GOLDLAW – West Palm Beach Personal Injury Lawyers, Car Accident, Slip & Fall – Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb

Author: Ryan O’Connor

  • Boat Crash in West Palm Beach Leaves One Person Dead, Two Others Injured

    A boat crash on Tuesday morning, October 27, left one person dead and two others in the hospital.

    Palm Beach County Fire Rescue said they responded to the crash shortly after 9:30 AM in the C-51 canal, which runs parallel to Southern Boulevard near the Congress Avenue overpass. The two injured boaters were taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment. The deceased victim’s name has not yet been released.

    Unfortunately, Florida leads the nation in boating accident fatalities, according to a U.S. Coast Guard survey of marine accidents in 2018. For that year they had 607 boating accidents, leading to 607 deaths, 297 injuries, and more than $7 million in property damage. Collisions and falling overboard are the two biggest reasons for fatalities, but fires on board a boat can also be deadly.

    Other factors that can contribute to boat accidents:

    • Alcohol. Boaters should drink responsibly and have a designated operator for the boat who is not drinking.
    • Lack of education. The Coast Guard also found that about 74 percent of accidents involve boat operators who didn’t take a certified safety training course.
    • Not wearing a life jacket. According to the Coast Guard, 84 percent of people who drowned were not wearing one, and three in four fatalities involve drowning.
  • How Much in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits Are Drivers Entitled To?

    How Much in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits Are Drivers Entitled To?

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In Florida, your personal injury protection auto insurance provides you with up to $10,000 coverage in the event of a motor vehicle accident, regardless of fault. This does not necessarily mean that you will be entitled to the full $10,000, however. Your case will be assessed, and a benefit amount decided on, based on the circumstances surrounding your claim.

    If no emergency medical condition exists, for example, your PIP benefit may be limited to only $2,500. And of course, drivers can elect to purchase more in coverage that the state-mandated $10,000 minimum.

    When PIP benefits kick in and coverages available

    When you receive medical treatment within 14 days of a motor vehicle accident, PIP covers up to 80% of reasonable medical costs. These may include ambulatory services, diagnostics, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and hospitalization.

    Your insurance may also cover expenses that are deemed medically necessary, such as mileage or transportation costs to and from medical appointments. It is important to speak with your insurer about the necessary paperwork to be completed to ensure your eligibility for these entitlements.

    In the event that you are unable to work as a result of your accident, PIP may cover up to 60% of lost income, with 100% of utilities eligible to be covered.

    In the event of a fatality, your personal injury insurance will also pay a $5,000 death benefit, in addition to the $10,000 coverage amount.

    Additionally, passengers in your car, including children and family, are also covered under your PIP insurance policy. If your passenger is not related to you, they would be covered by either a relative that they reside with who has a PIP policy, or your policy.

    If you are a pedestrian or cyclist who is injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may also be eligible for a claim of up to $10,000. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1604527941090{margin-top: 60px !important;}”][vc_column][templatera id=”5675092″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][templatera id=”5677596″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Motorcyclists Sandra Rios, Dead, and Rodolfo Rios Critically Injured After Commercial Dump Trunk Runs A Red Light

    Motorcyclists Sandra Rios, Dead, and Rodolfo Rios Critically Injured After Commercial Dump Trunk Runs A Red Light

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A crash Friday morning, October 9, at Beeline Highway and Northlake Boulevard left one motorcycle rider dead, and the driver in critical condition.

    Authorities say the accident happened when a dump truck moving south on Beeline failed to stop at a red light. The large truck then crashed into a motorcycle that had the right of way. The bike’s driver, Rodolfo Rios, 25, was rushed to the hospital and remains in critical condition. Sadly the motorcycle’s passenger, Sandra Rios, 46, was pronounced dead at the scene. test

    Police say they are investigating the crash, but do not believe alcohol or drugs played a role.

    Large Commercial Vehicles are particularly dangerous

    Large commercial vehicles can be particularly dangerous when involved in any kind of accident because of their size and weight. It is very important that drivers who operate these vehicles have proper training and understand the potentially deadly consequences of ignoring simple traffic laws like stopping for a red light.

    Unfortunately, Florida has one of the highest rates of large truck accidents in the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) it consistently ranks #3 in the nation, behind only California and Texas.

    There are many causes of commercial trucking accidents. Aside from intoxicated driving, speeding and distracted driving are two common causes. Another frequent issue is companies hiring drivers who lack the necessary experience and training.

    In some cases, they may not even have the right type of license for the truck they are assigned to drive. When trucking companies fail to ensure proper training, they’re doing a disservice both to the driver, and to others who may be affected by an accident.

    All drivers should be aware that it’s easy to miss a motorcycle due to its small size. “Look twice and save a life!” is something motorists are encouraged to do. Stopping at red lights will give you ample time to do this.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • How Do I Claim My Personal Injury Protection Benefits?

    How Do I Claim My Personal Injury Protection Benefits?

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is required in the state of Florida, and all drivers must carry this insurance coverage. We are often asked: How do I claim my personal injury protection benefits? And what exactly are my PIP benefits? We answer these questions and more below!

    Drivers in Florida Are Required to Have Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

    PIP insurance is necessary in Florida, and it covers $10,000 of qualifying medical costs (or more if you choose a greater level of coverage) associated with motor vehicle accidents. Drivers cannot choose to carry PIP; every registered vehicle in Florida must have PIP. Your children and any non-drivers injured in an accident are also covered by the insurance that’s in place for that vehicle.

    What is Covered by PIP?

    A successful PIP claim will cover medical bills and lost wages caused by the accident. Coverage isn’t linked to fault, so you’ll be covered no matter who was at fault for the accident.

    There’s a range of different costs that might be covered by your PIP insurance. That includes medical services, medication, surgery and other hospital costs, ambulance services, rehabilitation and diagnostics. In the event of death, things such as funeral costs will be covered by PIP. And 60% of lost wages up to $10,000 are covered, as well as the cost of completing tasks around the home that can’t be completed as a result of your injuries.

    Claiming PIP Benefits

    In order to claim PIP benefits, the treatment you received for the injuries sustained in the crashed must have happened within 14 days of the crash itself. When making a claim, it’s important to understand the coverage is capped at $2,500 for medical attention considered non-emergency.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1604527200331{margin-top: 50px !important;}”][vc_column][templatera id=”5675092″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1604526215619{margin-top: 60px !important;}”][norebro_heading subtitle_type_layout=”bottom_subtitle” module_type_layout=”on_middle” title=”TW9yZSUyMEZyZXF1ZW50bHklMjBBc2tlZCUyMFF1ZXN0aW9ucyUyMEFib3V0JTIwUElQ” subtitle_typo=”weight~inherit” title_color=”brand”][vc_text_separator title=”Learn More From Our Articles and Blog” color=”custom” accent_color=”#c2903e” css=”.vc_custom_1604524201212{margin-top: 15px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][norebro_recent_posts post_category=”513″ card_layout=”simple” columns_in_row=”3-3-2-1″ posts_in_block=”12″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Customer at Palm Beach Gardens Gas Station Fatally Shot During Robbery

    On Friday, September 18, a robbery at the Chevron gas station on Alternate A1A and Florida Boulevard ended in tragedy when a customer was shot and killed.

    Authorities responded to a reported robbery with gunshots at the gas station just before 11 PM. Once there, they found a woman suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim, later identified as Jacqueline Rae Barthelemy, 36, was rushed to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

    The store clerk told police a robber pointed a gun at her while demanding cash, as a female accomplice held the front door shut. The clerk report indicates that as she was getting cash from a second register, she heard gunshots and saw a customer on the floor, but couldn’t tell who had shot her.

    Police later arrested Ezequiel Nunez in connection with the shooting, charging him with multiple felonies including murder and robbery with a firearm. He remains in jail without bond at this time. A second suspect, believed to be an accomplice, was also later arrested.

    In some cases, a lack of adequate security in gas stations and other public buildings may contribute to violent crimes like robberies and murders. “Adequate security” for a gas station might include the hiring private security guards or off-duty police officers, ensuring proper lighting, or other security measures.

    Companies that operate businesses open to the public have a responsibility to create a safe environment both for their employees and their customers.

    Jacqueline Rae Barthelemy is fondly remembered by loved ones. She leaves behind a husband, two young children, siblings, parents, and extended family who all miss her. A chef at a local country club, she also did philanthropic work for the Palm Beach Gardens Youth Athletic Association (PBGYAA). The PBGYAA is a local youth sports organization that Barthelemy worked with for years. The Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb have also sponsored PBGYAA for many years, including 2020.

    A statement from Barthelemy’s family called her, “a sweet and gentle soul who will be missed forever.”

  • LOCG Opens Office in Port St. Lucie!

    LOCG Opens Office in Port St. Lucie!

    [vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][norebro_text]

    Our PSL Office

    Seacoast Bank Building
    1100 SW St. Lucie Blvd. W, Suite 203
    Port St. Lucie, FL 34986

    Reach The Team
    (772) 999-9000

    [/norebro_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]The Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. is proud to announce that we have opened a physical office in Port St. Lucie during the Summer of 2020! We have staffed the office with our Pre-Suit Team led by attorney Marisa Zarzeski, Esq., a paralegal, and legal assistant.

    Craig Goldenfarb commented on the opening of the office in a recent press release. “What our new office represents is confidence. It’s our confidence that Port St. Lucie and the greater Treasure Coast is a wonderful community with good, hard-working people that deserve competent, experienced, and most importantly, local, legal representation”, says Mr. Goldenfarb.

    Our firm has already begun investing in the community of Port St. Lucie. We are looking forward to sponsoring community youth athletic leagues, local churches, and other non-profit organizations.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1600714885649{margin-top: 50px !important;padding-top: 15px !important;padding-right: 15px !important;padding-bottom: 15px !important;padding-left: 15px !important;background-color: #0f2c4d !important;border-radius: 4px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][norebro_video layout=”with_preview” button_layout=”filled” title=”SGVsbG8lMjBQU0wlMjElMjBUViUyMENvbW1lcmNpYWwlMjBWZXJzaW9uJTIwQQ==” link=”https://youtu.be/ybbRYmNcsKk” preview_image=”5676863″ button_color=”brand” button_hover_color=”#e9e9ea” icon_color=”#ffffff” icon_hover_color=”#ffffff”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][norebro_video layout=”with_preview” button_layout=”filled” title=”SGVsbG8lMjBQU0wlMjElMjBUViUyMENvbW1lcmNpYWwlMjBWZXJzaW9uJTIwQg==” link=”https://youtu.be/EVnhCNP1GwI” preview_image=”5676487″ button_color=”brand” button_hover_color=”#e9e9ea” icon_color=”#ffffff” icon_hover_color=”#ffffff”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gmaps link=”#E-8_JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbSUyRm1hcHMlMkZlbWJlZCUzRnBiJTNEJTIxMW0xOCUyMTFtMTIlMjExbTMlMjExZDM1NDQuOTA1ODcwNzY0OTI2NSUyMTJkLTgwLjM4NzUxNjA4NDc0OTI4JTIxM2QyNy4zMTYxMzQzNDkxODE1OTIlMjEybTMlMjExZjAlMjEyZjAlMjEzZjAlMjEzbTIlMjExaTEwMjQlMjEyaTc2OCUyMTRmMTMuMSUyMTNtMyUyMTFtMiUyMTFzMHg4OGRlZWQ0NDJkODZmYjY5JTI1M0EweDYyYjAzNzhjN2RhN2EzYTclMjEyc0xhdyUyNTIwT2ZmaWNlcyUyNTIwb2YlMjUyMENyYWlnJTI1MjBHb2xkZW5mYXJiJTI1MkMlMjUyMFAuQS4lMjE1ZTAlMjEzbTIlMjExc2VuJTIxMnN1cyUyMTR2MTYwMDcxNTYyOTYzMiUyMTVtMiUyMTFzZW4lMjEyc3VzJTIyJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI2MDAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjI0NTAlMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBzdHlsZSUzRCUyMmJvcmRlciUzQTAlM0IlMjIlMjBhbGxvd2Z1bGxzY3JlZW4lM0QlMjIlMjIlMjBhcmlhLWhpZGRlbiUzRCUyMmZhbHNlJTIyJTIwdGFiaW5kZXglM0QlMjIwJTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGaWZyYW1lJTNF” title=”Discover Our Office and Leave a Review!” css=”.vc_custom_1600715668845{margin-top: 50px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Man’s Death on Interstate 95 Reveals Safe Driving Concerns for Truck Drivers

    An 85-year-old man died on Saturday, September 19, after a mishap on a wet road led to his vehicle being struck by a tractor-trailer.

    Authorities say the accident happened on Donald Ross Road near Jupiter, around 4 PM. The victim, who hasn’t been identified yet pending notification of next of kin, lost control of his vehicle on a wet patch of road, according to Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). His pickup veered off the road, hit an inside guardrail, and made it back onto the highway, where it was hit by a tractor trailer.

    That collision sent the pickup into the outside guardrail, where it again bounced back violently onto the highway, hitting another pickup truck and camper before finally coming to a stop. Sadly, the 85-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene after rescue crews arrived. No one else was hurt.

    Slick roads can always be hazardous, and drivers should be extra cautious in rainy weather. However, truck drivers need to be especially careful due to the large size of their vehicles. Although the initial report in this case indicates that the man lost control of his vehicle, tractor trailer drivers are trained to avoid vehicles, and must make every effort possible to avoid accidents.

    It is possible that the driver of the tractor trailer could bear a portion of the responsibility for this tragic collision. An experienced attorney may be needed to investigate whether the tractor trailer driver and the truck bear any responsibility for this loss.

  • Shooting At Madison Cay Apartments in Vero Reveals Possible Security Lapse

    Shooting At Madison Cay Apartments in Vero Reveals Possible Security Lapse

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Madison Cay apartment complex shoorA young black male, Jason Dillard, was 19 years old when he was shot multiple times near a retention pond on the premises of the Madison Cay Apartments in Fort Pierce, Florida. He later died at a nearby hospital.

    While facts surrounding the tragic shooting are few, one thing is clear: The apartment complex owners and management team may have been deficient in securing the apartment complex from violence.

    Under Florida law, apartment complex and premises have a duty to provide reasonable security of their premises to reduce the opportunity for criminals to perpetuate violent acts such as shootings, robberies, rape, or murder. When they fail to do so, and a violent act occurs that results in severe injury or death, the surviving family members may be able to file a lawsuit against the complex for negligent security.

    Two unknown male subjects are wanted as suspects in the murder. Immediately, Fort Pierce police began combing the complex for witnesses or evidence, and even posted a message on the neighborhood app Nextdoor asking any residents who have a “doorbell” camera to come forward. Their hope is that something was captured on tape.

    Our hope, too, is that the suspects are arrested and brought to justice, but regardless, if security at a residential apartment complex is insufficient, deadly crime can occur

    For the surviving family of Jason Dillard, we hope they eventually receive the justice they deserve in civil court against the Madison Cay apartment complex, it’s owner(s), and it’s property manager for possibly failing to secure the premises in an effort to prevent horrific crimes like this.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • One Adult and One Infant are Dead After a Dump Truck Driver Collides with Multiple Vehicles

    One Adult and One Infant are Dead After a Dump Truck Driver Collides with Multiple Vehicles

    On Monday, August 6, a multi-vehicle crash caused by a dump truck led to the tragic death of a 2-month-old baby, and a 46-year-old man.

    Florida Highway Patrol reports that a dump truck driven by 74-year-old Daniel Ragan of Spring Hill collided with two other vehicles around 2:30 in the afternoon. The dump truck then overturned onto a van driven by 46-year-old David Garcia, of Inverness. Sadly, Garcia died at the scene.

    Two-month-old Asher Gaspard was a passenger in another of the eight vehicles struck by the dump truck. Gaspard was rushed to a local hospital, but ultimately died of injuries suffered in the crash.

    Charges are pending in the crash, although officials say alcohol was not a factor.

  • Four Children of Murder Victim Denecia Steward Could Bring Civil Case

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A fatal shooting occurred early Sunday morning, July 26, at the Super 8 Motel on Hypoluxo Road in the small Palm Beach County town of Lantana. The victim this time is Denecia Stephanie Seward, and this is not the first time a violent crime occurred on the premises; quite the contrary, in fact.

    Authorities say the incident was reported just before 7:30 AM. First responders found a woman with multiple gunshot wounds, who was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Police believe she died before 5 AM. They are continuing to investigate, but say they have no suspects at this time.

    The patrons of this problematic hotel are well known to police for trafficking in drugs, sex, and other violent crimes. It’s frequently cited as one of the most violence-ridden hotels in Palm Beach County, for its lax security measures and inadequate safety. Our law firm is currently representing a victim who was was hurt at this Super 8 Motel.

    This law firm represents several victims in similar cases against this very motel for extreme security negligence. Civil cases against the motel can be brought by the surviving children or family of a victim, even if the criminal case is not solved.

    Police crime logs show that for a 10-year stretch between 2005 and 2015, more than 5,000 calls were made to Lantana Police for incidents at the motel – an average of a call a day. The calls didn’t stop after that, either. There’s been over 1,000 calls since New Years’ Day 2018, for everything from overdoses, mental health calls, shootings and battery.

    This most recent shooting victim, Ms. Seward has now been identified, and friends and coworkers at the scene spoke to local media. They say she was the mother of small children, and will be missed. One coworker asked for the public’s help in finding the shooter.

    “She was my buddy. I loved her. She was the life of the party. She did not deserve this,” said Jennifer Conde, a coworker and friend of the victim. “If you have any information or know the person who did it, or if someone told you something about the person who did it, call the cops, call the news, whatever you can do, just help us, she didn’t deserve that at all.”

    The Lantana Police Department’s tipline is 800-458-TIPS (8477). Anyone with information on the crime is encouraged to call.

    Negligent security law requires that owners of property like hotels and motels maintain safe premises, and that includes appropriate security standards. Having good video surveillance of parking lots and appropriate locking measures on room doors are usually helpful security measures.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]