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Bagen Law Blog

Staying Safe During Spring Break

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Mar 10, 2014 3:56:00 PM

Spring break is a huge time for people, especially students, to head out on vacation for much needed R&R. You and your friends will be heading out to popular destination spots such as Daytona Beach, Florida for parties and beautiful beaches. When you head out on the road, you should keep your safety in mind. Spring break is often associated with risky behavior. Make safe choices during your vacation and follow these helpful tips and guidelines.  

Boating Tips

A day out on a boat can be a lot of fun. However, you need to remember to boat carefully and responsibly.Boating accidents are often caused by negligence and careless operation. While you and your friends are enjoying your Florida spring break, keep in mind these safe boating tips:

  • Never operate a boat while under the influence
  • Obey speeding zones
  • Don't operate a boat recklessly
  • Don't cause large wakes in calm areas
  • Keep a safe distance between boats
  • Keep a look out for people in the water
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Topics: Car Accidents, Bicycle Accidents, Boating Accidents, Drinking and Driving

How to Collect Evidence in an Accident

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Jan 27, 2014 11:11:00 AM

The best means of documenting auto accident damage is adopting the mindset of an investigator hot on the trail of a breaking news story. Gather as much information as you can about the incident. The more evidence you are able to collect, the better off you will be when it comes to trying to get compensation from the insurance company regarding the damage your car sustained.

Document Any Damages Using Pictures

Pictures are worth a thousand words, potentially even a thousand dollars when it comes to gathering evidence from the crash scene. The insurance company claims adjuster is going to do everything he or she can to make your settlement as little as possible. They have numerous ways to do this, such as questioning any evidence that you present in the accident reports. Thanks to a slip & fall attorney in Ocala, FL, you can have someone who is working in your favor to make sure you receive everything you are entitled to and more. Steven A. Bagen Law Firm has offices in Gainesville and Ocala, Florida.

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Topics: Car Accidents, Bicycle Accidents, Boating Accidents

Why the Age of Tires is Important

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Jan 22, 2014 9:42:00 AM

Car owners are used to car parts getting old and needing replacement. However, tire aging is not necessarily a well understood auto condition. That’s because people either replace their tires when they go flat or when the tread life expires. However, what happens when a car owner buys tires and ends up with “new” tires that actually have been on the shelf for quite a while? A number of risks can occur with aging tires that tire shops don’t necessarily advertise with their product.

Tire aging is a process of structural degradation in a tire over time. Tires are made of steel radial and rubber molded together. However, time can cause separation of rubber layers as the rubber starts to dry out. Cracking and layer separation begin, even a miniscule level. Add in heat, road wear, sunlight and time when the tires are on the car, and the process accelerates. Warmer climate areas will see this process happen faster than colder climates. Ironically, keeping a car in the garage and not using it often can also contribute to faster tire breakdown as well. So, bottom line, an aging tire is a bad thing both ways.

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Topics: Car Accidents, Personal Injury

Should I Seek Medical Attention Even Though I Don't Feel Hurt?

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Dec 23, 2013 11:00:00 AM

Without a doubt, several extensive medical, legal, financial and emotional considerations are involved requiring immediate attention after you have been involved in an auto accident. If you fail to pay attention to any one of these different components after your accident occurs, you might find out later that the mistake could prove to be quite costly in terms of your well-being and recovery for years down the road.

The body isn’t designed to be able to hold up against the impact and force brought on from an auto accident. Regardless of whether it is a slow impact collision or not, you could end up finding yourself struggling with any number of serious injuries. Not all of these injuries are going to be visible at first, which is why it is imperative that you seek the attention of a medical professional right away. 

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Topics: Car Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Boating Accidents, ATV Accidents

What Should I do if the Driver Leaves the Scene of an Auto Accident?

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Dec 20, 2013 4:00:00 PM

Car accidents tend to happen far too often, which also means that a hit-and-run is going to be quite common in today’s society. Even though you might assume that this type of accident is between two vehicles, that simply isn’t the case. Many people don’t ever think that they are going to be the victim of a hit-and-run accident, but you just never know what might come your way. In reality, roughly 16 percent of all pedestrian-car crashes wind up being a hit-and-run. To prevent yourself from being the next victim, you need someone working for you who understands your rights and works hard to uphold them, which is where an attorney for personal injury, such as Steven A. Bagen and Associates, in Gainesville and Ocala comes into play.

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Topics: Car Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Bicycle Accidents, hit and run

What Should I do Immediately After an Auto Accident has Occurred?

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Dec 17, 2013 3:47:00 PM

Many different methods exist for avoiding auto accidents, but that doesn’t always mean it is going to happen. If you have been in a car accident, it is imperative that you take the proper steps to ensure that you receive the proper care and treatment for your accident. When an accident happens, it can be difficult for the majority of people to think clearly, which is why you need the assistance of an accident law firm Gainesville. Trying to figure out what questions need to be answered and what you should be doing first can be overwhelming, to say the least. 

By following the checklist outlined below, you can rest assured you won’t be taken advantage of for your claim. Make sure to keep a copy of the list with you at all times to ensure that you are always prepared. Thanks to an accident law firm Gainesville, such as Steven A. Bagen Law Firm,  you will always have someone to turn to when you need them the most. Steven A. Bagen and Associates has offices in Gainesville and Ocala, serving all of Central and North Florida.

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Topics: Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Personal Injury Law, Insurance Company

Who Pays my Lost Wages From an Auto Accident Injury?

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Dec 16, 2013 3:38:00 PM

Depending on the type of auto insurance coverage you currently have, you might be eligible for compensation for your lost wages after an auto accident injury occurs. If you are eligible, the ease of which the claims process is handled will be determined by the type of work you do. To help make the process simpler and answer any questions you might have, enlist the help of a Gainesville personal injury lawyer to handle your case. 

Steven A. Bagen Law Firm has offices in Gainesville and Ocala, Florida.

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Topics: Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Distracted Driving, Driving and Texting

Tips for Documenting Auto Accident Damage

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Dec 5, 2013 8:00:00 AM

After an accident, tensions can run high. Drivers may be hurt or emotionally shaken, which makes decision-making difficult. With auto accidents on the rise in Gainesville, being prepared can help minimize the unwise choices unintentionally made following a car accident. Immediately following an accident, follow these tips for proper documentation to ensure a speedy and fair insurance claim process. You will also want to contact a personal injury law firm in Gainesville. Steven A. Bagen Law Firm is a personal injury firm with offices in Gainesville and Ocala, Florida.

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Topics: Car Accidents, Personal Injury, drivers, Personal Injury Law, Insurance Company

Should I accept a check from the at-fault driver or his or her insurance company?

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Nov 5, 2013 10:28:00 AM

What should you do if you have an auto accident that is the fault of the other driver and you are offered a check from either the driver or their insurance company for personal injury or damage to your vehicle?

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Topics: Car Accidents

What is “uninsured motorist’s Coverage”?

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Sep 24, 2013 5:55:00 AM

The last thing a driver wants to do is get involved in an accident, but things can get particularly distressful if the other driver is both at-fault and without adequate insurance coverage or any at all. Such incidents occur every day in Florida and often require the victim to call an auto accident attorney in Gainesville. Drivers within the state are surprisingly still not required to carry any Bodily Injury Liability Coverage, and one must only have minimum Personal Injury Protection and Property Damage Liability coverage to legally drive an automobile in Florida.

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Topics: Car Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Insurance Company