What if I Am a Car Accident Witness?
With 42,915 road traffic fatalities in 2021, becoming a car accident witness has never been more likely. So how do you handle this situation?
First things first: it’s imperative to keep a cool head. Your role in the accident can determine its immediate outcome and future consequences. Depending on the severity of the accident, you may even end up saving a life.
Want to do the right thing? Here’s a quick guide on what you should do if you happen to see a car accident.
Ensure Your Safety
First things first: after the crash occurs, get to a safe place right away. Car accidents in busy areas can remain dangerous for a while.
If you’re driving when you spot a crash, pull over to the side of the road. Make sure you’re at least 100 feet from the scene. Then, turn on your hazard lights so that other drivers are more likely to spot the accident.
If you’re a pedestrian, stick to pedestrian areas such as sidewalks. If traffic keeps passing by, even shoulders and medians can be dangerous. Don’t get too close to the scene to avoid flames, leaked fuel, and broken glass.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to stop after witnessing an accident. That said, if you’re the first person on the scene, your assistance can be crucial for the victims.
Call 911
If you witnessed a car accident, call the police as soon as possible. Even if the crash doesn’t appear severe, the authorities can help.
When you make the call, give them all the pertinent details. These include the location of the accident and the number of people involved. Let them know how serious the injuries are and whether anyone is unconscious.
The police may also ask you about the nearest cross street. If you’re not sure about this, look around and try to determine this right away. If you’re on a highway or interstate, check for the closest milepost or on/off-ramp.
Check on the Victims
If the crash was serious enough, it’s important to check on the victims. Enter the scene cautiously to avoid any broken glass or sharp metal.
Don’t try to move injured people unless the vehicle is in danger of catching fire. Doing so can make the injury worse. Most EMTs will arrive within minutes, so it’s best to let the trained professionals deal with the situation.
Don’t try to offer medical assistance unless you’re asked to. If someone’s in urgent need of first aid, though, you’re allowed to render it. Florida has Good Samaritan laws in place, so you’re unlikely to face liability.
Offer Assistance
Even if the accident wasn’t serious, you can provide help in other ways. For instance, you can offer the driver to stabilize their vehicle.
To do this, you’ll need to put the wrecked vehicle in “park” and switch off the ignition. If the crash has caused a fuel or oil leak, this will reduce the risk of fire. With some help, you may want to move the car out of harm’s way.
The victim may also ask you to document the scene of the accident. If they do, take images of the vehicles and any property damage. Also, take photographs of road conditions that may have led to the accident.
Another thing you can do is prevent the at-fault driver from leaving the scene. If this looks like a probability, jot down their license plate numbers. Don’t attempt to physically restrain them, though.
Provide Contact Information
As mentioned above, the role of a witness can be essential in an accident. That’s why the victim must know where to find you after you leave the scene.
While you’re waiting for the police to arrive, exchange contact information with them. Keep in mind that giving this information may lead to you being contacted by legal and medical authorities, as well as insurance agents.
If you’re discussing the incident, avoid assigning blame. That’s particularly important if you haven’t seen the moment of the crash. An auto accident can be a tense affair, so you should do your part in keeping tensions low.
Give a Statement
When the police arrive, do your best to cooperate with them. Florida law doesn’t require you to do so, but that’s the best way to help the victims.
While you’re giving the statement, don’t be nervous. Describe what you saw in a neutral manner and be as clear as possible. Any information you can provide can prove crucial for piecing together what happened.
If you witnessed a hit-and-run, your input becomes even more vital. There’s a chance you’ve seen something that can help the police find the culprit. That can be the make and model of their car or a partial license number.
It’s worth noting that you can come forward after an accident as well. Many witnesses don’t realize that what they saw could be valuable information. Of course, coming forward later may make your testimony less credible.
Prepare for a Trial
Agreeing to give a statement as an accident witness could mean going to court. That outcome is unlikely, but it’s still worth preparing for it.
One thing you should always do is consult with a car accident lawyer. Getting involved in a personal injury lawsuit can be tense, even if you’re not to blame. Having some help with the legal process can be very valuable.
Hiring a lawyer is even more important if you have a personal stake in the outcome of the case. For example, you may be a victim’s relative. In this case, your lawyer can help you figure out if your testimony will be beneficial.
Being a Reliable Car Accident Witness
Even if you’re not a medical professional, it’s always worth it to stop when you see an accident. As you can see from the above article, a car accident witness can still help the victims in a variety of ways.
Want to make sure your witness statements are as helpful as they can be? Let our experienced personal injury attorneys guide you through the legal process! Contact us here to learn more about our legal services.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
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What Type of Injury Is Most Common in T-Bone Accidents?
In the first 11 months of 2022, there were more than 340,000 vehicle accidents in Florida. These accidents resulted in almost 3,000 deaths. Injuries were recorded in around 140,000 of these accidents, with more than 216,000 people sustaining injuries.
One of the most common types of road traffic accidents is the t-bone accident. In this blog post, we will highlight everything you need to know about this type of accident and the common injuries that people typically sustain. We will also look at how fault is determined in a t-bone accident and why RHINO Lawyers is your premier choice for legal support in Florida.
What Is a T-Bone Accident?
A t-bone bone accident, also known as a side impact crash, occurs when one vehicle “t-bones” another vehicle. The name of this accident derives from the fact that a “T” shape is formed at the point of impact (i.e. when one vehicle collides with the side of the other).
This type of accident often occurs at intersections, though they can and do occur in a variety of other situations when one vehicle loses control for some reason. There are a number of possible causes of t-bone accidents, including:
- Driving recklessly (speeding, ignoring rules of the road, etc)
- Distracted driving (texting while driving, etc)
- Driving while intoxicated (under the influence of drink, drugs, etc)
- Operating a defective motor vehicle
- Mechanical error
- Poor weather conditions
- Poorly maintained road
As we will highlight below, t-bone impacts can be extremely serious and result in life-threatening or life-changing injuries.
Common Injuries From T-Bone Accidents
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, t-bone accidents are the second deadliest type of road traffic accident. According to statistics from the United States in 2020, almost one-quarter of vehicle occupant deaths (23%) occurred as a result of t-bone accidents. Only frontal impacts (58%) accounted for more passenger vehicle occupant deaths.
Given how deadly this type of car accident is, it is clear that the injuries that people sustain are often serious and life-changing. Below, we will consider some of the most serious types of injuries that occur when one vehicle is t-boned by another.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord serves a number of critical roles within the body. These include coordinating reflexes, sending sensory information from the body to the brain, and sending motor commands from the brain to the body.
Given the nature of a side impact collision, the sudden force that vehicle occupants experience can lead to serious spinal injuries. The trauma can result in surrounding tissue becoming dislocated or crushed, causing vertebrae to break, and damage to the nervous system that interferes with motor function.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury is a form of acquired brain injury. It occurs when there is a sudden trauma that causes damage to the brain.
It commonly occurs when the head is violently and suddenly hits an object or when an object strikes the skull and enters brain tissue. There are mild, moderate, and severe traumatic brain injuries.
Common types of brain injuries that occur from car accidents include concussion, brain contusion, skull fracture, brain penetration, and contrecoup brain injury.
Broken Bones
Another common type of injury from t-bone car accidents is broken bones. When one vehicle collides side-on with another, there is very little to soften this impact. Common injuries here include broken arms, legs, ribs, hips, pelvis, clavicle, and skull.
Tissue Injuries
Tendons, muscles, and ligaments often suffer damage as a result of side-impact collisions. One of the most common types of tissue injuries is whiplash, which occurs when a person’s head suddenly moves backward and then forward (or sideways) with great force.
The sudden motion causes the ligaments and tendons in the neck to tear and stretch. Some of the main symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, problems with memory and concentration, inability to sleep well, and constant tiredness.
Determining Fault in a T-Bone Accident
As we have highlighted above, there are a number of different causes of t-bone accidents. Let’s highlight a few specific examples:
- When a driver runs through a red light at an intersection and collides with another vehicle
- A driver collides side-on with another vehicle in a parking lot
- A driver cut right in front of a vehicle on a left turn, causing it to collide side-on with another vehicle
While the first driver in these instances is likely at fault, proving fault is not always easy. That is why it is so important to partner with an experienced car accident lawyer.
A lawyer will be able to build a strong case and work toward the best outcome for their client. This includes:
- Organizing medical records and bills
- Communicating with healthcare providers
- Obtaining evidence pertaining to fault
- Proving damages and liability
- Presenting evidence of injuries and fault
- Negotiating a satisfactory settlement
Here at RHINO Lawyers, we are a no-win, no-fee law firm. That means if you don’t win your case, you don’t pay us anything.
T-Bone Accidents: Understanding the Common Injuries
As this blog post highlights, some of the most common and serious types of injuries from a t-bone accident include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and tissue injuries such as whiplash.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation and justice. For exceptional legal representation, your premier choice is RHINO Lawyers.
We have recently recovered more than $34 million for our injured clients. Contact our friendly team today for a free video consultation. We look forward to speaking with you.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
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Emergency Room Errors and Medical Malpractice Law
Did you know there are approximately 130 million visits to the emergency room each year?
Generally, emergency rooms are fast-paced environments where patients’ lives are often at risk. And with lives on the line, poor decisions can lead to severe consequences. Thus, nurses and doctors risk exacerbating a condition or causing more problems. These unfortunate situations put a medical professional in peril of medical malpractice law.
You may be eligible for medical malpractice recovery after an emergency room visit has gone wrong. That said, this is not a catch-all law that applies to every situation.
Let’s take a look at medical malpractice in the ER, and whether you can be compensated under this law.
What Is Medical Malpractice Law?
First, it’s important to make clear that medical malpractice is not a simple mistake. Mistakes happen, but they are under an entirely different legal umbrella.
Malpractice refers to harm caused by a medical professional’s negligent actions. These can result from administering the wrong care or failing to administer the right care. Yet, negligence often results from ignoring procedures or failing to take precautions.
Here are a few important guidelines for qualifying true medical malpractice:
- Duty of care: you turned to the responsible medical professional for professional care and treatment
- Breach in the duty of care: your treatment is insufficient by professional standards, making it a breach of duty
- Harm occurs: misconduct by your provider either created a new injury or exacerbated an existing one
- Resulting damages: you suffer losses or expenses after this situation
All this depends primarily on one thing: the standard level of care.
Understanding Standard of Care
In fact, the standard of care is an agreed-upon, accepted bar of professional care. So, anything less than this agreed-upon standard is medical malpractice.
Every situation has different ways that a medical professional should administer care.
Of course, healthcare as a whole is a complicated field. There are many different disciplines with their own respective standards. Therefore, ERs are especially complicated and create unique difficulties.
The Challenge With Emergency Rooms
Emergency rooms treat injuries of all kinds. And, they treat these injuries on a triage basis. Practitioners without specialized training may have to deal with a crisis situation.
Actually, emergency room personnel often work under extreme pressure. Thus, forcing them to make tough decisions without adequate time to consider all the risks. An environment like this is ripe for mistakes from well-meaning individuals.
In short, it can be difficult to determine if your provider failed to meet the standard of care. In some cases, courts may side with the healthcare provider.
Further, it can be difficult to assign blame. A medical professional may have acted in what they assumed to be proper protocol. However, the medical institution’s poor guidance led to malpractice.
People usually won’t win medical malpractice cases with evidence of an injury alone. You will need to assemble several different forms of evidence to prove it. This might include the following:
- Getting detailed records of the treatment and involved parties
- Gathering evidence before and after of how the condition got worse
- Bringing in an expert to give their take on the field related to your care
- Citing journals or textbooks that outline an ER’s standard of care
- Using published medical guidelines that are the accepted norms for the practice
- A skilled legal professional who can argue why your case is malpractice
Errors in the Emergency Room that May Constitute Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice generally falls into four categories. These are not the only situations that one should consider medical malpractice.
- Medical misdiagnosis: your medical professional gives an incomplete or wrong diagnosis
- Errors in treatment: your medical professional causes harm by delaying treatment or giving the wrong treatment
- Errors in communication: your medical professional does not convey correct and complete information to you, or to someone who is treating you
- Premature emergency room discharge: your medical professional released you from ER care too early
Consult a Lawyer for Medical Malpractice Before You File a Claim
If you believe that you are a victim of medical malpractice after reading this article, it’s time to file a claim. Otherwise, you may not be able to get the compensation you deserve. Compensation may even include things like lost wages.
Of course, this is a difficult case to prove alone. The medical industry in the United States is, on the whole, a for-profit venture. Like any other company, they don’t care about your well-being if it cuts into their profits.
Do not assume that the medical professional or your provider will do the right thing and pay for damages after medical malpractice.
Most likely, they will bury the claim in a fruitless internal investigation. This investigation will likely give them a favorable result without liability. Or, they may redirect you to your insurance provider to have them deal with the cost.
A lawyer for medical malpractice is a no-brainer when it comes to fighting a medical malpractice case. They know the intricacies of medical malpractice law. They know what forms of evidence hold the greatest sway on the judge, and they have years of experience with these cases.
Find a Lawyer for Your Medical Malpractice Case
Medical malpractice law makes clear what is an honest mistake and what is negligence. This distinction is hard to make, resulting in many difficulties in fighting medical malpractice cases. A medical malpractice lawyer will get you the compensation that you require.
RHINO Lawyers focuses on personal injury claims and medical malpractice. Our medical malpractice attorneys would be more than happy to fight your case and make sure you get the most favorable outcome. You can get a free case review here and determine whether your situation qualifies as medical malpractice.
CONTACT A TAMPA MEDICAL MALPRACTICE ATTORNEY
In short, if you believe you’re a victim of medical malpractice, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your case.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
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Are Dump Truck Accidents Considered Commercial Vehicle Accidents?
The Federal government describes commercial vehicles as those that weigh more than 10,000 pounds, transport eight or more paying passengers or 15 or more non-paying passengers, or transport hazardous materials.
Florida also has guidelines surrounding what counts as a commercial vehicle. In Florida, any non-governmental vehicle that weighs more than 26,000 pounds or has three or more axles is a commercial vehicle.
Were you recently involved in a dump truck accident? Then you may wonder whether or not dump trucks are commercial vehicles. After all, commercial vehicle wrecks come with much higher consequences for liable parties.
In this guide, we will explain the definition of a commercial vehicle in Florida. Plus, we will explain why a dump truck is a commercial vehicle and what to do if you get into an accident with one. Keep reading to learn more.
Is a Dump Truck Considered a Commercial Vehicle in Florida?
Yes, Florida usually considers dump trucks commercial vehicles if they weigh more than 26,000 pounds. A dump truck with three or more axles also falls under the definition of a commercial vehicle in Florida.
Other types of vehicles that the state considers commercial vehicles may include:
- 18-wheelers
- Tractor trailers
- Flatbed trucks
- Cement trucks
- Passenger transportation vehicles
Understanding the difference between commercial and non-commercial vehicles is important. That’s because getting into a wreck with a commercial vehicle is much, much different than a regular accident. We’ll explain why next.
Commercial Vehicle Regulations in Florida
The biggest difference between commercial and regular vehicles comes down to weight and size. A heavier vehicle takes more time to stop than a non-commercial car. This fact can lead to dangerous wrecks.
For this reason, Florida requires dump truck drivers to have special licenses. Drivers also must meet specific insurance coverage minimums. These minimums depend on the truck’s weight.
Dump truck companies also enforce strict standards for drivers. Drivers must have clean driving backgrounds. They must also undergo frequent drug and alcohol tests to ensure they’re safe to drive.
Reasons for Commercial Dump Truck Accidents
Dump truck accidents can have devastating consequences. We will discuss your legal rights after a trucking accident in a moment. But first, we want to go through the top reasons commercial vehicle accidents occur in the first place.
Brake or Tire Problems
Trucking companies and their drivers require frequent maintenance. Sometimes, brake or tire problems can go unnoticed. And this can lead to devastating accidents.
However, some trucking companies will intentionally leave trucks in disrepair. This type of issue also leads to wrecks. And in this case, the trucking company is liable for any damages that come about due to the accident.
Speeding
The faster a vehicle goes, the more time it needs to come to a stop. Vehicle weight compounds this effect. That means heavier vehicles take more time to bring to a complete stop.
As you can imagine, speeding is one of the top reasons for dump truck accidents. Drivers have strict schedules to adhere to. So, they often drive over the posted speed limit to make up for it.
Overweight Trucks
Some trucking companies do not follow federal and state weight guidelines because they get paid by the load. Yet, federal and state commercial truck regulations exist for a reason. They exist to protect other drivers on the road.
So, when truck companies violate these regulations, it can lead to wrecks. Because, as we have mentioned, the heavier a vehicle, the more time it takes to apply the brakes.
Untrained Drivers
Training drivers is critical for preventing commercial vehicle accidents. Drivers must obtain a CDL licenses. And they must pass knowledge and skills exams to get a CDL license in the first place.
But the trucking industry is experiencing a driver shortage. As such, companies may hire inexperienced drivers. When this happens, it can increase the risk of accidents due to falling asleep at the wheel, speeding, or cell phone use.
Who Is at Fault for a Dump Truck Accident?
If you get into an accident with a dump truck, you may be eligible for damages. Damages are monetary awards judges give to plaintiffs in personal injury cases. The defendant is the party that pays those damages.
The defendant in a dump truck accident injury case depends on who is at fault. Usually, the fault (also known as liability) either lies with the trucking company, the driver, or both parties.
A trucking company might be liable for your injuries if it participates in the following:
- Negligent hiring
- Inadequate training
- Incomplete truck maintenance
Conversely, a driver may be liable if he or she is intoxicated when the wreck happens. Speeding and texting while driving can also be reasons for truck driver liability.
Of course, the driver and the trucking company could both be liable.
For example, say the driver was texting, which caused an accident. But the truck’s brakes were found to be faulty due to the company’s negligence. In this case, both the driver and the trucking company could be held liable.
Hit by a Dump Truck in Florida? You Need a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Both the Federal and Florida state government consider dump trucks as commercial vehicles. As such, these vehicles have strict regulations. When drivers and trucking companies do not follow these rules, accidents happen.
Were you or a loved one injured in a dump truck accident that was not your fault? RHINO Lawyers helps accident victims across The Sunshine State. Contact us today to get a free case review with our experienced accident injury lawyers.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
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Recognizing a Fair Settlement Offer
Only about 5% of personal injury cases go to court – the rest are settled. Have you received a settlement offer for your personal injury case?
Not all settlement offers are fair. It can be difficult for the average person to discern whether or not a settlement offer is reasonable or if they should make a counteroffer. How can you tell?
We’re here to talk about it. Read on to learn all about how to decide whether or not a settlement offer is appropriate and how to handle it if the offer is too low.
Are All Settlement Offers Fair?
Many people trust that any settlement offer is going to be fair. As a result, they accept the settlement offer without question. This is a huge mistake, and it’s one that insurance companies rely on when it comes to car accident cases.
Settlements generally happen when the defendant is clearly in the wrong and could potentially be on the hook for more damages. The settlement is generally lower than what the plaintiff can receive if they were to continue with the case and go to trial.
Legal professionals and insurance companies know that many plaintiffs aren’t interested in going through the stressful negotiation or trial process, so they’re likely to accept a settlement that seems “good enough.”
“Good enough” might be fine for some people, but depending on the extent of your injuries and other accident-related costs, it may not be sufficient. You shouldn’t feel pressured to accept an offer that doesn’t seem fair.
So how do you determine whether or not it’s fair?
What Was the Extent of Your Injuries?
First, consider your injuries. You need to document the time and money that you spent on doctor’s visits, hospital treatment, and even time lost from work as a result of your injury (if applicable).
If your accident resulted in mental distress and you chose to seek therapy or another form of psychiatric treatment, that also counts.
Make Sure You Seek Treatment
When you experience a personal injury accident, make sure you seek professional treatment. You’re going to need documentation of all of your injuries as well as the cost of your care.
While seeking treatment, if you’re not completely healed, try to gauge future medical costs. Remember, if you’re seeking damages before you’re done with treatment, you may end up not getting everything that you deserve or need.
Is There Property Damage to Handle?
Aside from medical costs, consider any relevant property costs. Was there damage to your vehicle? What about your home or any of your other belongings?
Many people forget about property damage costs when they’re burdened by medical costs, but the settlement should take them into consideration.
Does the Settlement Include Economic and Non-Economic Damages?
Most settlements will, by default, cover at least some of your economic damages. But what about your non-economic damages?
Non-economic damages are pain and suffering. Not everyone is able to receive compensation for this, but it never hurts to try. If the settlement does include payment for pain and suffering, it’s more likely to be fair.
Talk to Your Personal Injury Lawyer
Unless you’re very well-versed in the law, it’s likely that you won’t be able to determine whether or not your settlement offer is fair on your own. It’s best to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side to help.
A good attorney knows all about the tactics that other attorneys use to offer unfair settlements. They can look at the settlement objectively to determine if it’s going to cover everything you need.
Your lawyer may decide that the settlement is unfair and that they’ll be able to negotiate something better. They may also decide that you need to go to court if you want to receive proper compensation.
On the other hand, the attorney may also decide that the settlement may be low, but that it’s also likely as good as it can be. They may decide that going to trial would not be worthwhile given the other details of your case.
If you’re lucky, they may determine that the settlement is perfect as-is. Regardless, it’s best to let them look it over before deciding whether or not to accept the settlement.
How to Respond to a Low Settlement Offer
So what happens if the settlement offer is too low?
First, remain calm. This happens all the time and it’s nothing to worry about. Your lawyer understands that low settlement offers are part of the process and they know what to do.
Make sure you’ve provided all possible evidence that could improve the settlement offer. If you’re not sure whether or not a piece of information would help, talk to your lawyer.
Work together with your lawyer to develop a counteroffer. The lawyer will ensure that the counteroffer is reasonable and fair (and thus more likely to be accepted).
You should have your lawyer put your settlement rejection in writing.
You Don’t Have to Accept a Low Settlement Offer
Not every settlement offer is going to be a fair one. If you’ve received a low settlement offer, you can counteroffer to get the compensation you deserve. Keep this list in mind when you’re trying to decide whether or not a settlement offer is fair.
Are you a victim of a personal injury incident? If so, we want to meet you and help you get compensation. Schedule a free virtual consultation today.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
Read More