crimes fueled by drug and alcohol use include:

• Assault and other violent offenses;
• Burglary, shoplifting, and other theft charges;
• Destruction of public or private property;
• Drug sales and distribution;
• Prostitution;
• Sexual harassment and assault;
• Vehicular homicide.

These are all serious criminal charges in Daytona Beach that could result in adult penalties if juvenile offenders are convicted.

Contact Us Today for Help

At Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A., we know how heartbreaking it is for parents to watch their children throw away their future due to drug and alcohol problems. When substance abuse puts them at odds with the law, you can count on us to provide the trusted legal guidance and professional representation needed to protect them. Reach out and call or contact our Daytona Beach juvenile offense attorneys online and request a confidential consultation today.

https://www.daytonalawyers.com/crosswalk-accidents-in-daytona-beach-pose-a-major-threat-to-pedestrians/

Driver Killed After Failing To Stop At Daytona Beach Intersection

According to a March 14, 2021 news report by ClickOrlando, a local man was the victim in a fatal car accident in Daytona Beach after running a stop sign on Reliability Way. Police reports indicate he was driving a Chevrolet pick-up truck and heading eastbound when he failed to stop for a stop sign at the intersection of North Williamson Boulevard. A driver in a GMC Yukon was coming from the opposite direction and hit the truck directly on the driver’s side, causing it to roll over. While the Yukon driver was uninjured, the driver who ran the stop sign had to be rushed to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Life-threatening car accidents caused by running red lights or stop signs are unfortunately common. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports they are responsible for nearly two-thirds of all crashes and are among those most likely to prove fatal.

Failure To Stop Accidents Impact Drivers, Bicyclists, and Pedestrians

The American Automobile Association (AAA) reports that accidents in which drivers run either red lights or stop signs are at an all time high, claiming the lives of roughly two people each day. In addition to impacting drivers and their passengers, they can result in life-threatening injuries for pedestrians and bicyclists as well. Among the most common reasons for running red lights or stop signs include:

• Being unfamiliar with the area;
• Being distracted and not noticing a stop sign or that a green light has changed to red;
• Driving under the influence, a common contributing factor in red light and stop sign running accidents;
• Purposely disregarding traffic signals, in flagrant violation of the law.

Even drivers who are conscientious in following traffic regulations and practice safe driving behaviors often roll through stop signs or increase their speed when a traffic light changes to yellow. Both could result in traffic tickets and increase your risk of a car accident in Daytona Beach.

Let Us Help You Today

When drivers who run red lights or stop signs leave you or your passengers suffering serious personal injuries, you can count on Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A. to help you get the compensation you need to recover. To request a consultation, call or contact our Daytona Beach car accident attorneys online today.

Resource:

newsroom.aaa.com/2019/08/red-light-running-deaths-hit-10-year-high/

clickorlando.com/news/local/2021/03/12/man-killed-in-crash-after-running-a-stop-sign-in-daytona-beach-police-say/

https://www.daytonalawyers.com/bike-weeks-pose-major-threat-in-terms-of-motorcycle-accident-injuries-in-daytona/

Eight People Killed In Recent Daytona Beach Bike Week

The 80th annual spring bike week recently concluded in Daytona Beach. While crowds were somewhat smaller this year due to ongoing concerns about COVID-19, the number of motorcycle accidents during the event reached an all-time high. According to a March 18, 2021 report by the Daytona Beach News-Journal, eight people were killed in crashes over the course of the week while officials continue calculating the total number of injured who required care at local trauma centers. Those who lost their lives include:

• A 57-year-old local man who died due to losing control of his motorcycle;
• A 39-year-old New Hampshire woman who was killed while riding as a passenger on a bike that was rear-ended by another vehicle;
• A 42-year-old motorcyclist found dead after a single-motorcycle crash;
• Five other bikers, ranging in age from 33 to 57 and visiting from as far away as California, who were killed as a result of motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles.

Event organizers and local traffic safety officials are particularly concerned about the motorcycle crashes that occurred this year as they represent an overall increase over previous bike week figures. In 2020, which saw a record turnout, there were six motorcycle accident fatalities. The previous year only one bike week-related death was reported.

The Risk Of Motorcycle Accidents In Florida

According to Ride Smart Florida, close to 600 motorcycle accidents happen each year throughout the state, representing roughly 20 percent of all traffic crash deaths, while non-fatal accidents leave tens of thousands of other bikers suffering serious personal injuries. In the majority of cases, reckless driving behavior is to blame.

Bikers can help to protect themselves during bike weeks and other events by obeying the speed limit and other traffic regulations, as well as not getting on their bikes if they have had any amount of alcohol. They also need to be vigilant in dealing with other drivers on the road. The reckless actions of nearby motorists are a frequent factor in fatal crashes. This includes:

• Tailgating bikers;
• Cutting them off when passing in traffic;
• Failure to yield at intersections;
• Driving too close alongside them and swerving into their lane.

Let Us Help You Today

At Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A., we have decades’ worth of experience serving motorcyclists in our community. When motorcycle accidents happen, you can count on us to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call or contact our Daytona Beach motorcycle accident attorneys online and request a consultation today.

Resource:

news-journalonline.com/story/news/crime/2021/03/18/2021-daytona-bike-week-8th-person-dies-record-year-injuries-daytona-beach-bikers-killed-in-crashes/4754690001/

https://www.daytonalawyers.com/how-much-is-my-personal-injury-claim-worth/

Fatal Train Crossing Accident In Volusia County

According to a March 16, 2021 news report by Click Orlando, a local man lost his life after a train crossing accident in Volusia County. It involved the Florida East Coast Railroad and happened near the Daytona Beach-Holly Hill area. While police have not released any details about the accident, they are urging residents to avoid crossing railroad tracks in that area.

While train crossing accidents may seem relatively uncommon, the fact is that they occur several times a year in the Daytona Beach area. Operation Lifesaver (OLI) is a national nonprofit that works to raise awareness of rail crossing and other types of train accidents. They report that it is not uncommon for pedestrians, particularly children, to wander near tracks or need to cross them as part of their regular walking route. The same is true of drivers, who face significant risks as well.

People often think of trains as slow moving and may tempt fate when crossing tracks. However, it is easy to underestimate the speed at which a locomotive is traveling and this mistake can end up costing you your life. OLI reports that highway-rail grade crossing crashes and accidents involving pedestrians or motorists account for more than 95 percent of train accident fatalities

Common Ways Train Accidents Can Happen

In addition to commercial trains that run throughout our area, Amtrak provides passenger train service to Daytona Beach from destinations across the country. Residents are urged to use extreme caution whenever approaching train tracks or stations. You also need to be alert when taking a train of the variety of ways in which personal injuries can happen.

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reports more than 2,000 train accidents each year and Florida is one of the states in which they are most common. Frequent ways they occur include:

• Train derailments, which occur when trains jump the tracks. This can happen due to speeding, obstacles in the path of the train, or defects within the tracks.
• Train crashes, which can happen due to overscheduling or signaling errors.
• Onboard accidents, such as slips and falls, getting struck by objects, and being thrown from your seat.
• Train station accidents, which can happen due to improper maintenance and pushing along crowded platforms.

Contact Us Today for Help

When train accidents happen, Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A. help you hold the train company accountable so you can get the compensation you are entitled to in a claim. To request a consultation, call or contact our Daytona Beach personal injury attorneys online today.

Resource:

daytonabeach.com/listings/amtrak-passenger-trains/978/

https://www.daytonalawyers.com/be-your-own-patient-advocate-to-protect-against-medical-malpractice-in-daytona-beach/

Patient Safety Awareness Week: Protecting Yourself Against Medical Errors

Patient Safety Awareness Week is held annually each March. The goal is to encourage people to take a more active role in their health. This includes identifying ways to improve patient safety and reducing the likelihood of medical mistakes and errors. More than 40 percent of all patients report some problems in the quality of care and in dealing with medical providers. These can have major impacts on their overall health, leading to potentially serious problems that are otherwise preventable.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that medical mistakes, errors, and other adverse events impact more than 134 million patients each year, leading to close to three million deaths. Among the most common problems include:

• Misdiagnosis: Missing signs of potentially serious conditions and misdiagnosing symptoms delays treatment and can result in life-threatening complications.
• Failure to follow up: Routine follow-up appointments and after-care following procedures are vital to catching complications before they become serious.
• Surgical mistakes: This can involve procedural areas or performing surgery on the wrong site or wrong patient.
• Hospital-acquired infections: Life-threatening infections can happen when medical staff fails to properly disinfect surfaces or follow other sanitary requirements.
• Medication errors: Not reviewing the patient’s chart and failing to coordinate care among different providers increases the odds of medication errors.

Be Your Own Patient Advocate

To protect your health and prevent medical mistakes and errors, it is important to act as your own patient advocate when visiting doctors in Daytona Beach. Review ratings on websites such as Health Grades and keep your own records regarding all medical care, testing, and treatment you receive. Other steps to take when visiting the doctor include:

• Make a list of all symptoms you are suffering before your visit;
• Bring a list of medications you are currently taking, along with any side effects you suffer;
• Inform your doctor of other medical providers or specialists you are seeing;
• Make sure your medical history is updated and that the doctor consults it during your visit;
• Request copies of results from medical tests performed;
• Ask questions if you are unsure of anything that occurs during your visit.

Let Us Help You Today

Despite your precautions, medical mistakes and errors can still occur. When they do, Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A. helps you hold at-fault medical providers accountable. To discuss your case and how we can help, contact our Daytona Beach medical malpractice attorneys today.

https://www.daytonalawyers.com/how-much-is-my-personal-injury-claim-worth/