Health Care Fraud - South Florida Private Investigator

PALM BEACH COUNTY MAN SENTENCED IN HEALTH CARE FRAUD, BANKRUPTCY AND MORTGAGE FRAUD SCHEME

R. Alexander Acosta, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, David W. Bourne, Special Agent in Charge, Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, Miami Field Office, and Jonathan I. Solomon, Special Agent in Charge, Miami Field Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that defendant Domeneco Abate was sentenced on May 12, 2008 by the Honorable United States District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks to 27 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In addition, Abate was ordered to forfeit $155,000 and to pay an additional $278,813 in restitution.

On February 28, 2008, Abate pled guilty to a three-count Information, charging him with health care fraud, bankruptcy fraud and wire fraud. The health care fraud charges to which the defendants pled guilty stemmed from the defendants’ unlawful receipt of substantial health insurance benefits for themselves and their families. From June, 2001 through September, 2004, the defendants obtained insurance benefits by falsely claiming to be employees of The Medicine Shoppe, a retail pharmacy franchise in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. In addition, with the defendants’ consent, the Medicine Shoppe used the defendants’ health insurance information and that of their families to file false prescription drug claims.

Abate also pled guilty to bankruptcy fraud. On or about August 12, 2004, Abate filed a bankruptcy petition and schedules on which he falsely listed his wife, co-defendant Eileen Abate, as being employed as the manager of The Medicine Shoppe, with a monthly gross income of approximately $17,714. Abate also pled guilty to wire fraud, in that he submitted false loan documentation to support the purchase of his home in Wellington, Florida. In the loan application, Abate falsely stated that his wife was an Office Manager at The Medicine Shoppe, with a gross monthly income of $9,864. In addition, the loan documentation falsely stated that approximately $165,000 of the down payment for the purchase of the home was a gift from relatives. Abate agreed to forfeit $155,000 for this mortgage fraud.

Also sentenced yesterday by the Honorable Donald M. Middlebrooks was co-defendant Vincent Trupia. Trupia, who pled guilty to a single count of health care fraud, was sentenced to 5 years of probation, with a special term of 180 days’ home confinement. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $83,545.75 for insurance benefits he received through The Medicine Shoppe.

Sentencing for co-defendant Diane Mangicapra is scheduled for Friday, May 16, 2008 at 11:30 a.m., and for Eileen Abate on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 4:45 p.m., before the Honorable Donald M. Middlebrooks in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Mr. Acosta commends the investigative efforts of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn Bell, Lynn Rosenthal, and Antonia Barnes.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov/ or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov/.

Mortgage Fraud - Florida Private Investigator

MORTGAGE FRAUD

New Analysis of a Rising Threat

We’ve just released a comprehensive new report on mortgage fraud—now posted in full on this website. And, as you might expect given the downturn in the economy and all the troubles in the lending industry, it isn’t a pretty picture.

The information can get quite technical, with plenty of charts, graphs, and hard numbers. But we invite you to take a read if you’re interested in getting educated on the issue—and on emerging schemes that might impact your own pocketbook.
Among the key findings:

... Mortgage fraud is clearly on the rise. Although there is no central way to track the total extent of the problem, we received 46,717 Suspicious Activity Reports related to mortgage fraud last year—compared to 35,617 in 2006 and just 6,936 in 2003. Only seven percent of these reports documented an exact dollar amount in terms of losses, but even so, the total loss from this seven percent was $813 million. Our caseload has also escalated. By the end of fiscal year 2007, we were handling just over 1,200 mortgage fraud investigations—a 47 percent increase from 2006 and a whopping 176 percent increase from 2003.

... The downward trend in the housing market will continue (see forecasts provided by the Mortgage Bankers Association in the report), providing further incentive for shady real estate industry insiders to look for dishonest ways to turn a profit and growing opportunities for scam artists to prey on vulnerable homeowners.

... The subprime lending crisis is a contributing factor to mortgage fraud, both directly and indirectly. Subprime loans, designed for people with poor or limited credit histories, now represent more than 13 percent of all outstanding loans—double the percentage of five years ago. These high-interest, high-risk loans contributed to the 2.2 million foreclosures filed during 2007, up 75 percent from 2006. The trouble actually began when home prices were rising a few years ago, leading to relaxed lending practices throughout the industry and the exaggeration of assets by borrowers anxious to qualify for loans, both of which contributed to fraud.

... The top 10 hotspots nationwide for mortgage fraud in 2007, carefully mapped from multiple public and private sources, were: Florida, Georgia, Michigan, California, Illinois, Ohio, Texas, New York, Colorado, and Minnesota. The north-central region had the largest share of mortgage fraud, followed by the west and southeast regions.

.. The latest mortgage scams run the gamut: from “builder-bailout” schemes where developers unload excess inventory through financial trickery…to foreclosure rescue frauds that trick homeowners into signing over the deed to their house; from seller-assistance scams that use false appraisals to sell homes…to identity theft that leads to home equity credit lines being opened and drained. See the report for more details.

The report also briefly recounts our proactive response to the problem, including our participation in the Department of Justice's Mortgage Fraud Working Group, through which we are helping to identify large-scale industry insiders and criminal enterprises conducting systemic mortgage fraud...our work in multi-agency mortgage fraud task forces and working groups around the country...and our recent “Mortgage Fraud Summit” to discuss the issue with special agents nationwide.

Burn Injury Information - Florida Personal Injury

Burn Injuries

The American Burn Association reports that fire and burn deaths occurred over 4,000 times in 2007, 500,000 people required medical intervention for burns, plus 65,000 additional hospitalizations were reported last year. Burns are caused from a variety of reasons such as: when heat or chemicals come in contact with the skin, prolonged sun exposure, chemical burns, tar injuries at work, and a variety of other tissue damage. Burn injuries can cause not only skin damage, but can also cause serious damage to muscles, nerve endings, and other tissues under the skin. This sort of serious injury can cause mobility problems.

There are many causes for burn injuries:

Workers’ Compensation Injuries
Coffee Burns from Negligent Supervision (daycare)
Children Playing with Fires
Defective Candles, Heaters, and Fireplaces
Lighters & Matches
Airbag Deployment and Automobile Accidents
Flammable Liquid Fuel Explosions
Scalding Water
Electrical Accidents at home and Work Related Injury
Industrial Accidents
Gasoline Spills
Chemical Contact Burn
Prolonged Exposure to Sun

There are literally hundreds of possible causes of burns from a work related accident, to a child playing with matches, to a burn caused by an automobile accident. No matter what caused the burn injury this type of personal injury can cause serious pain and suffering. Depending upon the severity of the burn, burn victims may suffer serious trauma and psychological pain. They may dread leaving the house or resuming normal social and work duties. Chronic pain resulting from burns can plague victims for months, and on some occasions for years. Physical therapy, wound care, and lengthy rehabilitation may be needed to regain lost mobility, and to decrease contractures. Unfortunately, burn victims often face an uphill battle when seeking help and guidance. Many bodily injury or liability insurance companies view post burn treatments as purely cosmetic and may offer little or no assistance for this type of surgery and rehabilitation, even though it may be needed for victims to recover physically and emotionally from their injuries. This is where our background can help. Our Florida private investigators have a dynamic background including extensive work with burn victims and the extraordinary measures needed to heal.

For these reasons, it is imperative that you contact qualified Florida private investigators, as well as Florida personal injury attorneys to help you. The offices of CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC can help you present your case in a clear and factual basis to the adjuster, providing expert witnesses, as well as directly relating your injuries to the your accident. Our goals are to ensure you get the best medical care possible, as well as to provide the investigation needed to assist your Florida personal injury attorney to get you compensation for your injuries. After you seek immediate medical attention for your burn injuries, ensure you seek help from experienced Florida private investigators and Florida burn injury attorneys. With our assistance, you may have access to the resources necessary to pay for lost income and the quality medical treatment you deserve. Click here to contact Cory T. Knight today, or call us at (954) 652-0733.

If you or a loved one has experienced a burn injury, whether it is a work related accident or due to someone else’s negligence, feel free to click here to send our private investigation agency an e –mail or us or call Cory T. Knight today at (954) 652-0733 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your options.



More information on burns:

First-degree burns are usually limited to redness (erythema), a white plaque, and minor pain at the site o injury. These burns usually extend only into the epidermis.

Second-degree burns additionally fill with clear fluid, have superficial blistering of the skin, and can involve more or less pain depending on the level of nerve involvement. Second-degree burns involve the superficial (papillary) dermis and may also involve the deep (reticular) dermis layer.

Third-degree burns are which most of the epidermis is lost. They additionally have charring of the skin, and sometimes produce hard eshcars. An eschar is a scab that has separated from the unaffected part of the body. These types of burns are often considered painless, because nerve endings have been destroyed in the burned areas. However, there is in reality a significant amount of pain involved in a third degree burn. Hair follicles and sweat glands may also be lost. Third degree burns result in scarring elastic banding of the skin can smooth the scarred skin. Third degree burns over large surface areas are often fatal.

Fourth-degree burns are burns in which most of the dermis is lost often burning the muscle underneath. These burns usually present hard-to-reverse damage to the skin and there is little sensation in the burn area as a result. These type of burns will require hospitalization. Grafting is needed to close up the areas.

Fifth-degree burns are burns in which most of the hypodermis is lost charring and exposing the muscle underneath. Sometimes, fifth-degree burns can be fatal.
Sixth-degree burns are burn types in which almost all the muscle tissue in the area is burned away leaving almost nothing but charred bone. Often, sixth-degree burns are deadly. Sixth-degree burns are the highest in the burn category.

Please feel free to contact Cory T. Knight or one of our South Florida private investigators at (954) 652-0733 to discuss your investigative needs. If you prefer, you can contact CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC via e-mail by clicking here.

Personal Injury Accident Investigations

Personal Injury TopicsAuto Accident Information:


Auto Accidents Info


Car Accident Private Investigator in South Florida


What to Do if You Are Involved in an Auto Accident in Florida


How will a Car Accident Private Investigator or Attorney Help?


Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Law


Uninsured Motorist Coverage


Frequently Asked Questions about Florida Automobile Insurance


Frequently Asked Questions about Motor Vehicle Accidents






Personal Injury Topics:
Brain Injury


Bicycle Accidents


Boating Accidents


Motorcycle Accidents


Dog Bites


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Auto Accidents Info - Car Accident Private Investigator in South Florida

Careless and aggressive driving is an unfortunate reality in our daily lives, and auto accidents have become a regular occurrence on our highways and streets. Most of us have at one time or another been involved in a car accident, but we often fail to realize the extent to which we are vulnerable on the road. At CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC, we have seen firsthand the devastating consequences auto accidents can have on innocent victims and their families. From sky high medical bills to lost wages and crippling injuries, victims must overcome serious obstacles to get their lives back in order. This is why following auto accidents, our private investigators and attorneys in south Florida are committed to helping victims recover.

If you have been involved in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for property damage, injuries, and pain and suffering. Even if you are unsure of who was at fault, our private investigation agency may be able to help. Please contact Cory T. Knight at CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC today to speak with our car accident investigators, located in Hollywood and cities throughout Florida.


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How will a Car Accident Private Investigator or Attorney Help?

What You Should Know?

Following serious auto accidents, victims can expect vehicle property damage to be the least of their problems. Serious bodily injury can be sustained not only from the initial contact with the other vehicle, but from the secondary impact within your own vehicle. And despite the fact that vehicles are designed with new and improved safety features, auto accidents remain the leading cause of death among young adults. Unfortunately our Florida private investigation agency has investigated thousands of car crashes, we have investigated rear end collisions, head on collisions, pedestrians struck by motor vehicles, bicycle accidents, as well as fatalities as a result of Florida auto crashes.

Our private investigator agency is well aware that injuries associated with auto accidents can wreak havoc on the lives of victims and also the lives of their family members. For this reason, the car accident private investigators at our Hollywood, Florida investigation agency are committed to offering the kind of invaluable investigative and guidance that puts families on the path to recovery. Our Florida auto accident investigators and the attorneys we deal with can help you and your family receive financial compensation for:
• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Your Pain and suffering
• Loss of Consortium
• Medical Expenses
• Scaring, Disfigurement and traumatic brain injury
• Funeral costs (following the death of a loved one)
• Emotional trauma

If you would like to speak with one of our auto accident private investigators, please feel free to contact Cory T. Knight at C.T.K. INVESTIGATIONS, LLC in Hollywood, Florida today.


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What to Do if You Are Involved in an Auto Accident

Many private investigation agencies may offer similar advice, however we realize that while we handle thousands of Florida auto accident investigations a year, this may be your (or your family members) first auto accident. The first moments following an auto accident can be extremely freighting, hectic and confusing. If you are involved in a traffic collision, our auto accident investigators advise you to take the following steps immediately to ensure that your rights are protected:

• First Dial 911 – In Florida, a police report must be completed after all auto accidents involving property damage exceeding $500.00, injury, or death. We recommend that you Call 911 to report the accident and make sure to advise the 911 operator of any injuries that you sustained as a result of this accident.

• If you are physically able, we suggest you move your vehicle to the side of the road and turn off your ignition (and the ignition of other cars involved in the accident). Raise the hood (if possible) and turn on your hazard lights. Stand apart from the vehicle (in a safe location away from traffic) while calling for help to avoid injury in case the car is hit again. If other people are injured, do not attempt to move them unless they are in immediate danger.

• From our years of car accident investigation experience, we always recommend that you avoid admitting fault or discussing fault with other parties involved in the car crash. It is best to avoid confrontation and cooperate fully with the police. While this is an emotional time, try and state the facts, ask that the officer document your injuries as well as any witnesses.

• Our Florida private investigators recommend that you exchange information with all parties involved in the collision (again, avoid discussions of fault). Make sure to write down the tag number, registration numbers, driver’s license info, and insurance information. If possible take pictures of the cars, location of the accident. If a camera is not available, take note of exactly where the accident occurred so that our detectives can help with your accident reconstruction.

• We recommend that you check for witnesses to the auto accident – if there are witnesses obtain their contact information (including work and home phone numbers). Ask the officer that responded to note them in the report. Always be kind to the officer.

• If you are experiencing any pain, seek medical attention immediately (even if you feel the injury is minor). If you have any questions about medical intervention, feel free to contact us.

• Make sure to photograph your vehicle (before repairs are completed) and injuries sustained from the crash. If you have a cell phone camera available, you may want to photograph the crash scene and vehicles involved in the collision. As well as any signs or trees that may have contributed to the accident.
Above all, protect your rights. You are not required to give any statements to the other party's (defendants) insurance company. While you should cooperate with your own insurance company, you may want to consider consulting one of the auto accident investigators or we can recommend one of the attorneys that have assisted our clients over the years before giving a statement.

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How can a Car Accident Private Investigator Help?

Anyone who has been involved in a minor auto accident knows that you can sometimes resolve these types of claims without the assistance of an investigator or attorney; however, when serious injury or property damage is involved, victims of Florida auto accidents can benefit greatly from the assistance of the car accident private investigator. Our Florida private investigators have investigated thousands of car accidents and we can assist with your claim. Call us today to discuss how we can help you.

The reality is that car accident claims are anything but simple to resolve. Our Florida auto accident investigators understand the rules of the road, and we employ experts who are capable of reconstructing accident scenes to discover the true causes of collisions. We are familiar with the tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying out claims, and we fight aggressively for victims to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve. If you have been involved in an auto accident, having one of our knowledgeable Florida car accident investigators securing your interests can be the difference between receiving a small settlement or the substantial sum you deserve. It is our goal on every Florida car accident, Florida motorcycle accident, Florida bicycle accident, Florida trip and fall, Florida slip and fall, Florida scooter accident, etc.. to help you to obtain the tort feasor’s policy limits and any uninsured or underinsured motorist limits if possible.

If you or someone you love has recently been involved in an auto accident, our car accident investigators in Hollywood and throughout Florida can evaluate your claim and help you move forward with your case. Please visit our car accident section of our web page (www.ctkinvestigations.com) to view answers to common questions about auto accidents and find out what do to following a collision. If you would like to speak directly with one of our Florida auto accident investigators or you would like to hear about some of the attorneys that have represented some of our clients throughout the years, contact the offices of Cory T. Knight at CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC.



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Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Law

I can tell you that I hear the following on a daily basis, "I have full coverage." Yet our years of experience have proven that if we were generous one out of fifty callers to our private investigation agency actually do have FULL COVERAGE. Full coverage would include the following: PIP, BI, UM, Med-Pay, Umbrella, and Stacking Coverage. If you doubt this, feel free to contact your insurance company and request a copy of your "dec" (declaration) page. In the state of Florida, especially the active city of Hollywood, Florida car accidents occur every day and accident victims, particularly those who do not have uninsured motorist coverage, may need a Private Investigator to help them properly investigate their accident in order to maximize your chances of receiving compensation to pay their medical bills. Uninsured motorist coverage is one of the most important types of insurance you can have, especially in Florida, where it will protect you in the event of a hit and run accident, as well as a traffic collision involving an underinsured motorist. However, for those who do not have uninsured motorist coverage and are injured in a car accident in South Florida, having Ft. Lauderdale car accident Private Investigator Cory T. Knight and our entire investigation agency may be in your best interest.

In an attempt to reduce the number of lawsuits filed each year, Florida implemented a no-fault insurance law. This law requires motorists to carry $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, as well as $10,000 in property damage liability. With PIP insurance, a motorist injured in a car accident will not have to hire a Florida injury lawyer or Private Investigator to retrieve money for medical expenses or disability. Instead, a motorist injured in an auto accident in Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, or other areas of Florida will be reimbursed by their own insurance company for medical bills, disability, or death expenses related to the accident, regardless of who was at fault. While the number of auto accident lawsuits filed in Florida is reduced through the no-fault law, an individual may still file a lawsuit against a negligent driver. We understand that while you were not at fault in the accident your own insurance company should be responsible for paying the first $10,000.00 of related expenses but that is the law. That is where the term No-Fault was derived.

While motorists in Florida are required to carry PIP and property damage liability to cover themselves and any property that is harmed in the event of an accident, they are not required to carry bodily injury liability insurance to cover the injuries of the other drivers involved. Over 50 percent of drivers are underinsured when it comes to covering the injuries of another driver involved in an accident. This is typically not a problem since most drivers have PIP insurance to cover their own injuries. However, motorcyclists and individuals visiting Florida, who are not required to have PIP coverage, are at risk.
Motorcyclists involved in an accident with a driver carrying PIP coverage are automatically eligible to receive compensation for pain and suffering, whether or not they sustained a permanent injury, whereas motorists must prove that their injuries are permanent. However, motorcyclists are not able to receive compensation for medical bills or disability unless the driver involved was carrying bodily injury insurance. For this reason, it is especially important for motorcyclists and those traveling through the state of Florida to carry what is called uninsured motorist coverage. Please feel free to contact your personal injury Private Investigator Cory T. Knight at (954) 652-0733. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to answer your personal injury related questions. If you prefer you can click here to contact us via e-mail. We also may be able to recommend you to a Florida auto accident attorney that has successfully represented many of our clients in the past.

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Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage is one of the most important types of auto insurance you can buy, as it will allow you to receive compensation for the medical and disability expenses of both you and the passengers riding in your vehicle when the car accident occurs. This way, you are guaranteed coverage whether the driver of the other vehicle is insured or not.

If you own one or more vehicles, Ft. Lauderdale car accident Private Investigator Cory T. Knight recommends that you invest in stackable insurance, which will allow you to provide uninsured motorist coverage for all your vehicles. For example, if your coverage for one vehicle covers $25,000 and you have stackable insurance that covers three vehicles, then you should have $75,000 in uninsured motorist coverage under which to make a claim. Considering how many Florida drivers are uninsured, it is likely that if you are involved in an accident the uninsured motorist coverage can easily pay for itself.
Uninsured motorist coverage can also protect you in Florida if you are the unfortunate victim of a hit and run accident. If a driver hits you or your vehicle, but does not stop to exchange information, this is called a hit and run. Without proper insurance coverage, a hit and run accident can cost you money out of your own pocket to pay for any medical expenses and repair property damage. For more information on uninsured motorist coverage and how it can help you in the event of a car accident, speak with a Private Investigator in Hollywood, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Miami-Dade, South Florida, Orlando or the Central Florida area today.

For more information regarding auto insurance options for Florida residents, or for a review of your Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, Florida Keys hit and run or car accident claim, contact a Private Investigator at the Florida private investigation agency of CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC today for your FREE consultation, or you can call us today at (954)652-0733.

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Bicycle Accidents

Our Florida private investigators at CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC have investigated more bicycle accidents than we can count. In reality, I guess we could count the number, but the main point is we have years of experience investigating bicycle related accidents. In Florida, bicycling accidents cause many fatalities and personal injuries each year. Unfortunately many bicycle accidents are completely preventable, as they are usually caused by the negligence of motorists or by defective bicycles and products. If you are a pedestrian or cyclist who has survived a bicycle accident or if you've lost a loved one to a bicycle accident, the south Florida private investigation agency of CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC can help. We have successfully assisted many clients who have suffered due to the negligence of another person. Our Florida private investigators have worked in conjunction with your south Florida bicycle accident attorney to obtain the best medical care and support needed to reconstruct your lives after the trauma of a bicycle or pedestrian accident.

It is clear that bicycle collisions and bicycle accidents can cause severe injuries. You do not need to be a physicist or accident reconstruction expert to realize that a six thousand pound vehicle would cause potentially fatal injuries to a bicycle that may weight three to five pounds. Common injuries such as neck and head injuries are very common, and many bicyclists suffer brain damage and closed head trauma, after a serious bicycle accident. Spinal cord injuries, nerve damage, broken limbs, and even permanent injuries are not uncommon with bicycle accidents. Due to the severity of injuries as well as the lack of protection, cyclists involved in accidents often miss considerable amounts of work while they are recovering. These injuries may require reconstructive surgery or lengthy and expensive medical treatment. Not all insurance companies are willing to pay a bicyclist without a hassle. You probably hear this on every attorney commercial, but it is true…many insurance companies hire attorneys of their own to protect their interests, why should you not do everything possible to protect your interests. We have assisted bicyclists with accident reconstruction, as well as worked in conjunction with your Florida personal injury attorney to investigate the accident represent your interests so that you can get the best medical treatment and the best support possible.

A bicyclist or pedestrian who has been injured in an accident may be entitled to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits up to $10,000 from the vehicle that injured them or from any vehicle owned in their household. In order to get the full Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits you may be entitled to, it is important to speak to qualified South Florida Private Investigator. The investigators at CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC -- who have experience dealing with bicycle injury cases.

Our qualified Florida Private Investigators can help you understand your rights and can help you decide from the many options available to you. Our Florida private investigators can investigate your case, evaluate your situation, and work with you and your family and any insurance companies to make sure that you get the help you need quickly. With Cory T. Knight and our Florida private investigators by your side, you may be able to enjoy better medical care and additional assistance that you may need to get back on your feet.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, or if you've lost someone due to bicycling accident, contact The South Florida Private Investigators at CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC or call us at (954) 652-0733 to set up a FREE consultation. There is no obligation for this complimentary consultation, and we can easily meet in your office, hospital room, or home to discuss your case.


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Boating Accidents

According to the United States Coast Guard, there were 4967 recreational boat accidents in 2006, 710 fatalities resulting from boating accidents, and 3,474 injuries coupled with $43,670,424.00 in property damage. While we live in sunny south Florida, many of us enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, jet skiing, water skiing, not to mention the privately owned vessels, commercial boats, and other watercraft that are utilized for work. Unfortunately boating accidents can make excursions out to canals, lakes or oceans deadly. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident or if you have lost a loved one in a boating collision, contact CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC today. We are your South Florida Boating Accident private investigators. We have successfully assisted boating accident survivors and victims' families and have helped them get the assistance and the help they needed in order to recover from the accident. Moreover, we work in conjunction with your Florida boat accident attorney.

Statically speaking, the vast majority of boating accidents are entirely preventable. Many collisions and accidents involving personal watercraft and other vessels are caused by inadequate training, negligence, equipment failure, intoxication, or weather and water conditions. The inexperience or the errors of the person operating the vessel also cause collisions. Under Florida law, boating operators and boat owners must display a great deal of responsibility and care in order to insure that swimmers, divers, other boats, boat passengers, and others are not injured killed or hurt. A traumatic brain injury can disrupt functioning of the brain and can cause anything from a mild concussion to permanent injury, coma, and even fatalities. According to the Brain Injury Association of America: The National Stroke Association: year in the U. S., roughly 1.4 million people sustain a TBI. One million people are treated and released annually from hospital emergency rooms after sustaining a brain injury. Brain injury claims more than 50,000 lives and leaves more than 80,000 individuals with livelong disabilities each year. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are at least 5.3 million Americans living with a disability as a result of brain injury. Unfortunately many traumatic brain injuries and closed head traumas often occur from trip and fall accidents, slip and fall accidents, automobile accidents, firearm related injuries, boating accidents, and other traumatic injuries. It is not just the victims of brain injury that suffer; the families that provide round the clock support suffer as well. In many cases, these injuries require them to hire caregivers, undergo extensive medical testing and treatments, undergo modifications to your home, and miss significant amount of time from work. The qualified Florida private investigators at CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC have assisted and worked with many clients who have suffered brain injuries. Our experienced in investigating and dealing with South Florida brain injury attorneys have helped people obtain the medical treatment and the assistance they needed to rebuild their lives after serious brain injury.

If you have been injured or if you lost a loved one due to boating collision or an accident, call our experienced and qualified South Florida private investigator today. Our Florida personal injury investigators are able to assist your South Florida personal injury lawyers with your case. We can help you understand your options can discuss your specific case, so that you know what to expect. The South Florida personal injury lawyers that we have worked with on boating accidents can provide you with legal advice. We can also work with insurance companies and others who were involved in your particular situation. Our Florida private detectives can obtain witness statements, and affidavits to protect your interests. Our investigators are here to ensure that you get excellent care and medical attention quickly and effectively. Call us today to see if we can assist you with your south Florida boating accident, Florida jet ski accident, Florida fishing accident, Jones Act, or Longshoreman case.

The Florida private detectives at CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC have extensive experience in handling boating accident / injury cases. Our investigators have worked in conjunction with many Florida personal injury lawyers to protect your rights. If you have been injured, suffered fractures, closed head injuries, sprain / strains or a lost loved one in a boating collision, CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC may also be able to help you get the compensation you deserve. With correct private investigation and legal assistance, you may be able to get coverage with paying for your medical bills, paying for the damage or replacement of your boat, and paying for any pain and suffering you have sustained as a result of your accident, not to mention lost wages.

If you wish, we may be able to provide you with some names of Florida Personal Injury Lawyers that have handled numerous boating related cases. These attorneys will work on a contingency basis, which means that you do not pay unless and until they either win your case or settle out of court. If you were injured on a vessel while at work, do not hesitate to contact us. As always, we offer a FREE, no obligation consultation so that you can ask any questions and get a real advice upfront. Please feel free to contact Cory T. Knight or one of our South Florida private investigators at (954) 652-0733 to discuss your investigative needs. If you prefer, you can contact CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC via e-mail by clicking here.

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Brain Injury



The national institute of neurological disorders and stroke, explains that a traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to a blow or a jolt to the head. A traumatic brain injury can disrupt functioning of the brain and can cause anything from a mild concussion to permanent injury, coma, and even fatalities. According to the Brain Injury Association of America: The National Stroke Association: year in the U. S., roughly 1.4 million people sustain a TBI. One million people are treated and released annually from hospital emergency rooms after sustaining a brain injury. Brain injury claims more than 50,000 lives and leaves more than 80,000 individuals with livelong disabilities each year. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are at least 5.3 million Americans living with a disability as a result of brain injury. Unfortunately many traumatic brain injuries and closed head traumas often occur from trip and fall accidents, slip and fall accidents, automobile accidents, firearm related injuries, boating accidents, and other traumatic injuries. It is not just the victims of brain injury that suffer; the families that provide round the clock support suffer as well. In many cases, these injuries require them to hire caregivers, undergo extensive medical testing and treatments, undergo modifications to your home, and miss significant amount of time from work. The qualified Florida private investigators at CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC have assisted and worked with many clients who have suffered brain injuries. Our experienced in investigating and dealing with South Florida brain injury attorneys have helped people obtain the medical treatment and the assistance they needed to rebuild their lives after serious brain injury.

Because of our extensive experience, CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC understands how traumatic TBI can be, both to the victim and to the family. We also understand how important it is to get help quickly from a qualified south Florida TBI lawyer. We may be able to let you know which South Florida personal injury attorneys have successfully worked on many TBI cases. Is important to get immediate assistance and guidance so that your medical bills can be paid and lost income can potentially be recouped. If you have suffered from a closed head injury, brain injury or have a loved one who has sustained a TBI, feel free to contact our office so that we can discuss your situation. We work with attorneys that may be able to help ensure that insurance companies will continue to pay for any future medical treatments, home modifications, and any other durable medical equipment necessary in order to help the injury heal as much as possible. Our Florida private investigators will comprehensively evaluate your case, help you understand all your options, and work hard to ensure that you get the maximum amount of assistance as quickly as possible.

The brutal reality is that in many cases, brain injuries can change lives forever. However, with the right Florida private investigator, and with the assistance of a qualified Florida personal injury lawyer, you may be able to get the help you need to rebuild your life. CTK INVESTIGATION, LLC has the closed head injury, TBI, and brain injury experience you need to get you the help you or your family deserve.

Our Florida Private Investigators can meet in your home, hospital room, or office to discuss your particular case. Our FREE consultation comes with no obligation whatsoever, this is simply a chance for you to ask questions and get the information you need to make an informed decision. Keep in mind, too, that the attorneys we work with work on a contingency fee basis. They are willing to defer fees until you reach an out-of-court settlement or win your case.
Please feel free to contact Cory T. Knight or one of our South Florida private investigators at (954) 652-0733 to discuss your investigative needs. If you prefer, you can contact CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC via e-mail by clicking here.



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Frequently Asked Questions about Florida Automobile Insurance

Florida Automobile Insurance

Our Florida private investigators get questions every day from clients about their auto insurance. Even if you haven’t been in an accident, it helps to understand the general language of Florida auto insurance. Below are descriptions of the various types of coverage in the state of Florida. If you are in an accident, the type of coverage you and the other party carry can often determine what type of settlement beyond medical expenses and lost wages you may be able to receive.

Personal Injury Protection Coverage (mandatory)

Florida is a "No Fault" State, which means that regardless of who is at fault in an accident, you must go to your own auto insurance to pay your medical bills. This insurance is referred to as PIP or Personal Injury Protection coverage; this coverage is mandatory for all automobile owners in Florida. PIP coverage provides for payment of 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages up to $10,000.00. Because of this limit, many people purchase additional extended PIP coverage or Medical Payments Coverage. If you were not at fault in the accident, you may also claim against the person who was at fault for the balance of your medical bills as well as money or compensatory damages. However, your medical bills will still be paid at 80% by your own PIP carrier. PIP covers you, your spouse, relatives living with you at the time of the accident who do not own a motor vehicle, and drivers/passengers of your vehicle who do not own a motor vehicle nor live with a relative who owns a vehicle.

Property Damage Liability Coverage (mandatory)

This coverage pays the other party's property damage in the event you are at fault in an accident. If you were not at fault in the accident, it does not apply. Property Damage Liability Coverage and PIP are the only two types of coverage which are mandatory in the State of Florida.

Bodily Injury Liability Coverage

This coverage applies only in the event that you are at fault in an accident. Bodily Injury Liability Coverage will pay money or compensatory damages to a claimant, if he/she meets certain requirements under Florida's No Fault Law, up to the limit of your coverage. Your insurance company will also pay your legal fees. While most states have statutes requiring motorists to have at least some Bodily Injury Liability Coverage, Florida does not require this type of coverage.

Medical Payments Coverage

MEDPAY coverage provides payment of the other 20% of your medical bills not covered by Personal Injury Protection coverage.

Collision Coverage

If you are at fault in an accident, or the at-fault party has no insurance coverage, collision coverage may be the only source of payment for damage to your vehicle.

Uninsured-Underinsured Motorist Protection
If the at fault party does not carry Bodily Injury Liability insurance, this coverage is crucial. Instead of making a claim for money damages to the at-fault party, the claim is made to your own insurance company and treated as if you were proceeding against the other party.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Motor Vehicle Accidents:

Q: Can I recover even if the accident was my fault?
A: Whether you can recover if the accident was your fault depends on the laws of your state. Some states do not consider fault with regards to some damages, and in those states some of your economic losses may be paid by your own no-fault policy. Other states consider fault, but you may still be able to recover for your injuries, even if the accident was partially your fault. However, in that case, you may be required to prove that the other party's fault was greater than yours, or to reduce the amount of your compensation by your percentage of fault.

Q: Who can I sue to recover my damages?
A: In some cases, an accident victim may be able to sue parties other than the at-fault driver. For example, if the at-fault driver did not own the car, the car's owner may also be liable for your damages. If the at-fault driver was impaired from consuming too much alcohol, you may be able to bring a "dram shop" complaint against a business that served alcohol to the driver even though he was visibly impaired. In some cases, you may be able to bring an action against another party, such as an automobile manufacturer or construction company, if a defect in the vehicle or the roadway caused the accident. If the accident involved a tractor-trailer, the driver's violation of rules and regulations may be the basis for a lawsuit against the driver or his or her employer.

Q: What is my case worth?
A: The value of a case depends on a variety of factors and cannot be determined without analyzing information regarding the injury, medical bills, loss of income, and permanency of the injury. There is no rule of thumb, and each set of facts results in a different amount of damages.

Q: Will I have to go to court?
A: Not necessarily. Many motor vehicle accident cases are concluded without even filing a lawsuit. Most lawsuits are settled without an actual trial. A settlement avoids the costs and delay of a trial and may result in a greater net recovery. However, if the case cannot be settled on satisfactory terms, it may be necessary to go to trial.

Q: Where will the money come from to compensate me?
A: The at-fault party's insurance typically pays for your damages in many states. If you are in a no-fault state, your own insurance may pay for some of your damages. If the at-fault party is not adequately insured, your own insurance policy may include coverage that will compensate you for your injuries.

Q: How long will it take me to receive my money?
A: The length of time necessary to conclude your automobile accident injury case depends upon a number of factors. For example, if you suffer a serious injury, you will not want to settle your claim until you have received sufficient medical care so that either your physician has released you or your future medical expenses related to the accident can be determined with reasonable certainty. Therefore, the amount of time you need to heal may determine the length of time necessary to conclude your claim. The amount of time before you recover also depends on whether your case is settled or goes to trial.

Q: What should I do if I can't afford an attorney?
A: Many law firms will agree to pursue a personal injury claim for a contingent fee, which means that the law firm's fee is subtracted from any amount that the firm collects for you. If no amount is recovered, then the firm receives no fee, but the client is typically responsible for actual expenses, such as court filing fees or witness fees, whether he or she wins or loses.

Q: Do I have to see a doctor?
A: If you are injured in an automobile accident, you should seek medical attention. Whether or not you have a claim, you should be examined by a doctor, both for your own peace of mind and to document the injury to support your claim. Frequently, an automobile accident injury will not be immediately apparent. Whenever symptoms first appear, go to your family doctor, a hospital emergency room, or another medical professional to obtain medical help.

Q: How soon must I bring my claim?
A: Each state sets a time limitation for bringing a personal injury claim. Both the length of that period and the way it is measured in motor vehicle accident cases varies from state to state. Even within a state, the time period may vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, such as the plaintiff's age, the type of personal injury claim, the particular facts giving rise to the injury, and when the injury is discovered. You must be absolutely certain that you know the time limitation period that applies to you, or you risk jeopardizing your legal rights.

Q: Should I accept a check from the at-fault driver or his or her insurance company?
A: Accepting a check may be construed as a settlement that prohibits you from obtaining any additional amounts from the at-fault driver or his or her insurance company. Therefore, you should not accept a check or sign a release from the at-fault driver or his or her insurance company until after you have conferred with an attorney. Typically, an attorney will encourage you to wait to accept a check until you have completed your medical treatment and have been released by a doctor, so you know you have received an amount that adequately covers your medical bills and other damages. An insurance adjuster may push you to settle the claim for the lowest possible amount and may discourage you from contacting an Florida personal injury attorney. If so, you should ignore his or her advice, and consult an qualified personal injury attorney immediately before accepting any payment, signing any release, or otherwise settling your claim to insure that you are receiving fair compensation and not jeopardizing your right to a full and fair recovery.

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Motorcycle and Auto Accident Personal Injury Cases

Motorcycle & Auto AccidentsTopics Covered:

How much is my auto accident / motorcycle case worth?

How long will it take to bring my auto accident case to a conclusion?

I have full coverage, why am I not covered?

Does my auto insurance cover my motorcycle accident?

What are the MMI and permanent impairment rating?

What is my next step?

What to do after a Car, Motorcycle, or Auto Accident?

What should I do if I am in a motorcycle, car, auto, or accident?

As a fellow motorcycle enthusiast, I understand the dangers involved with riding motorcycles on Florida roads, especially the ever so fun I-95 runs. I have compiled some helpful information on what to do following a car, auto, or motorcycle accident. Our years of experience investigating thousands of Florida auto accidents, Florida motorcycle accidents and Florida car accidents has led us to the following helpful information for you: We feel that it is important to call the police and seek medical treatment immediately. Keep in mind that the shock of being in a collision may mask any pain until hours or even days later. Our Ft. Lauderdale, Florida motorcycle and car accident investigators have compiled a complete list of what to do after a motorcycle, car, or auto accident. Most importantly, before you speak to the at-fault driver's insurance company about your injury, contact a private investigator at CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC today. As always, please feel free to contact Cory T. Knight at (954) 652-0733, or any of our Florida private investigators for a FREE consultation. If you prefer, you can click here to e-mail us. Our private investigation agency is here to assist you,

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How much is my auto accident / motorcycle case worth?

This question is difficult to answer as it depends on many factors:
· If someone else's negligence caused the auto accident and resulted in injuries, one of our lawyers can help you obtain any payment you are entitled to for your medical bills plus compensation for pain and suffering. This would include past and future medical bills.
· If you were seriously injured and missed time from work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages or loss of earning capacity in the future. Our proven Miami, Florida auto accident lawyers can help you retain such compensation.

There is no crystal clear answer to this question or even a proven formula to determine exactly how much a case is worth. Usually the defendant’s insurance company, or in certain circumstances even your own insurance company may offer a bodily injury settlement , uninsured , or underinsured motorist settlement dependent upon many factors. Medical bills, Positive findings on MRI’s, EMG, NCV, or CT scans, Specialists indicating that these injuries were a direct result of the accident and you require some additional medical intervention. Moreover, due to this motorcycle accident you have suffered some permanent damage. Another factor is the liability of the defendant. These are all factors that as Florida private investigators, we can assist you and your Florida motorcycle accident attorney to establish. Our private investigation agency has assisted in literally thousands of injury accidents and has assisted south Florida injury attorneys during trial. We can obtain your medical records and bills from all providers, obtain the complete police report and any supplemental reports, obtain a declaration sheet from the defendant’s insurance as well as yours to have a clear picture of the value of your motorcycle accident case. Furthermore, we can possibly recommend one of the south Florida motorcycle accident or south Florida car accident attorneys that we have worked with to provide you with legal representation should you wish.

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How long will it take to bring my auto accident case to a conclusion?

Within the scope of our investigation agency, we have found that the complexity of the accident as well as the particular injuries sustained are just a couple of the components in determining the time frame of the conclusion or settling your Florida motorcycle accident case. We may be able to assist you in resolving your case based on an understanding of their current and future medical conditions, or we can possibly recommend one of the south Florida motorcycle accident attorneys that have successfully assisted our clients over the years. Once our Florida private investigation agency becomes involved with your motorcycle or car accident case, we find that the average car, motorcycle, or auto accident case is resolved within eight to 12 months.

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I have full coverage, why am I not covered?

Almost on a daily basis, we hear that, “I have full coverage.” I can count on one hand how many times clients actually do have “full coverage”. Full coverage in Florida, usually indicates you have PIP, BI, UM / UIM, Med-Pay, Umbrella, and stacking when available. Even with all of the above listed coverages, this does not automatically imply that your bodily injury claim will be covered. Our Florida private investigators can either contact your insurance company for clarification on your insurance coverage(s), or we may be able to recommend a Florida motorcycle accident, or south Florida car accident lawyer that has proven results with our clients over the years.

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Does my auto insurance cover my motorcycle accident?

Generally speaking in Florida, many motorcycle owners believe that they will be covered by their automobile insurance if they are involved in a crash. Unfortunately, this is not the case. In Florida, insurance is not required for the owner and rider of a motorcycle. Furthermore, the PIP coverage a motorcycle owner may have on his car will not cover the owner if injured on a motorcycle. Our south Florida private investigators can assist you with this process and investigate your claim, furthermore we may be able to recommend a Miami, Florida auto accident lawyer or Miami motorcycle accident attorney that can help answer more of your questions concerning motorcycle accidents in Florida.

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What are the MMI and permanent impairment ratings?

As one of the final phases of your claim, prior to your potential settlement, you will reach MMI. Once a physician has decided you are at Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), some doctor's assign, and insurance company's request, a permanent impairment rating (PIR). This does not mean that you are back to the physical or mental condition you were at prior to the accident, it simply means your condition has stabilized and you have suffered a loss and some measure of permanent bodily injury. At the conclusion of your treatment with a doctor, our Miami, Florida car and motorcycle accident private investigators can request a final narrative of your condition from the treating doctors. We would also request your medical records indicating your raiting from each specialist such as a chiropractor, orthopaedic surgeon, or neurologist. This is generally done pursuant to American Medical Association (AMA) guidelines. A permanent impairment rating technically is not called for as a basis at trial in a Florida motorcycle, or automobile case, but many automobile insurance companies like to have the impairment rating so they can evaluate your case for potential value after your demand is submitted. Our south Florida private investigators can assist you with this process and investigate your claim, furthermore we may be able to recommend a Miami, Florida auto accident lawyer or Miami motorcycle accident attorney that can help answer more of your questions concerning motorcycle accidents in Florida. These attorneys will be more than willing to offer you a FREE consultation, and if they take your case they will work on a contingency basis.

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What is my next step?

A comprehensive review of your claim will further be investigated. Illustrations of the accident scene, property damage pictures, property damage receipts, medical bills and records along with a demand to the appropriate insurance company will be prepared. Prior to sending this off to the proper party, a final review will be completed with you to ensure that you did not see any additional physicians or have any special tests such as MRI, CAT scans, EMG, or NCV tests or any lost wages. Once we are confident that we have all of the facts, we will usually complete an asset search on the defendant or responsible party and submit the demand package to the insurance company. Like almost every other paragraph that preceded this,… If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, motorcycle accident, or any other scooter or bicycle accident our Miami, Florida private investigators can possibly recommend a Miami motorcycle accident attorney, Miami car accident attorney to assist you with your claim. This can be done at any stage of our investigation and at your request. Call Cory T. Knight at (954) 652-0733 today to discuss your Florida motorcycle, car, bicycle, automobile, or truck accident. If you prefer you can click here to submit a new case form or click here to contact us via e-mail.

For more information on automobile and motorcycle accidents, contact our Fort Lauderdale car accident private investigators and auto accident investigators today for a FREE consultation.
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What to do after a Car, Motorcycle, or Auto Accident

Our advice following a Florida car, motorcycle, or auto accident is as follows: The moments immediately after a car, motorcycle, or auto accident require clear, rational thinking to protect yourself and your personal property. There are a number of steps you can take to increase your chances of financial recovery and the amount of that recovery in your Florida motorcycle accident, auto accident, car accident, or bicycle accident case.

Our Miami, Florida car, motorcycle, and auto accident private investigators suggest the following steps:

· Insist that a report for car or motorcycle accidents be filed with the Miami or Florida State Police, or the police department where the accident occurred.

· Document as much as you can about the car, motorcycle, bicycle / scooter, or auto accident or injury itself. Our Miami, Florida car, motorcycle, and auto accident private investigator will need to know every detail about your injuries, any other losses (such as wages) you have suffered as a result of the accident. Moreover, any conversation you had with anyone involved in the accident including any statements to any insurance company.

· Talk to no one about the car, motorcycle, or auto accident or injuries other than your private investigator, attorney or physician. You especially do not want to speak with an insurance adjuster. We can, at your request potentially recommend a personal injury attorney that has proven results with many of our cases in the past that will be happy to assist you.

· Be sure to take photos of the car, motorcycle, bicycle / scooter, or auto accident scene, including any visible injuries and the vehicles involved. If you failed to do this, document the exact location and our Florida private investigators can take pictures and satellite images to assist with the reconstruction schematic if necessary.

· Get the contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident who may be able to help prove your case.

· Immediately seek medical attention following a car, motorcycle, bicycle / scooter, or auto accident. Be sure to explain how the injuries occurred to your doctor or surgeon. You need to mention any sensations of pain, radiating pain, disorientation, confusion, memory lapses, or other conditions you have sustained as a result of this accident. Ask the doctor to take pictures of your bruises, cuts, or any visible injuries. If the doctor does not do this routinely, we will be more than willing to document these injuries.

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Our Hollywood, Ft. Lauderdale, Davie, Miami, South Florida private investigators have dealt with thousands of auto accidents, truck accidents, bicycle accident, scooter accidents, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, trip and fall accidents, slip and fall accidents among other Florida personal injury claims. Moreover, we have worked on literally thousands of Florida workers’ compensation cases and understand the potential for third party claims. On a daily basis, we deal with south Florida car accident attorneys, Florida motorcycle accident attorneys, Miami personal injury attorneys. The attorneys we have worked with specialize in Florida injuries such as workers’ compensation, personal injury, product liability, liability insurance, aviation law, truck accidents, construction accidents, dismemberment cases, wrongful death cases, and medical malpractice cases in Florida.

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Florida Automobile Insurance Overview

Our Florida private investigators get questions every day from clients about their auto insurance. Even if you haven’t been in an accident, it helps to understand the general language of Florida auto insurance. Below are descriptions of the various types of coverage in the state of Florida. If you are in an accident, the type of coverage you and the other party carry can often determine what type of settlement beyond medical expenses and lost wages you may be able to receive.

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Personal Injury Protection Coverage (mandatory)

Florida is a "No Fault" State, which means that regardless of who is at fault in an accident, you must go to your own auto insurance to pay your medical bills. This insurance is referred to as PIP or Personal Injury Protection coverage; this coverage is mandatory for all automobile owners in Florida. PIP coverage provides for payment of 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages up to $10,000.00. Because of this limit, many people purchase additional extended PIP coverage or Medical Payments Coverage. If you were not at fault in the accident, you may also claim against the person who was at fault for the balance of your medical bills as well as money or compensatory damages. However, your medical bills will still be paid at 80% by your own PIP carrier. PIP covers you, your spouse, relatives living with you at the time of the accident who do not own a motor vehicle, and drivers/passengers of your vehicle who do not own a motor vehicle nor live with a relative who owns a vehicle.

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Property Damage Liability Coverage

This coverage pays the other party's property damage in the event you are at fault in an accident. If you were not at fault in the accident, it does not apply. Property Damage Liability Coverage and PIP are the only two types of coverage which are mandatory in the State of Florida.

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Bodily Injury Liability Coverage

This coverage applies only in the event that you are at fault in an accident. Bodily Injury Liability Coverage will pay money or compensatory damages to a claimant, if he/she meets certain requirements under Florida's No Fault Law, up to the limit of your coverage. Your insurance company will also pay your legal fees. While most states have statutes requiring motorists to have at least some Bodily Injury Liability Coverage, Florida does not require this type of coverage.

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Medical Payments Coverage

MEDPAY coverage provides payment of the other 20% of your medical bills not covered by Personal Injury Protection coverage.

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Collision Coverage

If you are at fault in an accident, or the at-fault party has no insurance coverage, collision coverage may be the only source of payment for damage to your vehicle.

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Uninsured-Underinsured Motorist Protection

If the at fault party does not carry Bodily Injury Liability insurance, this coverage is crucial. Instead of making a claim for money damages to the at-fault party, the claim is made to your own insurance company and treated as if you were proceeding against the other party.

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Personal Injury FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How do I know if I have a personal injury case?

A: First, you must have suffered an injury to your person or property. Second, you should consider whether your injury was someone else's fault. It is not always necessary to have a physical injury to bring a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Some personal injury claims could be based on a variety of non-physical losses and harms. In the case of an assault, for example, you do not need to show that a person's action caused you actual physical harm, but only that you expected some harm to come to you. You also may have a case if someone has attacked your reputation, invaded your privacy, or inflicted emotional distress upon you.

Q: How soon after I am injured do I have to file a lawsuit?

A: Every state has certain time limits, called "statutes of limitations," which govern the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. In some states, you may have as little as one year to file a lawsuit arising out of an automobile accident. If you miss the deadline for filing your case, you may lose your legal right damages for your injury. Consequently, it is important to talk with a south Florida lawyer as soon as you suffer or discover an injury.

Q: What should I bring with me for my meeting with a private investigator or lawyer?

A: You should provide a private investigator or lawyer with any documents that might be relevant to your case. Police reports, for example, contain eyewitness information and details about the conditions surrounding auto accidents, fires, and assaults. Copies of medical reports and bills from doctors and hospitals will help demonstrate the extent and nature of your injuries. Information about the insurer of the person who caused your injury is extremely helpful, as are any photographs you have of the accident scene, your property damage, and your injuries. The more information you are able to give your private investigator and / or lawyer, the easier it will be for him or her to determine if your claim will be successful. If you haven't collected any documents at the time of your first meeting, however, don't worry; your lawyer will be able to obtain them in his investigation of your claim.

Q: What if a person dies before bringing a personal injury lawsuit?

A: It depends on whether the person died as a result of injuries from the accident or from unrelated causes. If a person injured in an accident subsequently dies because of those injuries, that person's heirs may recover money through a lawsuit known as a wrongful death action. Also, even if a person with a personal injury claim dies from unrelated causes, the personal injury claim survives in most cases and may be brought by the executor or personal representative of the deceased person's estate.

Q: What is “negligence?”

A: The critical issue in many personal injury cases is just how a “reasonable person" was expected to act in the particular situation that caused the injury. A person is negligent when he or she fails to act like an "ordinary reasonable person" would have acted. The determination of whether a given person has met the "ordinary reasonable person" standard is often a matter that is resolved by a jury after presentation of evidence and argument at trial.

Q: What if I can’t prove someone’s negligence caused my injury? Is there any other basis for

personal injury liability besides negligence?

A: Yes. Some persons or companies may be held “strictly liable” for certain activities that harm others, even if they have not acted negligently or with wrongful intent. Under this theory, a person injured by a defective or unexpectedly dangerous product, for instance, may recover compensation from the maker or seller of the product without showing that the manufacturer or seller was actually negligent. Also, persons or companies engaged in using explosives, storing dangerous substances, or keeping dangerous animals can be strictly liable for harm caused to others as a result of such activities.

Q: Will the person who caused my injury be punished?

A: Not in the traditional sense of the word. Defendants in civil actions for personal injury do not receive jail terms or criminal fines as punishment. Those are criminal sentences, and personal injury cases are civil actions. However, in some cases, juries and courts can award what are called “punitive damages,” which are designed to punish defendants who have behaved recklessly or intentionally against the public's interest. The goal in ordering the payment of punitive damages is to discourage such defendants and others from engaging in the same kind of harmful behavior in the future.

Motorcycle Accidents Reconstruction:

Why Preserving the Evidence Is Rule #1

Any good Florida private investigator or Florida motorcycle accident lawyer will tell you that preserving the evidence after an accident is very important. However, it’s particularly important after a motorcycle accident as reconstructing the scene can be very difficult – and whether or not it’s done correctly can mean the difference in winning or losing a case.

First hand experience

Cory T. Knight and our Florida private investigators at CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC know first hand that preserving the evidence is rule number one in motorcycle investigation and potential litigation. Our private investigation agency specializes in all aspects of motorcycle accidents, car accidents, auto accidents, and bicycle / scooter accidents. We can speak from experience when we explain how the evidence affects a case. More times than not, motorcyclists get injured a lot of the time and often sustain injuries like concussions and fractures. The motorcycle riders often do not really remember all the details of what happened, due to the trauma and injuries. Motorcyclists are perceived as always going faster than they are. Accident investigation can assist with overcoming preconceived bias.

Witness statements, we have interviewed many witnesses to motorcycle accidents and invariably we hear that they must have been going very fast because the sound was loud. Even when we raise the issue of impressions, such as If you look up in the sky and you see a plane flying by, it looks like they’re moving slowly, even though it is traveling hundreds of miles an hour, but you look on the ground and you see a motorcyclist near you and it looks like it’s moving very quickly. Unless the witness rides also they will not be able to discern whether the engine was in first gear or fifth. They simply hear the engine and assume they were speeding. We ask deliberate questions to determine any preconceived notions of motorcyclists. Invariably the answers yield the impression that motorcycle riders are reckless speed daemons that are crazy risk takers. Speaking for myself as a rider that may be true, but for our investigative purposes we intend on showing these flaws in their statement to combat the statement(s) given to police officers. Getting evidence as soon as possible to complete accident reconstruction including the time of day, weather conditions, skid pattern, distance from impact to point of termination just to name a few.

The truth about accident reconstruction

Accident reconstruction, especially when the accident involves a motorcycle, is extremely difficult to do. CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC has specialized Florida private investigators who can reconstruct accident scenes. Our private investigators will document the evidence and damage to the motorcycle as well as the various conditions that existed at the time of the crash. The dynamics behind accident reconstruction is something that we pride ourselves in. As riders we understand how motorcycles work, how they crash, how they lay down, and how they slide / skid or roll due to road conditions and impact coupled with evidence obtained from the bike.

What to preserve and how to preserve it?

There are specific items that should be preserved after a motorcycle accident right away. Wyle provided us with these tips:

1. Take pictures of your injuries. They’re going to get better and not look so banged up and you’re going to need that evidence.

2. Take pictures of and preserve your helmet and motorcycle gear. Damage to the gear, the sliding, the skidding, the cracks on your helmet and the scratches on your helmet or your visor all tell a story.

3. Don’t fix your bike. Maintain possession of your motorcycle and do not fix it until somebody, like a Florida motorcycle private investigator, accident reconstruction expert, or Florida motorcycle accident attorney has had a chance to look at it. If it needs to be repaired because it’s your only method of transportation, make sure document the damage with photographs of each and every inch of the motorcycle, front to back, to show what is damaged and what is not damaged because that damage also tells an important story. Obtain a detailed written repair receipt that clearly indicates exactly what parts are replaced and ask to take possession of the damaged fairings and damaged parts.

4. Go to the scene. If you can not go to the scene of the accident because you sustained injuries, we suggest that you have someone else go as soon as possible and take photographs and document all of the signs of the accident. Our Florida private investigators and accident reconstruction specialist will be happy to assist you. We need to document the entire accident scene, any skid marks, any debris such as broken glass, and any street signs or damage to roadways. Motorcycles often leave tire friction marks after an accident. They leave different kinds of tire friction marks that will show different things. They leave gouges and scratches on the pavement and they leave oil where they stop and where they’re laying down. They will leave oil if they’re tumbling, similar to blood spatter or splatter. The story that the scene tells is very important in reconstructing the accident to prove what really happened.

Cory T. Knight and our private investigation agency strongly recommend that motorcycle accident victims rapidly document all information as soon as possible including any thoughts or recollections about the accident. Just like in first grade, we need to note who, what, where, why, and when. Many times the Florida private investigators at CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC are able to reconstruct the motorcycle accident which proves more important than what the witnesses think they saw or heard.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle or bicycle accident, please feel free to contact Cory T. Knight or one of our South Florida private investigators at (954) 652-0733 to discuss your investigative needs. If you prefer, you can contact CTK INVESTIGATIONS, LLC via e-mail by clicking here. We potentially can recommend a Florida motorcycle accident attorney that has successfully handled motorcycle and bicycle accidents in the past.

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. As Florida private investigators, we recommend that you seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.