Latest Legal Updates

If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident in Michigan, you’ve probably heard the terms Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Bodily Injury (BI) liability coverage. Many people find these phrases confusing, especially when they are dealing with medical bills, missed work, and insurance adjusters. In this blog, we break down what each type of coverage means, how they differ, and when each one applies under Michigan’s no-fault insurance system.

In a recent client conference, I was asked, “So what is arbitration, anyhow?” In the context of a construction claim or in seeking to prevent a construction claim, there are several significant advantages that arbitration can provide in lieu of litigation. In today’s challenging business environment being aware of the various options available could make a significant impact on your business.

Drowsy driving is not just “being tired.” It can impair reaction time, judgment, and focus in ways that look a lot like impairment, and it only takes a few seconds to cause a life-changing crash. For Fort Myers motorists, fatigue-related wrecks often involve high speeds, delayed braking, and lane departures, which can lead to serious injuries for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. What makes these cases even harder is that the at-fault driver may deny they were sleepy, even when the evidence tells a different story. Our new article on DennisHernandez.com explains the dangers of drowsy driving, warning signs to watch for, and how liability is handled when fatigue causes a collision. Read the full article to learn how to protect yourself and your rights:

Hiring someone because they’re “cheaper” or available right now can feel tempting — but when that person is unlicensed, the short-term savings often turn into long-term headaches: safety risks, uninsured losses, voided permits or insurance coverage, civil and criminal penalties, and even federal exposure in some cases. Below is an explanation of the major risks for homeowners and project owners in New York and Florida, the state-level penalties, when the conduct can escalate into fraud or federal crimes, and practical steps to protect yourself.

Walking into court in Fort Myers can feel intimidating, even if you are prepared. One detail people often overlook is wardrobe, because what you wear can shape first impressions before you ever speak. Court is a formal setting, and judges expect respect for the process. The goal is simple: look professional, neat, and credible. Clean, well-fitted clothing, neutral colors, minimal accessories, and a polished appearance can help you avoid distractions and keep the focus on your case. Our new article on DennisHernandez.com shares the top 10 practical tips for dressing for court in Fort Myers, including what to avoid, how to plan ahead, and why small details matter. At Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, we guide clients through every step of the legal process. We fight to get you paid! Read the full article to review the full checklist before your court date:

Do you know the critical deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Florida? For most claims, including car crashes, slip and falls, and negligence cases, the statute of limitations is a strict two-year window. Missing this deadline means you forfeit your right to seek compensation, regardless of the severity of your injury. Our new article breaks down everything you need to know: - When the two-year clock starts ticking (and the exceptions that apply). - Stricter deadlines for cases involving government entities. - How comparative fault affects your claim. - Why delays hurt your case, even if you file on time. Don't let a procedural error prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Protect your legal rights and read the full guide now:

Long Island’s local rules for building — setbacks, height limits, lot coverage, septic/sewer requirements, special-use reviews, and permit procedures — vary town-by-town. If you’re planning work anywhere on Long Island, you must check the specific town code and speak with the local building or planning department before breaking ground. Below is a concise, town-by-town rundown of the 13 towns that make up Long Island (Nassau County: Hempstead, North Hempstead, Oyster Bay; Suffolk County: Babylon, Brookhaven, East Hampton, Huntington, Islip, Riverhead, Shelter Island, Smithtown, Southampton, Southold) with the most important construction constraints and where to verify rules. Each town paragraph cites the town code or official planning/building pages you’ll want to read.

November, December, and January are one of the busiest, and family-oriented months for Americans. During this time, we celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, and New Year’s Eve. With that said, these holidays and their celebratory months come with endless cooking, roaring fireplaces, candles, and decorative lights. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the leading causes of house fires are Cooking, Heating, and Electrical Malfunctions. The U.S. Fire Administration also states that months from November – March are most prone to house fires. Coincidence? or Carelessness?

Family Court Procedures in Pakistan — A Quick Breakdown Understanding how Family Courts operate in Pakistan helps individuals navigate sensitive matters like divorce, custody, maintenance, and guardianship with clarity and confidence. The system is designed to offer speedy and accessible justice, especially in cases involving women and children. Family cases usually begin with filing a plaint or application, followed by the Court issuing notices, recording statements, conducting reconciliation efforts, and finally proceeding toward evidence and judgment. Each step aims to reduce delays and ensure fair adjudication. Whether it’s a Khula petition, maintenance claim, or child custody dispute, knowing the procedural flow empowers litigants and helps them prepare better for what lies ahead. For more legal insights, guides, and professionally drafted documents, visit www.tariquelaw.com .

Sustainable construction has moved from a niche priority to a national standard, driven by climate goals, rising energy costs, and growing public demand for healthier, high-performance buildings. Across the United States, several states stand out for their aggressive policies, innovative materials, and widespread adoption of renewable energy and green design practices. This article explores which states are leading the transition toward sustainable construction, why they stand out, and how states like Florida are also advancing their own climate-resilient approach to green building.

After a crash in Sarasota, your next decision matters more than most people realize: stay at the scene. Leaving, even for reasons that feel understandable in the moment, can trigger serious legal consequences and create immediate problems for your insurance claim. It can also make it harder to prove what happened, identify witnesses, and document injuries that may not show up right away. 📃 Our new article on DennisHernandez.com explains why you should never leave the scene of a car crash in Sarasota, what Florida law requires drivers to do after a collision, and the practical steps that protect you, like calling law enforcement, exchanging information, and seeking medical care. Read the full article to learn more:

Getting hit by a car while jogging can turn a normal routine into a medical emergency in seconds. For many pedestrians, the hardest part comes after the crash, when pain sets in and the insurance questions start. Florida pedestrian cases often involve serious injuries and aggressive defenses. Drivers may claim they “didn’t see you,” blame lighting or clothing, or argue you were outside a crosswalk. That is why early evidence, prompt medical care, and careful communication with insurers matter so much. Our new article on DennisHernandez.com explains your legal rights after a pedestrian accident in Tampa, what steps to take to protect your claim, and how compensation may cover medical bills, lost wages, and long-term limitations. Read the full article to learn more about your options:

When it comes to the holidays, we think of food, family and decorations, not necessarily holiday safety tips. Did it ever occur to you that decorations such as lights and candles could become dangerous? According to the ESFI, Electrical Safety Foundation International, damages from the holidays happen more than expected. Though holiday lights are traditional and festive, they should always be under close watch.

Understanding RERA vs Consumer Courts for Compensation in Real Estate Disputes A detailed comparison of RERA and Consumer Courts to help homebuyers navigate compensation claims for delays, poor construction quality, or misrepresentation by property developers. The article explains dispute-resolution processes, compensation rights, key legal differences, and landmark decisions shaping buyer protection in India.

Understanding RERA vs Consumer Courts for Compensation in Real Estate Disputes A detailed comparison of RERA and Consumer Courts to help homebuyers navigate compensation claims for delays, poor construction quality, or misrepresentation by property developers. The article explains dispute-resolution processes, compensation rights, key legal differences, and landmark decisions shaping buyer protection in India.

Is the prompt payment act at odds with public policy? In both general litigation and construction litigation, courts generally give parties great freedom to contract. Thus, New York’s policy is to enforce arbitration agreements in construction contracts. Conversely, New York courts do not usually force parties into arbitration unless their contract expressly requires it.

Being hit by an uninsured driver in Cape Coral is frustrating for one simple reason: you did everything right, and you are still left dealing with the consequences. In Florida, uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM) coverage can be the difference between getting meaningful compensation and being stuck with medical bills, lost income, and long-term care costs. UM coverage is designed to step in when the at-fault driver has no insurance, or not enough insurance, to cover your damages. Our new article on DennisHernandez.com explains what to do after a crash with an uninsured driver in Cape Coral, why UM coverage matters, and common insurance tactics that can reduce payouts if you are not careful. Read the full article to learn how UM coverage can protect you and your family:

Construction contracts could be challenging and difficult to read but learning the basic terms can really make a difference. On October 17th, John Caravella was invited to speak at the AIA Contract Document Workshop where he was able to share his knowledge about Construction Contract Interpretation and Fundamentals. In this specific article, we share simplified definitions of commonly used words within a construction agreement as well as exploring the law of Construction Contract Interpretation.

In the age of online communication, you can never be sure who you are actually talking to on the other side of the screen. When you are trying to defend a client who is facing allegations of online sexual misconduct, or sexting, with someone younger than 18 years old, you can face several complications. Attorney Bernard Brody has decades of experience defending sexual misconduct charges, including interactions with minors. Attorney Brody understands the nuances of of charges related to sexting with minors allegations, like federal laws, teens sexting teens, and accusations of exploitation. If you need advice from an experienced sexual misconduct defense attorney, contact Bernard Brody.

As a Michigan personal injury law office, we’ve seen more than our fair share of winter car accidents. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures make this season especially dangerous for drivers. While winter crashes can’t always be avoided, here are several practical steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk and stay safer on the road.

A helmet does more than “prevent a bump.” It can be the difference between walking away and living with a life-changing brain injury. Bicycle, skateboard, and scooter crashes often happen fast, on hard surfaces, with little time to react. Even a low-speed fall can cause a concussion or worse, especially when the impact is to the side or back of the head. That is why consistent helmet use matters for riders of every age. Our new article on DennisHernandez.com explains why wearing a helmet is essential for bicycle, skateboard, and scooter riders in St. Petersburg, what injuries helmets can help reduce, and how these cases are evaluated when a crash is caused by a driver or unsafe conditions. Read the full article to learn more:

To minimize potential legal problems when planning construction, whether the project is a large commercial project, a new residence, or even a renovation to an existing structure, care must be taken to have essential terms included in the contract. The failure to identify essential terms in the construction contract will lead to project confusion, extended completion time and expenses, as well as raise the likelihood of a future legal dispute. Below are several terms to consider in any construction contract:

If you file a personal injury lawsuit in Lakeland, you may be watched more closely than you think. Defense lawyers and insurance companies often check social media, talk to neighbors, and even use private investigators to look for anything that could weaken your case. ⚖️ There are limits, of course. They cannot break the law, harass you, or invade your reasonable expectation of privacy, but many forms of surveillance are perfectly legal and can be very damaging if you are not careful about what you say or do in public. Our new article on DennisHernandez.com explains how and why the defense may “spy” on you during an injury case, what they are looking for, and what smart steps you can take to protect yourself. At Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, we have recovered millions and millions for injured clients. We fight to get you paid! Read the full article to learn more about your rights during an injury lawsuit:

When it comes to the holidays, we think of food, family and decorations, not necessarily holiday safety tips. Did it ever occur to you that decorations such as lights and candles could become dangerous? According to the ESFI, Electrical Safety Foundation International, damages from the holidays happen more than expected. Though holiday lights are traditional and festive, they should always be under close watch.

Many homeowners who consult with me regarding construction disputes are not only financially damaged but emotionally distressed, and understandably so. Our homes are not only our biggest financial investments but our sanctuaries, and misconduct by unscrupulous contractors that damages those sanctuaries makes us feel that we have no place of safety and, in some instances, makes us worry that we may be homeless altogether. Thus, the question is often posed to me whether homeowners can collect damages for emotional distress that results from construction contract disputes, in addition to their economic damages.