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Car and Motorcycle Accidents

Here are 10 things you need to know if you have just been badly injured in a car or motorcycle accident.

1. Insurance adjusters are trained professionals and they are NOT always on your side.  They are trained to save the insurance company, their employer, money in any way they can and have many tactics to do so.
2. Get medical care as soon as possible after an accident and do not miss appointments.   Insurance adjusters know that jurors expect seriously injured accident victims to go to the doctor right a way and on a regular basis.
3. Do not lie or withhold information from your doctor or lawyer, you will be caught and it can be devastating to your case & credibility.  Be honest. 
4. Do not sign any insurance company documents, papers, medical authorization forms, release of personal information forms without speaking with an attorney first.
5. The insurance adjuster may ask you to make a recorded statement or interview about your injuries.  Beware!  Talk to a lawyer first.
6. Keep track of all medical treatments, visits, and procedures you received after your injury.  Make a file with dates.
7. Evidence can get "cold". Consult an experienced personal injury/accident lawyer right away if you are seriously injured.
8. You may not need a lawyer to represent you in a small injury case- but remember most lawyers' initial consultations are free.
9. You have not just won the lottery just because you were in an accident.  This is a myth.
10. All lawyers and law offices are not the same nor equal!
     

Most people seriously injured in accidents probably thought it would never happen to them.

Trying to cope with a serious accident, injuries, medical bills and uncooperative insurance companies is difficult.  What is even more frustrating is when the accident was caused by someone else's negligence.  If you or a family member has been involved in a Florida car or motorcycle accident the time to get help is now by getting an experienced, state of the art, law firm working on your side.  The Law Office of Jeffrey Meldon is based in Gainesville, Florida and for over 30 years has been representing those who have been seriously injured in car and motorcycle accidents in Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City, Inverness and all over North Florida.

Jeffrey Meldon is a proud member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Which is one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States.  Membership is limited to attorneys who have won million dollar verdicts and settlements.  Fewer than 1% of lawyers in the country are members.

Start by educating yourself so you do not become a victim a second time.

I wrote the book, The Seven Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Florida Accident Case based on my 37 years of helping injured victims get their lives back together and the justice they deserve. 

I strongly urge you to request my book or call my office and have it sent to you today; it's all free and without any obligation. 

Be educated!  Be aware!

The repercussions of a car or motorcycle crash can be extremely unfair for the victim.  It is not uncommon for an accident victim to go through an extensive recovery process and to not be able to return to work.  As a result, victims and their family members frequently experience severe financial hardships, as bills continue to go unpaid, medical expenses increase and income drops. 

An injured victim has legal rights and may be compensated for the following:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Past and future lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Studies have shown that accident victims receive 3.5 times more compensation if they are represented by an attorney. 

Contact the Law Office of Jeffrey Meldon at (800) 373-8000 or (352) 373-8000. 

Florida law requires that the person who is responsible for the motorcycle or car accident to pay for repairs and medical treatment.  The rights of an accident victim differ depending on if the crash involved a motorcycle or car.  Each type of accident has its own complexities and requires a deep understanding of the law.  That is why you need the help of an experienced Florida car accident lawyer.  It can be overwhelming trying to choose the right lawyer and it is the biggest decision you will make that will impact your case. 

To have the best possible outcome you need a top law firm that:

• Handles car and motorcycle accident cases regularly
• Has extensive experience practicing law
• Understands the medical aspects of the injuries involved
• Is willing to go to trial
• Excels in client communication
• Understands what clients are going through and truly cares
• Is present in the community

"Personal Injury accident attorney Jeffrey Meldon and his highly trained and knowledgeable accident lawyers and staff have these characteristics and more." 

As a client of our law firm, you are treated as a person and not just another case.  We have compassion for every client, which is shown through our commitment. See what some of our clients have to say about us. 

 At the Law Office of Jeffrey Meldon:

 ***We do not take on every case that comes our way, which allows us to devote the time and resources necessary to get the best outcome possible and to make ourselves available to our clients when they need us. 

***You will never be left in the dark regarding the status of your case.  

***We hold a high value on communication because not only will it give you peace of mind, but communication is vital to the success of your case.

As our client, you will be able to personally speak with your car accident attorney!  Plus:

***Only our experienced lawyers will prepare and negotiate your case, not secretaries or paralegals. 

***We utilize our substantial resources and spare no expense or time to ensure a successful outcome to your case.  

***Our car and motorcycle accident lawyers consult with the best available experts in accident reconstruction. 

***We use this information, plus the latest technology in negotiation and litigation to work on getting you the compensation you deserve.

Many individuals involved in motor vehicle collisions will try to go through the insurance companies to settle their cases.  Insurance companies most likely will not provide fair compensation, and will try to give them "low ball" offers.  Frequently, the settlement is not even enough to replace the damaged vehicle.  

The car and motorcycle accident attorneys at the Law Office of Jeffrey Meldon will make sure that you are not taken advantage of by the insurance companies.  

We are experienced in helping seriously injured victims with:

• Head and brain injury trauma
• Neck and spine dislocations, fractures and trauma
• Broken shoulder, arm and wrist and dislocations
• Pelvis fractures
• Broken leg, knee, ankle and foot breaks and trauma
• Post Traumatic Syndrome
• Multi injuries 

Contact the Law Office of Jeffrey Meldon at (800) 373-8000 or (352) 373-8000 immediately if you have been involved in a serious auto accident. 

We are in your community and are here to help.

We proudly handle cases that occur on all roads in the area including: I-75, I-10, I-95, U.S. Route 301, U.S. Route 441, State Road 40, State Road 26, State Road 24, Archer Road, Main St, and University Avenue.  Our law firm has also been representing cases in Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City, Inverness, Palatka, Crystal River, Daytona Beach, Interlachen, Spring Hill, Dunnellon, Bunnell, Live Oak, Starke, Jasper, Cross City, Perry, Trenton,  Leesberg,  Lake Butler,  Tavares, Chiefland, Bronson, Brooksville, The Villages and the counties of Alachua, Marion, Columbia, Citrus, Volusia, Sumter, Levy, Lake, Bradford, Flagler, Hamilton, Dixie, Gilchrist, Union, Hernando, Suwannee, Union, and Putnam since 1971.

We take pride in our work and in the results we get for our clients

Blog for Car and Motorcycle Accidents

• Roadside Emergencies - Move Over or Slow Down! Gainesville, Fl Accident Lawyer Explains the Law.
• 7 Simple things to help make your holiday weekend safe.
• The latest on children and motor vehicle accidents - local accident attorney gives advice.
• Gainesville, Florida accident attorney talks about the high cost of speeding.
• Safety tips for elderly drivers.
• When your vehicle breaks down on the Highway...
• Car seat safety is for everyone.
• Florida Considers Ban on Texting While Driving
• Traffic Deaths Decrease; Distracted Driving Remains a Danger
• Heads up - The most violated street sign!
• The 69th Daytona Bike Week is underway with its first fatality reported.
• Buckle - Up! Over the next two weeks and every week!
• Four Reasons You Should Have Bodily Injury Liability Insurance Coverage
• Drivers Aren't the Only Ones Distracted; Pedestrians are too!
• Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys May be able to Prove PIP Insurance Fraud.
• Your Vehicle Does Not Have to Look Like This To Be Dangerously Overloaded!
• 5 Simple Things You Can Do To Make Your Holiday Road Trip Safer
• Good News - Floridians are now buckling up at more than the national percentage!
• A Tragic Reminder To: Keep Your Distance, Pay Attention, and Buckle Up!
• Work Zone Safety Is Everyone's Job - A Reminder

Library for Car and Motorcycle Accidents:

• 5 Things To Pay Attention To For Safe Travels On The 4th of July and Every Day In Florida.   
  Description: According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' 2008 Florida Traffic Crash Statistics, in 2008, there were 346,610 motorized vehicle crashes in Florida at an average of 665 crashes per day including 4, 272 fatalities. In this article, Gainesville and Ocala accident attorney, Jeffrey Meldon, utilizes this information to help you have safe travels on 4th of July and every day.
• Aggressive Driving Defined-How to identify it on the road.   
  Description: It's not socially acceptable to drive under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, but how about driving under the influence of "impaired emotions," like aggression or anger? As an experienced Gainesville auto accident attorney, I know that the first step in increasing public road safety is defining the problem and educating. So, what is Aggressive Driving? This article will explain.
• How to Survive a Water Crash   
  Description: What would you do if your car plunged into a roadside canal? The National Safety Commission (NSC) wants to make sure you're ready for a water crash. Accident attorney, Jeffrey Meldon, encourages safety preparedness, in case you find yourself off the road and up the creek.
• Five Deadly Motorcycle Safety Myths   
  Description: Certain "facts" about motorcycles may be dangerously wrong. Misconceptions about safety and crashes can lead to bikers increasing their chance of an accident instead of reducing it. Motorcycle accident attorney, Jeffrey Meldon, discusses some of these potentially dangerous and popular myths.
• Bodily Injury Liability Insurance 101   
  Description: In this article, personal injury lawyer, Jeffrey Meldon, discusses the basics about Bodily Injury Liability Insurance - what it is, why he recommends you purchase it and at what amounts, and gives some additional insurance tips.
• Four Factors To Keep in Mind When Keeping Your Distance   
  Description: Tailgating or following too closely is a form of aggressive driving; a group of behaviors that have shown to be a factor in at least half of all car accidents. Many factors come into play when deciding what distance you should maintain between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. In this article, accident attorney, Jeffrey Meldon, gives four important factors to keep in mind when keeping your distance.
• Top 7 Tips for Construction Zone Safety   
  Description: Florida has one of the highest numbers of deaths in construction zones in the U.S. In this article, Gainesville and Ocala accident attorney, Jeffrey Meldon, discusses what you can do to do your part to help assure construction zone safety for drivers and workers. Here are his top 7 work zone safety tips:
• The ABCs of off-road and recreational vehicle use: ATVs, ROVs, OHMs, go-karts, and golf carts.   
  Description: Florida law distinguishes several types of off-highway and recreational vehicles: ATVs, ROVs, OHMs, low-speed vehicles and golf carts. In this library article, personal injury attorney, Jeffrey Meldon, defines the various categories of off-road vehicles and gives the rules regarding their operation, according to Florida Law.
• Florida Law Regarding Child Safety Seats and Adult Seat Belt Use - Do You Know What It Says?   
  Description: Thousands of Florida residents die or incur serious injuries in traffic accidents every year. In this article, Gainesville and Ocala accident lawyer, Jeffrey Meldon, states the laws regarding seat belt and car seat use in Florida. Remember, not only is it the law, but, properly restrained passengers in age appropriate devices can help to reduce the severity of those injuries and save lives. Here are the laws for Florida:
• Car Accidents - The Most Common Cause of Whiplash   
  Description: Whiplash is most commonly caused by a motor vehicle accident and the associated neck pain may not be felt immediately. In this article, personal injury lawyer, Jeffrey Meldon, explains: what whiplash is, what causes it, what the symptoms are, and how it can be prevented.
• Here Are The Rules of The Road For Pedestrians in Florida; What Every Walker Should Know To Be Safe and Legal.   
  Description: Pedestrian accidents are included in the most fatal type of accidents along with head-on collisions, roll-over crashes and bicycle accidents. Pedestrian accidents can also result in serious injuries. While drivers have a responsibility to pay attention to prevent accidents on the road, pedestrians have equal responsibility to stay alert while walking on sidewalks or crossing the road. In this article, accident lawyer, Jeffrey Meldon discusses some rules of the road for pedestrians. Here is the information you should know to be safe and legal while sharing the roadways with vehicles:
• Turning Signals; Know the Law in Florida for Safe Driving!   
  Description: Drivers should always use directional signals to indicate their intention to turn, change lanes or pass a vehicle. Not only is it the law in Florida, proper use of turn signals is an important way to prevent road accidents. In this article, personal injury lawyer, Jeffrey Meldon discusses the laws in Florida regarding the use of their vehicle's turning signals. Here is what you should know:
• Head-on Collisions Are One of The Most Dangerous Type of Crashes; Here is Why:   
  Description: There are several common types of motor vehicle collisions: rear-end, side-swipe, T-bone, rollover, and head-on crashes to name a few. In this article, Gainesville and Ocala accident attorney, Jeffrey Meldon discusses some basic information about head-on collisions including common causes, and explains why they are such a dangerous and potentially fatal crash.
• Heads Up: Vehicle Accidents Are The Leading Cause of Traumatic Brain Injury, a Serious Medical Condition With Long Term Consequences; and it Can be Difficult to Diagnose   
  Description: In this article, injury attorney, Jeffrey Meldon, discusses basic information about Traumatic Brain Injury, a serious medical condition that can cause long term disabilities and be difficult to diagnose. In fact, many people after an accident that caused bleeding in the brain feel "just fine" and it isn't untill later when they begin to not feel so well and they can deteriorate quickly into a coma. For this reason, it is important to be assessed by a physician immediately after an accident if a head injury is suspected.
• "Driving Distractions 101" (Plus, an additional heads up for Florida residents: comparative negligence)   
  Description: Driving requires our full attention. Driving distracted, or multitasking while driving, has been shown to be a leading cause of most vehicle crashes. In fact, some findings show it to be as high as 80% at fault for accidents on the road today. In this article, personal injury lawyer, Jeffrey Meldon, has compiled a list of some of the common distractions that have been found to increase your risk of causing, nearly causing an accident and/or being involved in a crash that has already occurred on the road in front of you or beside you.
• Rear-End Collisions and Recovery of Damages in Florida   
  Description: Many people assume that they can recover all their damages when someone rear-ends their car. While it is true that in Florida there is a presumption that the driver who rear-ended another vehicle was the sole cause of the accident, the rear-ending driver can rebut that presumption. In this article, personal injury attorney, Jeffrey Meldon, discusses recovery of damages in rear-enders.
• Tips For Drivers on How to Manage Blind Spots   
  Description: Blind spots on vehicles cause 826,000 vehicles to be involved in accidents every year and approximately two children to be stuck by vehicles backing up every week. Ocala accident attorney, Jeffrey Meldon gives a summary of the recent National Safety Commission's Driver Training alert for managing blind spots in vehicles.
• Auto Insurance Coverage: Laws, Recommendations, Factors and Tips for Florida Drivers.   
  Description: Purchase adequate insurance BEFORE you are in an accident and protect yourself and your family! The consequences of not being adequately insured can be devastating. You may think you have "full coverage" however, many are shocked when they find out it was far from full or adequate coverage. Here are accident Attorney Jeffrey Meldon's tips and recommendations.
• Florida Laws on Passing Other Vehicles   
  Description: Passing can be a dangerous task, especially on two-lane, rural roads or at night when visibility is not the best. In this article, accident attorney, Jeffrey Meldon, summarizes the law on how and when is the best time to pass another vehicle on the road in order to be as safe as possible in Florida.
• Hot Tips For Motorcyclists - Ride Safe This Summer   
  Description: In this Library Article, attorney Jeffrey Meldon gives some tips for safe motorcycle riding this summer in Florida.

View All

Frequent Questions for Car and Motorcycle Accidents:

• 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?

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Seven Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Florida Accident Case

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