Wieland, Hilado & DeLattre Attorneys at Law

Central Florida is one of the most dangerous places for bicyclists and it happened again when a woman was killed while riding her bike and was hit by a car. She never saw it coming. Most bicyclists are hit from behind and never have a chance to try to avoid being hit. We represent bicyclists and their families in these types of cases. In one case, our in depth investigation revealed that the police officer who hit our client was using his computer when he hit and nearly killed our client. Accident reconstruction experts can be helpful in recreating how the accident occurred. Contact us if you have any questions or would like a free consultation on your case. 407-841-7699 or email us at WihenJusticeMatters.com

A 56 year old man was killed crossing a street in Deltona. He was not in a designated crosswalk and the 64 year old driver could not react quickly enough to avoid the accident. Florida law requires you to use a designated crosswalk to cross any street. If there is no stripes designating a crosswalk, you go at a 90 degree angle crossing at the corner of two streets. Otherwise you could be found to be 100 percent at fault. We all see people crossing streets in the middle of the block and could be at fault if they get hit by a car. Cross streets with caution at the proper places and watch out for drivers who run red lights.

The Florida Legislature with the support of the governors office took away the rights of injured workers. You can’t sue your employer who causes your accident, you can’t sue the insurance adjuster or insurance company that won’t pay for needed medical care, and the injured worker has NO right to pick a doctor. The insurance company picks the doctor. It is sad but true. Read this interesting article. http://clearwater.legalexaminer.com/workplace-injuries/florida-pip-statute-unconstitutional-what-about-workers-comp.aspx?googleid=308148

Did you know only 14% of all lawyers in the United States are rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell. AV rating is the highest rating by Martindale-Hubbell which rates attorneys by obtaining information from other lawyers about ethics and ability. This information comes from lawyers who are not associated with the attorney being reviewed. We are an AV rated law firm and very proud that we earned that recognition. Just thought you would like to know.

Florida law allows GPS systems to be attached to your windshield, but you cannot attach your radar detector to the windshield. There does not seem to be a rational basis or safety reason for it and it can probably be challenged in court. However, until a court strikes it down the fine is $104.00 so be careful out there.

When you have to consider a nursing home or assisted living facility, it is best to try to check them out first. But, how do you do that? There are two internet sites where you go to help gather information. propublica.org/nursinghomes allows you to see their inspection records and gather information. FloridaHealthFinder.gov is a Florida government website that may also provide you some valuable information. Once you have a loved one in a facility, the best action you can take is to go by often and at different times of the day and be observant. See how often the staff interact with the residents. What they do with the residents and look for obvious signs of cleanliness. Also, use your nose and ask questions. Residents in assisted living facilities who have family visting often and at different times do tend to get better care and have less issues. Deciding to move a loved one into a facility is a difficult decision but may be needed. Do your research and you will feel better about the decision. If you have a loved one who has been mistreated in an assisted living facility, we at Wieland, Hilado & DeLattre would be happy to speak with you. Call us at 407-841-7699 or visit our website WhenJusticeMatters.com

We support our veterans and heros. Lt. Carl T. Wieland, older brother of Glen Wieland was a POW in Viet Nam. But before he was shot down he was responsible for bring down a key bridge in North Viet Nam. He was presented with the Bronze Star for his valor. His father Judge Bill Wieland was also a Navy pilot in World War II. Our firm is proud of our miltary men and women who put their lives in danger to keep us free. Please pray for their safety and for their families.

In Florida we have some outstanding Justices on our Supreme Court. The Justices must go through a vigorous vetting process starting with the Judicial Nominating Commission made up of an even balance of members appointed by the governor, the legislature and the Florida Bar Aoociation. The commission has many members who are not lawyers. Only the most learned, ethical, and experienced persons are considered. The Governor appoints the justices from a list of the three most qualified applicants who have gone through this process. 
Please be aware that there are political people and organizations from outside of Florida who are trying to politicize our Justices and are going to spend large sums of political money to try to remove some of our Justices. Please keep politics out of our courts and especially out of our Supreme Court. Please vote to retain these fine Justices and keep politics out of our court system. 

We are finding more and more homeowners insurance policies do not provide coverage or protection to the homeowner for their pets. In Florida a dog owner is strictly responsible for ANY damage a dog does to someone or their property. We recommend that you review your policy and ask your insurance agent if you are protected.

We are remembering all the victims of the tragedy of 9-11. Please stop and take a moment of your time today to remember all the victims of the attack on America and their families. This event has changed the way we all live, but our government and our fine men and women in the military have worked hard to keep us safe and free. Please also remember in your thoughts and prayers all those who have served, given their life and worked to keep us safe. God Bless America. This is the best place in the world to live.