Wellington Personal Injury Lawyer

Truck crashes are different from car crashes. Commercial trucks usually carry larger insurance policies, and trucking companies must follow federal safety rules, including hours-of-service limits on how long drivers can stay behind the wheel. Electronic logging devices, dash cameras and maintenance records can show what went wrong, but that evidence can be overwritten or lost if it is not preserved quickly. In Wellington, we see truck crashes on Southern Boulevard (State Road 80), State Road 7 and the Florida Turnpike, along with collisions involving horse trailers during the winter equestrian season. David has recovered $1.1 million for a truck accident client.

Florida PIP no-fault coverage applies to vehicles with four or more wheels, so it does not cover motorcycle riders (§ 627.732(3), Fla. Stat.). That makes the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage especially important. Many motorcycle crashes happen when a driver turns left in front of a rider or changes lanes without checking a blind spot. Insurance companies often try to blame the rider or argue that the injuries would have been less severe with a helmet, which is why evidence and witness statements gathered early matter.

Under Florida law, an e-bike rider has the same rights and duties as a bicycle rider and may ride where bicycles are allowed (§ 316.20655, Fla. Stat.). Drivers must give bicycles and e-bikes at least 3 feet when passing (§ 316.083(2)). E-bike and e-scooter crashes often involve drivers turning across a bike lane, opening a car door into a rider or failing to see a rider at night, as well as road defects and defective batteries or brakes. E-bikes are not required to carry insurance, so recovery often comes from the at-fault driver’s coverage and your own uninsured motorist coverage.

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks (§ 316.130(7)(c), Fla. Stat.) and give cyclists at least 3 feet when passing (§ 316.083(2)). A pedestrian or cyclist hit by a car may be able to use their own or a household member’s PIP for initial medical bills, then pursue the driver for the rest. In Wellington, we see these crashes near shopping centers on State Road 7, at intersections along Forest Hill Boulevard and on routes children use to get to school.

Florida holds a dog owner liable when the dog bites someone in a public place or someone lawfully on private property, even if the dog never bit anyone before (§ 767.04, Fla. Stat.). A prominently posted “Bad Dog” sign can limit the owner’s liability, but not when the victim is under 6 or when the owner’s own negligence caused the bite. Compensation can be reduced if the victim’s own carelessness contributed. Dog bite claims are often paid by the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.

Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, the claim is brought by the personal representative of the person’s estate for the benefit of the surviving family members and the estate (§ 768.20, Fla. Stat.). Most wrongful death claims must be filed within 2 years of the death (§ 95.11(5)(e)). Surviving spouses, children and parents may be able to recover for lost support and companionship, along with medical and funeral expenses. David handles these cases with care and keeps families informed at every step.