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[ No Comments ] Posted on 09.03.09 under CAR ACCIDENTS, CATASTROPHIC INJURIES, DAMAGE CONTROL, MOTORCYCLES, PROBATE LITIGATION, WILLS AND ESTATES
Everyone faces risks every day of their life. Some risks are small and some large. The risk of injury while riding a motorcycle unfortunately has increased over the last few years. If you were severely injured and could not handle your own affairs, what would you do? To a limited extent a spouse can manage your affairs, but what if you are single? A parent or sibling or child does not have an automatic right in Florida to step in and handle things.
What you can do is prepare Powers of Attorney and designate who will help you if you are incapacitated. We recommend that every adult have three important documents. First, everyone needs a Durable Power of Attorney. This allows someone chosen by you to handle all of your financial affairs. They can pay bills, manage money and represent your interests. Second, each person should have a Medical Power of Attorney. A medical power permits someone chosen by you to make your medical decisions if you are unable to do so. They can talk with doctors, move you to another hospital, and even deal with health insurance if necessary. Finally, every person needs a living will. The living will lets everyone know your wishes if you have a terminal illness or have suffered a massive brain injury and cannot live without machines.
What happens if you do not have these documents and the unthinkable happens? In Florida, a guardianship must be obtained from the court. Guardianships cost thousands of dollars versus a couple of hundred for Powers of Attorney. With a little planning, you can be covered.
[ No Comments ] Posted on 09.01.09 under DAMAGE CONTROL, INSURANCE, INSURANCE FOR CYCLISTS, MOTORCYCLES
Florida is a “no-fault” state, which means that motorists must carry minimum insurance of at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) to reimburse accident related medical bills. This requirement does not apply to motorcyclists. A motorcyclist must either carry health insurance or pay accident expenses out of his/her own pocket. With the rising costs of health care, an accident can be financially devastating.
This may not be new information for the experienced rider, but the rider may believe they can recover against the motorist who caused the accident. However, the economic downturn means more motorists than ever are driving without insurance. It is believed that one-third of drivers do not have insurance. Add to this the fact that Florida does not require a driver to carry bodily injury liability coverage (the insurance that pays for injuries you cause to someone else) and it is clear the roads are very dangerous indeed.
In order to protect yourself, it is necessary to carry uninsured motorist coverage. This provides coverage when the other driver has no insurance or cannot pay your damages. In addition, if you own more than one vehicle, you should also make sure the uninsured motorist coverage is stackable.
If you are not sure of your insurance coverage, we are happy to discuss your insurance situation. The time to act is now– before you discover that you don’t have the coverage you need.
Mary Ann Morgan