Our firm > FAQ
How do I know whether a vehicle defect contributed to my injuries?
I think a defective vehicle caused my injuries – what should I do?
Does my vehicle have a “black box” that recorded the crash?
Besides the car manufacturer, who else may be liable for a defective product?
I received a recall notice – what should I do?
How much is my case worth?
How much do you charge for your services?
Will you delegate the handling of my lawsuit to less-experienced attorneys or paralegals?
If I can’t make it to your office, will you still meet with me?
Q: How do I know whether a vehicle defect contributed to my injuries?
A: In general, if your injuries seem to be out-of-proportion to the severity of the accident, a vehicle defect may have caused or contributed to your injuries. For example, significant head injuries or neck trauma in a low speed accident may indicate a defect with the air bag system or the seat belts. If you suspect that your car, van, truck, or SUV contained a defect that caused you serious injuries or resulted in the death of a loved one, please contact us promptly so that your potential claim can be thoroughly investigated. If you wait too long, your claim can become barred by the statute of limitations.
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Q: I think a defective vehicle caused my injuries – what should I do?
A: Your highest priority should be to immediately seek medical treatment for your injuries. Once you have received medical care, there are a few things you could do to ensure any potential claim can be investigated. First, make sure that the vehicle is not repaired or altered following the accident, as that may significantly jeopardize any investigation of a defect and might prevent you from bringing a claim at all. If you retain our firm promptly, we will arrange to review the vehicle and ensure the vehicle is not altered from its post-crash condition. Second, do not give any statements or sign any documents without first consulting with an attorney. Third, prepare detailed notes about how the accident occurred, the names and addresses of the witnesses to the accident, the doctors and hospitals treating the injuries, and, if possible, have photographs taken of the vehicle and of your injuries. Again, our firm will assist you with taking photographs, as well obtaining a copy of the police report, EMS report, and any police or fire department photographs.
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Q: Does my vehicle have a “black box” that recorded the crash?
A: Virtually all vehicles containing an air bag system contain some form of a black box that monitors and records certain information. In the mid-1990’s, the black boxes in certain vehicles became more sophisticated and recorded important information such as crash severity, seat belt use, and air bag system information. By the late 1990’s, some black boxes not only recorded accident information, but also data from the vehicle for the time prior to the accident. Such data included vehicle speed, engine RPM, brake application and throttle position. A qualified expert, such as those used by our firm, can often download the available information and interpret it.
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Q: Besides the car manufacturer, who else may be liable for a defective product?
A: It depends on the specific circumstances. In some cases, a dealer, distributer, or seller may be liable for selling a vehicle containing a defect, as well as for any negligence in inspecting and/or repairing the vehicle. Additionally, the manufacturer and supplier of the defective component can also be liable.
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Q: I received a recall notice – what should I do?
A: We urge you to have your vehicle repaired immediately. Your recall notice should contain instructions on how to obtain the repair at no cost to you. If you follow those instructions, and if the repair is not made quickly, the notice should contain instructions on how to contact the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; you may also contact that agency through their web site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
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Q: How much is my case worth?
A: The value of your case depends on your specific factual circumstances; beware of anyone who puts a number on your case without having reviewed all the relevant documentation and without having conducted a thorough investigation. For example, the value of your case will depend on the extent of the injuries, the cost of medical treatment (including future medical treatment), any lost wages, and numerous other factors. When you retain us, we will evaluate all of these factors and provide you honest advice you can trust regarding the value of your case.
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Q: How much do you charge for your services?
A: We generally handle motor vehicle defect cases involvings serious personal injury or death on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not pay us for either attorney fees or the costs of litigation in such cases unless we obtain compensation for you on your claim. We use the contingent fee schedule for such cases that was approved by The Florida Bar, and have a clear, easy-to-understand contract that we review with you in detail. If you should have any questions about our agreement at any time, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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Q: Will you delegate the handling of my lawsuit to less-experienced attorneys or paralegals?
A: Absolutely not! We do not “hand-off” our cases to less-experienced attorneys or paralegals once you have retained us. Instead, Taras Rudnitsky will personally work on your case from beginning to end, although you should feel free to contact Tina about any administrative matters. If you ever have any questions whatsoever about your case, please do not hesitate to speak directly with Taras.
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Q: If I can’t make it to your office, will you still meet with me?
A: Of course. We will meet with you at a time and location that are mutually convenient. For example, we can meet with you at your home, your work, or even at the hospital, if that is more convenient for you. Simply let us know your preference.