Best pedasterian Lawyers in Florida
Erik Abrahamson
Accident Lawyer
A native of the Midwest, Mr. Abrahamson preserves the hard-working values of the region as a founding partner of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Luther College in 1984 before earning his J.D. (Doctorate of Jurisprudence) from Stetson University College of Law in 1987. Stetson is consistently ranked as one of the best law schools in the nation for trial advocacy. Mr. Abrahamson also studied law in Bordeaux, France and Oxford, England. While attending law school, Mr. Abrahamson was selected to be on Stetson’s prestigious Moot Court Team, where he was actively involved in competitions that tested his advocacy skills.
Following law school, Mr. Abrahamson practiced with the litigation firm of Park, Smith, Dayton, and Bugg, P.A. In 1989, he formed his own law firm with an emphasis in representing injured victims. Mr. Abrahamson is admitted to practice law in the state courts of Florida and Colorado, and in the United States District Court, The United States Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Abrahamson holds memberships in the Clearwater Bar Association; the Florida Bar, The Florida Justice Association and the American Association for Justice Education.
Additionally, Mr. Abrahamson has served as a Director for the Young Lawyers Section of the Clearwater Bar Association. He has also served as a hearing officer for the Pinellas County School Board and spoken on various legal topics at local colleges, on radio, and on television. Mr. Abrahamson practices personal injury law from and manages the firm’s Clearwater office. In the years since his graduation from law school, he has maintained an affiliation with his alma mater, coordinating the firm’s sponsorship of a variety of activities at Stetson University College of Law. Abrahamson & Uiterwyk has also sponsored the Pre-Law Society at the University of South Florida.
Believing that maintaining his physical health and condition enhances his mental sharpness, Mr. Abrahamson maintains an active lifestyle, spending weekends in Anna Maria Island and Homosassa or traveling to Colorado, where he enjoys outdoor sports – skiing in the winter months and hiking and biking in warmer weather. He also escapes to the mountains of North Carolina, works out with weights and jogs with his loyal companion, a Golden Retriever named “Polar.”
If you have unexpectedly become the victim of an injury or accident that requires the services of a personal injury attorney, you may need an aggressive and experienced in this area of law, and one who also has developed an extraordinary compassion for the physical, emotional and financial pain of the injured. Erik G. Abrahamson responds wholeheartedly to this demanding challenge.
Matthew Dolman
Accident Lawyer
The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum honors attorneys who have secured verdicts and/or settlements in excess of $2 million dollars. Less than 1% of practicing lawyers have achieved such status. Matthew became a member before his thirty-fifth birthday. He has been selected by his colleagues as a Florida Super Lawyer on multiple occasions. The selection process is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations.
Further, Matthew was recently selected as a 2020 Florida Legal Elite, which appears every summer in Florida Trends magazine. Florida Legal Elite presents a prestigious roster of attorneys chosen for recognition by their peers and represents fewer than 1.2% of the active Florida Bar members who practice in Florida. The auto accident attorneys listed in Florida Trend’s Legal Elite exemplify a standard of excellence in their profession and have garnered the respect and esteem of their colleagues. Matthew was previously selected by his peers as Legal Elite in 2017 and 2011.
Chris Limberopoulos
Accident Lawyer
Chris Limberopoulos, our managing attorney, brings four decades of legal experience to The Florida Law Group. Whether he is handling a catastrophic injury case or pro bono matter, his resolve is always the same: To pursue justice and obtain maximum compensation on their behalf. A member of the Multi Million Dollars Advocates Forum,, Chris has received multiple wards and recognitions during his career and was selected for inclusion in the 2022 Super Lawyers® list, a distinction he has held since 2008.
Chris Limberopoulos, is Board Certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA), placing him among the 1% of all lawyers in the nation who have earned this distinction. NBTA certification requires lawyers to meet rigorous standards including years in the courtroom demanding justice for their clients. NBTA is the only national organization recognized by the American Bar Association for Specialty Certification in Civil Trial Law. With a board certified trial specialist leading the way, you can rest assured that you are being skillfully represented both in and out of the courtroom.
Chris Limberopoulos is a graduate of The University of Florida Fredric G. Levin College of Law and a member of: Florida Bar, Federal Bar Association, American Association for Justice (Presidents Counsel), Florida Justice Academy (Eagle). Recognized for Outstanding Pro Bono Service, Hillsborough County Bar Association. Recognized: Florida SuperLawyers, Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Publications: Medical Malpractice in Florida; The Trial of an Automobile Accident Case. Past Unit President, American Cancer Society, University of Florida Presidents Counsel.Practice Areas: Catastrophic Injury; Wrongful Death; Medical Malpractice; Personal Injury; Pharmaceutical Litigation; Medical Devices; Mass Torts.
BILL BURNS
Accident Lawyer
There are few people who can match Bill Burns’ extensive knowledge of the law. He is regarded as one of the most experienced trial lawyers in our area, having worked on thousands of cases. He has practiced in the personal injury field since 1974 and with The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic since 1996. Bill has worked on all three sides of civil litigation. He was an insurance defense attorney for 20 years, a Certified Mediator for 5 years and is now a well-respected plaintiff’s attorney.
Bill graduated from Lehigh University as a Civil Engineer, and later graduated from law school at Florida State University with honors. He spent 3½ years on active duty as an officer in the United States Navy (Civil Engineer Corps). Bill has been a Board Certified Specialist in Civil Trial Law since 1992. The rigorous requirements for Board Certification limit the number of lawyers that are able to attain that distinction. In addition, he was invited to be a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and has received the highest rating possible as an attorney by Martindale-Hubbell (AV Rating).
Personal Interests
Bill is a world traveler having visited over 65 countries on 6 continents. One day he will get to Antarctica! His interests include gourmet food and wine. He is also an avid photographer. Bill and his wife are animal lovers and have welcomed several dogs and cats into their home.
Public Service
Bill has literally given his blood for others, having donated over 55 gallons of blood during his donation life. He also served on the Board of Directors for the blood bank (Florida Georgia Blood Alliance 1995-2007) and served as Chairman of the Board from 1999-2001. When Bill was a Certified Mediator, he served as a mentor to new mediators.
Education
- Lehigh University (B.S., Civil Engineering, 1967)
- Florida State University (J.D., with honors, 1973)
Memberships
- Jacksonville Bar Association
- The Florida Bar
- American Board of Trial Advocates
- Florida Justice Association
Credentials
William S. Burns Jr., born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; admitted to the bar 1974, Florida and U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida.
- Lt., U.S. Navy, Civil Engineer Corps, 1967-1971
- Board Certified Specialist in Civil Trial Law
Eddie Farah
Accident Lawyer
Eddie Farah is a Jacksonville personal injury attorney and Founding Partner at Farah & Farah. Born and raised right here in the River City, Eddie knew this was where he wanted to run a law practice solely dedicated to helping accident victims recover. By creating a firm that emphasizes a client-first, team-oriented, and collaborative family atmosphere, Eddie, along with his brother, Chuck, has grown the firm from a single office in downtown Jacksonville to dozens of locations all the way from Atlanta, Georgia to Fort Myers, Florida.
I love that personal injury law gives us the opportunity to go up against giant corporations and insurance companies. To be successful, our firm has the financial resources in place to stand toe-to-toe with these giants, and win. We operate on what’s known as a contingency fee basis which means our clients pay nothing unless we win. From the get-go, we invest in a client’s case – advancing all the costs needed to get the job done right. We don’t put a budget on what’s required and allow our attorneys the freedom to make the best decision based on their experience.
Other firms may not have the financial resources to pursue justice and may need to cut corners in areas like what experts they can afford to bring in. We’re not like that. Whoever we need to call in to expertly demonstrate your damages and what you went through, we’ll call. When you have experts in their field coming to testify, you level the playing field against the insurance company or big corporations who can afford to pay big bucks to try and minimize their payout after an accident.
Our firm makes it so it doesn’t matter how big the other side is, we use our keen experience in Florida and Georgia injury law to hold people accountable and help victims recover what was lost.
Scott Donaldson
Accident Lawyer
Education
- B.S., The Florida State University, 2000
- The University of Florida, 1999-2000
- J.D., The Stetson University College of Law, 2003
Professional & Bar Association Previous and Active Memberships
- Martin County Trial Lawyers Committee
- Board of Directors TCCM
- Palm Beach County Bar Association
- Martin County Bar Association
- St. Lucie County Bar Association
- Palm Beach Justice Association
- American Bar Association
- American Association for Justice
- Florida Justice Association
- Treasure Coast Justice Association
Achievements & Accolades
- Top 10 Personal Injury Attorneys in Florida (National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys)
- Listed in Best Attorneys of America (Rue Ratings)
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the State of Florida (American Trial Lawyers Association)
- Nation’s Top One Percent (The National Association of Distinguished Counsel)
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Florida (National Trial lawyers Association)
- Nationally Ranked as Top 40 Under 40 (National Trial lawyers Association)
- Listed in Florida Trends Legal Elite as one of the Top Attorneys in Florida
- 10 Best Under 40 in Florida (American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys)
- Listed in Super Lawyers in Recognition of Excellence in General Personal Injury
- Recognized among “Best Lawyers” by U.S. News Lawyer Directory
Florida’s Pedestrian Safety Crisis: Understanding the Problem, Government Initiatives, and Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Florida, the Sunshine State, is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and a laid-back lifestyle. However, for pedestrians, paradise can quickly turn into a nightmare. Florida consistently ranks as one of the deadliest states for pedestrians in the United States.
This comprehensive guide delves into the critical issue of pedestrian accidents in Florida. We’ll explore the factors contributing to this alarming trend, analyze government initiatives aimed at improving pedestrian safety, and most importantly, explain why having a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer by your side is crucial if you’ve been involved in an accident.
Understanding the Scope of the Problem:
- Florida’s Deadly Distinction: According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Florida has consistently topped the charts for pedestrian fatalities in recent years. These numbers paint a grim picture, highlighting the urgent need for improvement.
- Factors Contributing to Pedestrian Accidents: Several factors contribute to this issue, including:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers using cell phones, texting, or engaging in other distracting activities pose a significant threat to pedestrians.
- Speeding: Excessive speed limits a driver’s reaction time and significantly increases the severity of an accident.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs further compromises a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
- Poor Road Design: Inadequate crosswalks, missing sidewalks, and poorly lit areas can create dangerous situations for pedestrians.
- Pedestrian Behavior: While driver negligence is a major factor, some pedestrian behaviors like jaywalking or using electronic devices while walking can also contribute to accidents.
Government Initiatives for Pedestrian Safety:
- FLHSMV Pedestrian Safety Program: Recognizing the severity of the issue, the FLHSMV has implemented a pedestrian safety program . This program focuses on public awareness campaigns, promoting responsible driving habits, and encouraging pedestrian safety education.
- Vision Zero: Florida has adopted the Vision Zero initiative, a global movement aiming to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries. This initiative pushes for safer road designs, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and improved data collection to identify and address high-risk areas.
- Complete Streets Initiatives: Several Florida cities are implementing Complete Streets programs, prioritizing the needs of all users of the road, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. This involves creating safer infrastructure, improving crosswalk visibility, and reducing traffic speeds in high-pedestrian areas.
Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer:
While government initiatives strive for improvement, pedestrian accidents remain a prevalent issue. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in Florida, here’s why having a skilled legal professional on your side is essential:
- Understanding Complexities: Navigating the legal system after an accident can be overwhelming. A lawyer understands Florida’s personal injury laws and can guide you through the entire legal process.
- Gathering Evidence: Building a strong case requires comprehensive evidence collection, including police reports, medical records, witness testimonies, and accident scene analysis. Your lawyer will handle this crucial step to ensure your case is well-supported.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies are notorious for offering low settlements. A skilled lawyer with experience in pedestrian accident cases can negotiate aggressively on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Understanding Long-Term Impacts: Pedestrian accidents can have lasting physical and emotional consequences. Your lawyer can help you navigate medical challenges, connect with rehabilitation specialists, and ensure your future needs are accounted for in any settlement.
- Going to Trial if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your lawyer will be prepared to represent you in court and fight for your rights.