Author Archives: Jay Butchko
The Law Of Rear End Accidents – Presumptions And What They Mean
Rear end accidents are very common in Florida-perhaps the most common kind of car accidents. But who is at fault in a rear end accident, and what do you do if someone who rear ends you says that the accident is your fault? Competing Legal Theories Florida law has two competing interests when it… Read More »
Rising Flood Insurance Premiums – Fair Or Not Fair?
There is a perception that flood insurance is largely for the rich. After all, it is the rich who can afford luxurious homes right off the water, so why not make them pay their fair share of insurance if they want to live that lifestyle, right? Well, this may be a misconception, and the… Read More »
Proposed New Law Could Make Roof Replacement Even More Difficult
It’s bad enough that many insurance policies don’t cover flooding, but rather, that a separate policy has to be purchased to cover damage because of floods. It’s bad enough that sinkhole coverage doesn’t have to legally be included in insurance policies, but rather, sinkhole coverage must be purchased separately (and some insurers may even… Read More »
Insurance Coverage For Damage Caused By Hail
Lost amidst the constant reminders of hurricanes and tornadoes, is the pervasive threat of hail. Although Florida doesn’t get much hail, it does happen, and when it does, it’s good to know whether your insurance company will cover damages caused by hail. Noticing Hail Damage Hail creates problems because the damage it causes isn’t… Read More »
Making An Insurance Claim: Understanding The First Steps
So you have a homeowners insurance claim. Hopefully, the damage isn’t too bad, but the fact remains, you have no idea what to do, because you’ve never made a homeowners insurance claim before. What are the first steps you should take? Notice to the Insurance Company The first step is the most obvious one—notifying… Read More »
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Pools?
When we think of damage to our homes, we think of the actual structure—roof, walls, floors and everything inside. But what about your pool? Yes, the pool is “outside,” but it’s also a part of your property. The same dangers that can damage your home, often can damage your pool. Is your pool covered… Read More »
Ligaments, Whiplash, Sprains And Strains: What Are They?
The term “whiplash” or “soft tissue injury” has come to be almost derogatory in the world of personal injury. These are words used by insurance companies to minimize the injuries that someone in an accident sustains. You will often hear people say that someone was “lucky” because they “only” suffered a soft tissue injury…. Read More »
Can You Record An Adjuster Doing An Appraisal Of Damage?
Let’s say that you have a homeowners insurance claim. You call the insurance company, and they say that they are sending over an adjuster to evaluate the damage, and perhaps ask you a few questions. But here’s the problem: Later, after the adjuster leaves, will there be a record of what the adjuster saw?… Read More »
What Is Inference Stacking?
An inference is an assumption that people make, based on the facts in front of them. Something is an inference because although it is not 100% known or observed, it is a deduction that can be made based on known or credible evidence. For example, if ice cream had spilled on the floor, and… Read More »
Things You Thought Your Homeowner’s Insurance Covers…But It Probably Doesn’t
We often talk about what a homeowner insurance policy will cover or what it’s supposed to cover. But what won’t it cover? There are a lot of things that most policies will exclude, and they aren’t always bizarre or unexpected things that you would think would be excluded. Jewelry Jewelry is small, and can… Read More »