With or without a criminal conviction, Colette Heck can help you

Not all alcohol-related car accidents involve a driver who is legally drunk. Alcohol has a measurable impact on a driver's reflexes and decision-making at levels below .08 blood alcohol content (BAC). We have extensive experience in car accident cases. We know how to investigate an accident and prepare your case to demonstrate why you are entitled to full compensation. We have an excellent record of verdicts and settlements for victims of all types of motor vehicle accidents, including those where alcohol was a factor.

There are many ways to show that the driver who caused your accident was behaving negligently. A driver who is speeding or checking a cellphone is driving negligently. A driver who is impaired by alcohol is driving negligently. If the driver who caused your accident is convicted of DUI/DWI, that is certainly evidence of negligent driving. With or without a criminal conviction, Colette Heck can help you present the strongest possible case to get you the compensation you deserve.

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Colette Heck can help you get the compensation you are entitled to!

Serious car accidents may involve head trauma, spinal cord injuries, amputations and long-term disability. Most insurance companies, committed to profit for their shareholders, employ a number of tactics to reduce or minimize claim settlements and payments. As a result, many car accident injury victims have little choice but to go to court to recover compensation proportional to the actual cost of their injuries.

I-95 and I-4 are home to some of the most challenging driving conditions in the United States. Many of the car and truck accidents in this area occur on our highways. High speeds combined with heavy use make Daytona highways prime real estate for serious motor vehicle incidents. If you have been hurt in an accident on Florida highways, our DeLand car accident attorneys can help you.

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Motorcycle accidents are almost always serious!

Motorcycle accidents are almost always serious, especially when they involve high speeds, unyielding stationary objects or other moving vehicles. With no seatbelts to keep you from being thrown, no airbags to cushion the impact and no metal to protect you, a motorcycle accident can result in severe injuries or death.

Despite preventive actions and safety features (helmets), motorcycle accidents will and do occur. Serious bodily harm and even death are often the result of such tragic occurrences. The lack of a protective barrier between the driver and the road ultimately leaves motorcyclists in a very vulnerable position.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents:

-Motorcycle-Car/Truck Collision: Sometimes car and truck drivers pull out in front of the biker at the last minute, cut off the motorcyclist, make a U-turn in front of the biker, or otherwise violate the motorcyclist’s right of way. The car/truck often does not see the biker due to blind spots, driving conditions (hard to detect at night or in poor weather), or they are distracted (texting, talking on cell phone).
-Sudden-Stop Collision: Rear-end collisions where the driver of the motor vehicle stops for some unknown reason and the motorcyclist crashes into the back of their vehicle.
-Open Door Accidents: Parked cars and vehicles that open the door directly into the biker’s path.
-Road Conditions: Debris on the road, trash thrown out the window, groves, gravel, or lose pavement can cause a bike to skid out from under the rider. Road construction and railroad crossings can also put bikers at risk.

Call Colette Heck Law today, your DeLand auto injury attorney.
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Have you been in A car accident?

Car accidents are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Rear end collisions are the most typical type of case that Colette Heck Law sees. Failing to yield the right of way, and turning in front of on-coming traffic are other accident cases that are commonly handled by Ms. Heck. Other car accident cases we handle are crashes involving drunk drivers, negligent drivers running a red light or stop signs, speeding, and cars entering intersections from private driveways. such as shopping centers, without looking before entering the street or highway.

Although there are countless reasons why motor vehicle accidents occur, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates the number one factor contributing to car accidents in the nation is distracted or inattentive driving, which accounts for approximately 80% of all motor vehicle accidents.

Other factors that cause car accidents are driving under the influence of alcohol or drug related substances, violation of traffic laws such as speeding or not stopping at stop signs, fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel, and lack of maintenance to the vehicle. In other situations, car accidents result from external factors out of an individual’s control, such as poor weather conditions, improperly maintained roads and highways, or a defect on the vehicle from the manufacturer.

Our DeLand car accident attorney assists victims of car accidents in attempting to obtain compensation for their injuries. In order to best protect your rights, it is important that you contact an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately after your accident.

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Helping you get the compensation you deserve

Not all alcohol-related car accidents involve a driver who is legally drunk. Alcohol has a measurable impact on a driver's reflexes and decision-making at levels below .08 blood alcohol content (BAC). We have extensive experience in car accident cases. We know how to investigate an accident and prepare your case to demonstrate why you are entitled to full compensation. We have an excellent record of verdicts and settlements for victims of all types of motor vehicle accidents, including those where alcohol was a factor.

There are many ways to show that the driver who caused your accident was behaving negligently. A driver who is speeding or checking a cellphone is driving negligently. A driver who is impaired by alcohol is driving negligently. If the driver who caused your accident is convicted of DUI/DWI, that is certainly evidence of negligent driving. With or without a criminal conviction, Colette Heck can help you present the strongest possible case to get you the compensation you deserve.

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Helping clients get justice!

Colette Heck has successfully represented injured drivers and passengers in every imaginable car and automobile accident scenario. From head on collisions, rear end collisions, motorcycle crashes, drunk driving accidents, hit and runs, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, even uninsured and under-insured motor vehicle accident claims. Our firm also handles complex car accident cases involving insurance coverage disputes and product liability claims such as defective design and automobile manufacturing defects.

Accidents can cause a wide range of complex injuries and medical conditions. Common injuries include fractures, broken bones, and other serious injuries to the cervical, lumbar, or thoracic spine surgical repair. Some of the most common injuries occur to the neck and back. In medical terminology, the location of neck and back injuries are referred to as the cervical, lumbar, and thoracic spine.

Sometimes injuries are serious enough and may require surgical repair. High speed collisions, accidents with pedestrians, motorcycle accidents, and drunk driving accident cases often result in severe or even catastrophic injuries such as a traumatic brain injury, closed head injury, spinal cord injury, paralysis, and in some cases  wrongful death. Over the years, Colette Heck Law has seen many unfortunate injury cases, but has also been able to help client's get justice too.

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Florida is a No-Fault State

When a Florida resident gets into a car accident, several state laws affect the insurance claims and lawsuits that might result. Let's examine a few of those laws, including Florida's status as a no-fault state, how long drivers have to file court cases after a crash, and how Florida's "pure" comparative fault rule might affect the case.

Florida is a No-Fault State
The most important thing to note about Florida law if you've been in a car accident is that Florida is a no-fault car insurance state. That means, if you've been injured in a car accident in Florida, you'll need to first turn to your own car insurance coverage to get compensation for your injuries and other losses stemming from the accident, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

Only in certain cases can you step outside the no-fault system and try to hold the other driver liable for your injuries -- meaning you can file a liability claim with the other driver's insurer or file a personal injury lawsuit against him or her. In Florida, only car accidents that result in permanent injury, or significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, will take a claim outside of the no-fault system.

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Deadlines for Filing an Injury Lawsuit in Florida

Like every other state, Florida has a statute on the books that sets a deadline for the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit in civil court against the person or business that might be legally at fault for your injury. This law is called a statute of limitations.

Under Florida's statute of limitations for personal injury cases, you have four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in Florida's civil courts (this law can be found in Florida Statutes Annotated section 95.11). If you don't file your case within this time window, the court will very likely refuse to hear it at all. In rare cases, you may not “discover” that you actually suffered harm for some amount of time after the incident that caused the injury, and in those instances the lawsuit-filing window will be extended.

For injury claims against a city, county or state government, the time limit is three years.

If you're filing an insurance claim or lawsuit over an accident or injury, you'll need to be familiar with the laws that might affect your case.

Contact Colette Heck Law today.

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In need an experienced auto injury attorney?

If someone in a motor vehicle or a commercial truck has hurt you, an experienced and passionate advocate can make all the difference. For your Daytona Beach Area auto accident attorney at the Law Offices of Colette Heck, it's personal: She cares about you and your family.  Our whole office staff cares about you and Colette Heck will fight for you. Call us today at 386-253-3033 to set up a free consultation. We represent victims of auto accidents throughout Central Florida, including Brevard County, Orange County, Volusia County, Seminole County, and Flagler County. Our office is in Daytona Beach, Florida.

These are just some of the areas that Colette Heck covers: Multi Vehicle Accidents, Side Impact Accidents, Rear Impact Collisions, Head On Collisions, High Speed Collisions, Low-Speed Collisions, and Vehicle Roll Over

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New Smyrna Beach trucking accident lawyer

Injuries Trucking Accidents can include:

-Multiple broken bones.
-Head injuries that leave victims with devastating brain damage.
-Spinal cord injuries that cause lifelong paralysis.
-Organ damage that spells lasting health issues.
-Deep cuts that heal into disfiguring scars.

Colette Heck Law has the experience of working with experts to hold the truck driver and trucking company accountable for their negligence or carelessness. She is committed to ensuring that she presents the most compelling case on behalf of her clients. When you’ve been severely injured, you want the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ve put your trust in an attorney who is committed to protecting your rights and representing your best interests. Colette Heck is not afraid of big insurance companies, powerful trucking companies or any other parties responsible for leaving New Smyrna Beach residents hurt and unable to work or enjoy their lives.

New Smyrna Beach trucking accident attorney Colette Heck is an aggressive advocate for the victims of accidents caused by large trucks. The sheer weight and momentum of a tractor-trailer or other big truck can cause devastating injuries when an accident occurs. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a trucking accident, New Smyrna Beach trucking accident lawyer Colette Heck has the real-world experience that can make a difference in recovering the monetary damages you need to help with the medical and financial challenges caused by a commercial trucking accident.

Contact Colette Heck Law today!

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Drunk Driving

Drunk drivers willfully and needlessly endanger the life of others. According to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, 33,625 people were convicted of driving under the influence last year alone. When someone decides to drive drunk innocent drivers and passengers are in immediate danger. These cases are more difficult than many people realize. It is not about just reckless driving. It's also about tracing the beverage or substance trail back to the source to make those who foster, encourage, or enable drunk or drug impaired drivers.

Drunk driving is a third degree felony under Florida Statutes and is punishable in by incarceration. Under Florida law, drivers with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher are above the legal limit. Furthermore, drunk drivers that cause accidents and serious injuries such as a traumatic brain or closed head injury can also be subject additional civil liability for punitive damages under Florida Statutes 768.762.

Damages in a drunk driving case include amounts for past and future medical bills, loss of earnings, loss of a loved one, pain and suffering, permanent disability and punitive damages. This is because drunk driving is reckless disregard for the life and safety of others. Drunk driving cases can also include claims not just against the drunk driver but may include legal liability from other third parties such as establishments where the alcohol was served. Florida's vendor responsibility act requires alcohol establishments to teach their employees to serve alcohol responsibly to the public.

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Working hard to ensure you receive the settlement you need

Colette Heck Law has helped many Port Orange, Florida bikers that have been injured due to the negligence of another driver, an unsafe roadway or a defective motorcycle. There's little doubt that motorcycles are a lot of fun to ride and, in today's economy, they can save you money when it comes to gas. However, people riding motorcycles have very little protection and are always at a much greater risk of serious injury when involved in a motor vehicle accident. Head injuries or even a fatality can occur even though the motorcycle rider was wearing a helmet and the proper riding gear. In most road accidents, the motorcyclist is almost always thrown from their motorcycle into the street or into other vehicles involved in the crash.

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a motorcycle crash, Colette Heck Law can help you get your life back on track. The Heck Law Firm truly understands the legal nuances involved with a motorcycle crash and how to use the legal system when dealing with your insurance company and the insurance companies of the other drivers involved. Colette Heck Law will work diligently to ensure that you receive the settlement you need for compensation, including property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term health care. Unfortunately, they can't change what happened, but they can help you get on the road to recovery. Call today.

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Florida law imposes a duty to stop at the scene of an accident

Florida law imposes a duty to stop at the scene of an accident and exchange information with the other driver.  If a party appears to be injured, the law imposes an additional duty to render reasonable aid and call for emergency help if necessary.  When a driver leaves the scene without stopping and providing information, and the accident resulted in personal injury or death to another person, the driver has committed a third degree felony, punishable by significant jail time and fines.

Because many hit and run drivers flee the scene for fear of being caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, criminal proceedings often accompany a civil law suit. The injuries suffered by victims of these accidents are often severe, life-altering and even fatal.

However, even hit and run victims may be able to seek compensation for injuries, pain and suffering, medical bills and lost wages.  Accident victims with uninsured motorist coverage may be able to make a claim under their own insurance policy.  If the hit and run driver was driving a work vehicle at the time of the accident or was on a work errand, an accident victim may seek compensation for injuries by filing a law suit against the employer or owner of the vehicle. Victims of a Florida hit and run accident who have suffered personal injuries or family members of those killed in a hit and run accident may also be able to bring criminal charges against the driver, if the person can be located by police.

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No matter where you ride, there are risks every time

Most bikers are especially concerned about their bike and getting it fixed; or, having it declared as a total loss, for quick resolution to getting back on the road as soon as possible. Other questions might be related to obtaining a rental car, or finding a doctor who takes motorcycle accident cases, or finding a lawyer experienced in motorcycle cases, injuries, and settlements.

With its year-round sunshine and warm weather, there are few places better suited for motorcyclists than Port Orange, Florida. But no matter where you ride, there are risks every time you head out on the open road. Even minor accidents may lead to serious injuries causing permanent pain, disability, and life-threatening complications.

If you have a motorcycle accident, you may be out of work for a long time and struggling to pay for your medical treatment. Contact Colette Heck Law.

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Contact an experienced motorcycle injury attorney

Motorcycle accidents will often result in a very serious injury or death, and it is therefore extremely important for those involved in a motorcycle accident to contact an experienced motorcycle injury attorney in order to properly recover costs for injuries, medical bills, distress, loss of wages, medical expenses, and other damages caused as a result of the motorcycle accident.

You should also make sure to do the following:
-Report the accident to local law enforcement and insist upon an accident crash report
-Seek immediate medical attention, even if you think you are not injured. Being involved in a motorcycle accident can result in severe shock, so any injuries may not be immediately apparent.
-Get the license number, personal and insurance details, and name of the other driver involved.
-Ask for the details and names of any witnesses present at the accident scene.
-Take pictures to document your injuries and damages as soon as possible.

Contact Colette Heck Law today.
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The few minutes after a car crash

Colette Heck feels it is important to educate her clients in obtaining adequate insurance coverage if they are involved in another accident. In Florida, for example, the law does not mandate bodily injury coverage. Therefore, many people injured by Florida drivers are never compensated for their loss because of inadequate insurance coverage.

Florida’s Statute S627.737 requires that in order to obtain any compensation for pain, suffering, mental anguish, and inconvenience because of bodily injury, sickness, or disease arising out of either the ownership, maintenance, operation, or use of a motor vehicle the injury or disease must result in a significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, or a permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability or a significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement or death. The few minutes after a car crash can literally make the difference between winning or losing your case, even when the accident is not your fault.

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Your Port Orange auto injury attorney.

Motorcycle accidents are almost always serious, especially when they involve high speeds, unyielding stationary objects or other moving vehicles. With no seatbelts to keep you from being thrown, no airbags to cushion the impact and no metal to protect you, a motorcycle accident can result in severe injuries or death.

Despite preventive actions and safety features (helmets), motorcycle accidents will and do occur. Serious bodily harm and even death are often the result of such tragic occurrences. The lack of a protective barrier between the driver and the road ultimately leaves motorcyclists in a very vulnerable position.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents:

-Motorcycle-Car/Truck Collision: Sometimes car and truck drivers pull out in front of the biker at the last minute, cut off the motorcyclist, make a U-turn in front of the biker, or otherwise violate the motorcyclist’s right of way. The car/truck often does not see the biker due to blind spots, driving conditions (hard to detect at night or in poor weather), or they are distracted (texting, talking on cell phone).
-Sudden-Stop Collision: Rear-end collisions where the driver of the motor vehicle stops for some unknown reason and the motorcyclist crashes into the back of their vehicle.
-Open Door Accidents: Parked cars and vehicles that open the door directly into the biker’s path.
-Road Conditions: Debris on the road, trash thrown out the window, groves, gravel, or lose pavement can cause a bike to skid out from under the rider. Road construction and railroad crossings can also put bikers at risk.

Call Colette Heck Law today, your Port Orange auto injury attorney.

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Contact Colette Heck Law today for your consultation!

Car accidents have a number of causes, most of which are related to negligence or wrongdoing. The primary cause of car accidents throughout Port Orange is driver error or negligence. As an example, drunk driving accidents account for approximately one-third of all fatal traffic accidents throughout the U.S. each year, other car crash statistics are just as troubling. Additional forms of negligence may include: speeding, driving recklessly, or disobeying a traffic law, as well as simple errors such as failing to check one’s blind spot or not looking both ways before proceeding through an intersection. Less common causes of Port Orange car accidents may include: automobile defects or malfunction, or poor road or weather conditions.

Depending on the cause of your serious car accident in Port Orange, you may be able to hold another driver responsible, or perhaps an automobile or auto part manufacturer. In some cases, you may even be able to hold the local government responsible for poorly maintained or designed roads or intersections.

Find out more about what you can do in the wake of a car accident with the help of a skilled attorney at your side. Contact Colette Heck Law today for your consultation!

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Colette will stand up for those rights

People talk about accidents occurring in slow motion, but the immediate aftermath of an auto accident is likely to be a blur. Following that, as you deal with the other driver, police, possibly emergency medical personnel, and then the insurance company, it is a time of pain and stress. If a death has occurred, the pain and stress of survivors increases immeasurably.

Being in a collision or another type of car accident is a common occurrence, but it is usually a unique experience for those involved. Shock, stress, confusion and even anger can cloud an accident victim’s judgment about what to do or say. This is why it is appropriate and necessary to obtain legal help as soon as possible from an experienced Port Orange automobile accident attorney.

If you or a loved one has been injured, or you have lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident in Port Orange Florida, you may have a right to compensation for your losses and injuries. Colette Heck will stand up for those rights in negotiations with insurance companies and, when necessary, in a court of law.

Call Colette Heck Law today!

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Colette Heck Has The Real-World Experience

Injuries Trucking Accidents can include:

-Multiple broken bones.
-Head injuries that leave victims with devastating brain damage.
-Spinal cord injuries that cause lifelong paralysis.
-Organ damage that spells lasting health issues.
-Deep cuts that heal into disfiguring scars.

Colette Heck Law has the experience of working with experts to hold the truck driver and trucking company accountable for their negligence or carelessness. She is committed to ensuring that she presents the most compelling case on behalf of her clients. When you’ve been severely injured, you want the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ve put your trust in an attorney who is committed to protecting your rights and representing your best interests. Colette Heck is not afraid of big insurance companies, powerful trucking companies or any other parties responsible for leaving Port Orange residents hurt and unable to work or enjoy their lives.

Port Orange trucking accident attorney Colette Heck is an aggressive advocate for the victims of accidents caused by large trucks. The sheer weight and momentum of a tractor-trailer or other big truck can cause devastating injuries when an accident occurs. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a trucking accident, Port Orange trucking accident lawyer Colette Heck has the real-world experience that can make a difference in recovering the monetary damages you need to help with the medical and financial challenges caused by a commercial trucking accident.

Contact Colette Heck Law today!

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