Practice Areas

• Car and Motorcycle Accidents
• DUI and Criminal Defense
• Big Truck Accidents
• Medical Malpractice
• Serious Injuries:
  Slip and Fall | Dog Bites

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ Categories:

• Car and Motorcycle Accidents
• DUI and Criminal Defense
• Big Truck Accidents
• Medical Malpractice
• Serious Injuries:
  Slip and Fall | Dog Bites
• Bicycle Accidents, Information & Safety
• Recalls & Defective Products
• Public Service Announcements

Car and Motorcycle Accidents

• Is it safe to drive while I'm pregnant?
• Where is the safest place to ride in a car while I'm pregnant?  Gainesville accident attorney gives advice.
• Why is driving or riding in a car while I'm pregnant so dangerous?
• What should I look for when checking my vehicle's tires?  Gainesville accident attorney, gives an answer.
• What are the types of Rollover crashes?
• What are some ways to prevent a Rollover crash?

• What do I do when an emergency vehicle is in my rear-view mirror with its lights flashing?

• What can I do to help keep my teen driver safe this summer and over the 4^th of July?
• Why is a childhood traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a car accident so dangerous?
• Am I an aggressive driver? Gainesville, Florida accident attorney gives insight.
• How do I protect myself from Aggressive Drivers?  Gainesville accident attorney gives some answers.
• I am 75.  How can I tell if it is time for me to give up my car keys? 
• Are older drivers more dangerous drivers?  

• What is Gap Insurance and do I need it in Ocala?

• Is Bodily Injury Liability insurance required in Florida?
• What is "inattention blindness" and can it be dangerous?
• My PIP benefits were just cut off and my doctor says I need more treatment after my accident in Ocala. How could this happen when I wasn't even examined by an insurance doctor?
• How much weight can my car safely hold?
• I am planning a long road trip, what should I know about drowsy driving?
• How much space should I leave between me and the car in front of me to be safe?
• What are the fines for speeding in an Ocala construction zone?
• I heard that I have to move over or slow down for a tow-truck on the side of the road with its lights flashing. Is it true?
• Can I only operate my ATV or go-kart on my property or I can actually ride it on the street in Gainesville?
• Can my children who are under 16 drive an ATV or a go-kart in Ocala?
• What are the rules in Florida regarding stopping for a school bus?
• What is the penalty for failing to stop for a school bus and are there any other consequences?
• Can I actually get a ticket if I cross the street outside of a crosswalk or if the pedestrian light is red in Gainesville, even if there are no cars around?
• There is no sidewalk on certain parts of my street in Ocala. What are the rules for walking on the road in this case?
• What is the law in Florida for using turning signals when making a turn?
• What are some ways that head-on collisions can be prevented in Gainesville and Ocala? 
• How can traumatic brain injuries be prevented?
• What do I look for in purchasing a motorcycle helmet?
• I was sitting at a stop light in Ocala and was rear-ended by another car. Is the driver that hit me responsible for my damages?
• I was driving and stopped suddenly and was rear-ended in Gainesville. Who is responsible for my damages?
• What is the difference between constitutional law, statutory law and common law in Florida?
• What is the latest news on wearing a seat belt in Alachua County? Can I be pulled over for not wearing a seat belt and if so, what is the fine?
• Is it legal for an adult to ride in the back of a pick up truck in Alachua County?
• Is it legal for a child to ride in the back of a pick up truck in Alachua County? How about if we're only driving a short distance?
• My child is 16 and has his driver's license. Is it legal for a 16 year old to decide to ride in the bed of a truck in Alachua County? How about if I give my teen my permission?
• What is the difference between criminal and civil wrongs?
  

• What can I do about my insurance questions and problems in Gainesville?

• What do I do at a four way stop? What are the rules in Gainesville?
• What do I do at a yield sign? What are the rules?
• What can I do to help make my teen child a more responsible Gainesville driver?

• What are some of the myths surrounding the use of seat belts?

• I am afraid to drive my car after my accident in Gainesville, is this normal?

• Seat belts; I hate them! Do I have to buckle up in Florida?

• What is a "seat belt defense"?
• My neighbor and lawyer have both suggested I try to resolve my accident case in mediation, what do you think and what is mediation anyway?
• What is a "Personal Injury" accident case? Also, what does a Personal Injury Lawyer do and what should I look for in a Personal Injury Attorney?

• I loaned my car to a friend in Ocala, and he got into an accident that was his fault, am I responsible?

• But, I thought I had "full coverage" on my car insurance policy...?
• Can I ride free? Do I have to wear a helmet to ride my motorcycle or motor scooter in Florida legally?
• What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Insurance and why do I need it?
• What is PIP Insurance?  What does Florida being a no-fault State mean?
• Help! I was just in a car accident/wreck/crash... what should I do?
• What is Tort Reform?  I keep hearing about it.
• I heard that I will get rich if I am in an accident; it’s like winning the lottery! Is this right?
• How much money is my accident case worth?  How can I determine the value of my personal injury case?
• The insurance adjuster is calling, asking about my injuries, and wants to take a recorded statement, he seems nice, what should I do?
• My insurance company has written me a letter ordering me to show up at their doctor’s office to determine if they are still going to pay my PIP benefits any more.   What do I do?
• Do I need to hire an attorney to help me with my accident case?
• How do I get my medical bills paid, my lost wages recovered, and my vehicle fixed?

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DUI and Criminal Defense

• Can I Drive After Being Arrested for a DUI in Gainesville or Alachua County?

• What is the information on an Ignition Interlock Device in Gainesville?
• If I am stopped by the police for DUI, should I "Blow" or not "Blow"?  Take the Breath Test or not?
• I was arrested for DUI off campus and now UF is sending me a letter regarding disciplinary actions, can they do that?
• Can my lawyer represent me at the University of Florida’s judicial affairs hearing?
• What should I look for in Gainesville, Fl Alachua County to find the best DUI/DWI defense lawyer?
• What am I facing with a DUI arrest in Gainesville, Florida? Whats the reality of a DUI charge in Alachua County? Consequences?
• When should I hire an attorney after my DUI arrest?
• What do I do about my Drivers License Suspension and the DMV?
• What are the 2 most important things to do after a DUI arrest in Gainesville or Alachua County? Why?
• What is a DWI? Is it a crime in Florida?
• What constitutes a DUI charge in Alachua County, Florida?
• What impact will being convicted of DUI have on my car insurance rates?
• I only had one drink how could that put me over the limit?
• I was arrested and charged with DUI does this mean I am guilty of DUI? What are the legal defenses for DUI?

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Big Truck Accidents

• I was just hit by a UPS truck, a crash; does that fall under the category of “Big Trucks”?
• Who can be held responsible for a commercial or big truck accident?
• How is a tractor-trailer truck accident different from a non commercial vehicle accident?
• How is a big truck accident different from an automobile accident/wreck?

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Medical Malpractice

• What is medical malpractice?
• What is informed consent?
• My doctor’s treatment caused me injury; can I sue him for malpractice?
• What can I be compensated for in a Florida medical malpractice claim?
• Why am I having trouble finding a lawyer to take my medical malpractice case?
• Do I need to hire a lawyer for my medical malpractice case?
• What are the Statutes of Limitations regarding medical malpractice?
  

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Serious Injuries:
Slip and Fall | Dog Bites

• Is it true that if my dog bites someone he might be "put to sleep" even if he's never bitten anyone before?
• What happens if my dog bites or attacks another animal in Ocala?
• If my dog bites someone, could I be criminally charged?
• Are there any ways to protect myself and my dog from being liable for an attack?
• What could happen if my dog bites someone?
• What is Strict Liability and what does it mean?
• I was just bitten by my neighbor’s dog.  The dog had never bitten anyone before, is the owner responsible?
• I slipped and fell in Kmart on water on the floor, now I need to have surgery, can I sue Kmart?
• What do you mean by premises liability?
• Who can be held liable/responsible in a slip and fall accident in Florida?
• Help, what should I do?  I tripped and fell on an unmarked curb in front of a store and was seriously injured.
• What can I be reimbursed for in a slip and fall case?

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Bicycle Accidents, Information & Safety

• Does my child have to wear a helmet when riding a bike in Ocala?
• How can I make sure my child's bicycle helmet is properly fitted? I want to make sure that my child's helmet is going to protect his head in an accident.
• How do I know if my bicycle helmet meets safety standards required by Florida law?
• My budget is tight; Is it recommended to buy a used bicycle helmet at a garage sale or on-line?
• Where can I get a free bicycle helmet for my child in Gainesville?
• Do I have to wear a helmet when riding my bicycle in Gainesville and Ocala?
• Can I ride my bike on the sidewalk in Gainesville?

• My child is 9 years old. Can he ride his bicycle in the street?

• My child is 16. Does she need to wear a helmet in Gainesville while riding her bicycle?
• I've heard some people say that it is best to ride my bicycle against the flow of traffic in Ocala because cars are more aware of bikes travelling toward them. Is this true?
• Do I and my children really have to follow the same traffic laws that cars and trucks follow? Could I get "pulled over" by a police officer while on my bicycle in Gainesville?
• When I ride my bicycle to work and school in Gainesville I like to listen to my i-pod. Is that legal? What about a hands-free cell phone headset?
• Is the City of Gainesville serious - do I really need a bell on my bike?
• I need more information about how to properly fit a bicycle helmet. Where can I find more information about how to find the right helmet for my child? What about somewhere local, in case I have more questions?  (Gainesville/Ocala)

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Recalls & Defective Products

• How Do I Know if Chinese Drywall is in my Home?
• What Do I Do if there is Chinese Drywall in my Home?

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Public Service Announcements

• How do I add Emergency Contact Information to my Florida Driver's License or Identification Card?

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Accident attorney, Jeffrey Meldon, strongly believes that public education is the first step in the prevention of and/or recovery from a serious accident. 

He and his Office take pride in their work, and in results they get for their clients.  

The Law Office of Jeffrey Meldon and Associates is a regional law firm that is located in Gainesville, Florida. They are personal injury lawyers, litigators and trial lawyers that have been working to get accident victims the justice they deserve for over 37 years throughout North Florida and all over Florida. Accidents involving a car crash, truck wreck, and motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian accidents, dog bites, slip and falls and medical malpractice are all included in their practice as accident attorneys.

They have been proudly representing injured victims in Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City, Inverness, Daytona Beach, Dunnellon, Palatka, The Villages, and the counties of Alachua, Marion, Columbia, Citrus, Volusia, Sumter, Putnam  and the entire North and Central Florida since 1971.

For more information on how they can help you, or any other question you may have, feel free to contact their office at 1 800 373 8000

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