Law Office of Matthew Konecky - September 2020

Law Office of Matthew Konecky - September 2020

THE KONECKY

JOURNAL

561.671.5995 | 954.272.6187 | www.matthewkoneckypa.com 110 SE 6th Street, Suite 1700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 4440 PGA Blvd., Suite 204 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 The Power of Video

SEPTEMBER 2020

ANSWERING YOUR LEGAL QUESTIONS ON YOUTUBE

As an attorney, I get a lot of questions covering a wide range of legal topics. While I answer these questions one-on-one with clients or people who call for a consultation, there are many questions (and answers) I want to bring directly to the public. These are questions I get asked frequently or that benefit from a direct answer. I also like to talk about recent cases — including cases and stories you may have heard about. If you scroll through our YouTube channel, you’re probably going to notice my “Tiger King” video. I like to have a little fun, in between the frequently asked questions and more serious cases. If you saw the “Tiger King” documentary on Netflix or you’re interested in something offbeat, be sure to check it out (you can find the web address to my YouTube channel at the end to this article)! While I’ve had video resources on my website for years, this year I found myself with a little extra time (as you might imagine) to focus on creating a series of brand-new videos — including the “Tiger King” video. This month, I wanted to share a couple of examples of questions (and answers) I tackle on my website and YouTube channel. Take a look: Question: Can a personal injury case be reopened once it’s settled or gone to trial? Answer: Generally speaking, the answer is no. Once a case is settled, the insurance company requires you to sign a release, which includes a section stating that you are no longer going to sue the individual whom they insure. The reason for this release? They don’t want to come back and keep defending claims if you have further injuries. Any case you settle with the insurance company early on for X amount of money (say $2,500 or $5,000) is likely a big win for the insurance company if later on you realize you need a major surgery on your neck or back. Once you sign that release, there is nothing you can do. This highlights why having an attorney on your side is very important. They help you avoid pitfalls like settling a case too early so you don’t find yourself in this situation. Question: Why is my automotive insurance paying my bills when I wasn’t at fault in my car accident? Answer: If you are in Florida and you own an automobile, you’re required to buy personal injury protection (PIP) insurance.

This covers injuries you suffer as the result of an automobile accident. It is mandatory in Florida, and it’s mandated that your insurance pays first. Florida is only one of about four states that require PIP insurance. How does PIP work? It pays 80% of each medical bill that you may have, up to $10,000. So, if you max out your $10,000 benefit, then you can make a claim for anything over that amount and your coinsurance — your 20% — against the other driver. You can also make a claim for bodily injury and future pain and suffering on top of past pain and suffering against the other driver’s bodily injury policy. What if you don’t want to make a claim on your own insurance because you are worried they will raise your rates? Good news! Florida statutes do not allow insurance companies to raise your rates for anything that you are not substantially at fault for. In this case, if someone else is responsible for an accident, you are not at fault, and you make a PIP claim, your insurance company cannot raise your rates. You can find many more videos with questions and answers at MatthewKoneckyPA.com (videos can be found under “Helpful Info”) or YouTube.com/TheLawOfficeofMatthewKoneckyPA PalmBeachGardens (or just search my name — Matthew Konecky — on YouTube!). These videos and all of the resources on my website are 100% free. Simply click on the topic or questions that interest you and go from there. I cover topics ranging from personal injury and auto accidents (like the questions in this article) to criminal and DUI law. If you have a question that falls under one of those categories and I haven’t answered it on YouTube, don’t hesitate to call our office. I’m here to answer your questions and to make sure you’re informed about your rights and legal options.

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–Matthew Konecky

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Is Stress Harming Your Memory?

S tress can cause more than just a bad mood and low energy. Over time, mental exhaustion from stress can lead to forgetfulness and reduced cognition. This can hamper your ability to do your job and enjoy life. Though stress is unavoidable, there are steps you can take to mitigate some of the negative effects of mental exhaustion, including forgetfulness. First, consider the source of your stress. These days, a common stressor is social media. If your feeds are full of bad news and negativity, shut them down. Many researchers suggest that spending less time on the internet leads to better health. Several studies have found that constant internet use,

HOW TO COPE WITH DAILY TRIGGERS

Download these books today ! When it comes to the legal process, you may have a lot of questions. Well, I have answers! Right now, I am offering my two resource books for free. YOUR LEGAL RESOURCE If stress is impairing your memory, judgment, or cognition, take the above steps to reduce it. If you find your memory and cognition aren’t improving, consider speaking with a mental health professional to discuss your best next steps. Mental health and stress management are important, and the more we do to improve these areas of our lives, the healthier and happier we will be. Another thing you can do to reduce stress is avoid multitasking. Taking on multiple projects or doing too much in too little time can leave you feeling overworked. Plus, studies have found that multitasking is not effective. You cannot deliver the same results when your attention is scattered as you can when you are focused on one thing. To make matters worse, multitasking takes a major toll on memory and cognition, according to a study from Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. including time spent on social media, is negatively impacting our memories. Research from Harvard, Oxford, King’s College London, and Western Sydney University all confirm this: Too much internet use is a bad thing. Of course, it can be easier to delete a social media app than it is to eliminate other types of stressors. Coping with a stressful coworker, for example, can be difficult. You have to figure out why they’re causing you stress and how the situation can be remedied. Dealing with a work-related confrontation can be hard, but having that difficult conversation and resolving the problem can ultimately lead to less long-term stress and improve your mental health.

“I contacted the Law Offices of Matthew Konecky after I was involved in an accident that resulted in an injury. It was a very traumatic experience for me, and Matthew and his team were very empathetic to my situation. I found Matthew and his team to be extremely knowledgeable and took a lot of time with me to answer all my questions. They were also very responsive to my phone calls and emails. I was AMESSAGE FROM THE FAITHFUL

‘My Loved One Has Been Arrested’ The second edition of my first book is now available for download. Inside the second edition, you will find out what happens after your case, how to remove mugshots, and what to do if you were the one arrested. If you want a physical copy, please contact our office today. ‘What You Must Know About Your DUI Case’ Being convicted of a DUI charge can drastically change your life. Learn what goes into a DUI case and what your first step should be. Head over to MatthewKoneckyPA.com today for your FREE downloads!

extremely pleased with their services and would definitely use them again if needed in the future. I highly recommend Matthew Konecky and his team.” –Lisa M.

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MEME CORNER In reality, working with an attorney increases your chances of walking away with a higher settlement — one that may cover most or all of your accident-related costs. The Insurance Research Council found that those who hired an attorney settled for an average of 3 1/2 times more than those without one. As a result, you might not fully understand your rights under the provisions of your policy, putting you at a disadvantage during a claim. Alternatively, you might think you’re fully covered under a certain provision, such as underinsured or uninsured motorist (UIM) coverage, when your coverage is not as extensive as you thought. This is why it’s so important to understand the terms of your policy. Review it yearly and if you have questions about your coverage, you can speak to an attorney who will walk you through your policy. They won’t recommend that you hire an attorney . When you hire an attorney to work on your claim, insurance companies are put at a disadvantage. If you tell an insurance adjuster that you’re thinking about hiring an attorney, they may try to convince you not to go through with it. They may tell you that an attorney is too expensive or that they will take most of your settlement.

2 Ways Insurance Companies

Work Against Your Best Interest

In this month’s cover article, we brought up the question, “Can a personal injury case be reopened once it’s settled or gone to trial?” This question (for which the answer is usually “no”) highlights the fact that, sometimes, an individual will work through an insurance claim process by themselves, only to be unhappy with the results later on. It’s not uncommon for individuals to settle too early and be left with huge bills for further medical care administered after the settlement. Insurance companies prefer for you to settle early because generally, it allows them to settle for a lower amount, which is a win for them. Beyond that, insurance companies employ a number of tactics to get you through their claim system and out the door. Here are two common examples: They don’t recap your insurance coverage. Do you know everything in your auto insurance policy? Many people don’t. Your insurer may have sent you a packet with all the fine print, but a lot of people don’t read every word or fully understand all the terms. When working through a claim, some claims adjusters don’t take the time to walk you through the fine print to help you understand the details.

Cooking With Ashley

EASY STUFFED SWEET POTATOES

Who says a loaded potato has to clog your arteries? In this healthy version that serves four, a sweet potato base is topped with fiber-rich bean salsa.

Ingredients

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4 medium sweet potatoes

• • • • •

1 tsp cumin

1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 tsp coriander

3/4 tsp salt

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2 medium tomatoes, diced

1/4 cup sour cream

1 tbsp olive oil

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

1. With a fork, prick each sweet potato a few times. Microwave the potatoes on high 12–15 minutes, or until cooked through. 2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the beans, tomatoes, olive oil, cumin, coriander, and salt. When the potatoes are done, microwave the mixture on high for 2–3 minutes. 3. Cool potatoes slightly, then cut each potato open lengthwise. Pull the halves apart to create space to spoon the warm bean salsa inside. 4. Add a scoop of sour cream to each potato, garnish with cilantro, and serve!

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Inspired by EatingWell.com

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INSIDE 561.671.5995 | 954.272.6187 www.matthewkoneckypa.com 4440 PGA Blvd., Suite 204 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

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Answering Your Legal Questions — on YouTube!

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Is Stress Making You Forgetful? Hear From Our Clients

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Don’t Let Your Insurance Company Take Advantage of You

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Easy Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

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Planning a Family Entertainment Room

Make Your Game Nights Extra Special

WITH A FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT ROOM

Families around the world are finding new ways to spend time with each other, and their homes are changing accordingly. Our family, for example, has been playing more board games, both new and old. Because we have a younger daughter, who’s 5, we’ve introduced her to classics such as Monopoly and Trouble — sticking with the “kid’s editions” of the more complicated games. So, no matter what you love to do as a family — play video games, watch movies, or sit down with a board game, it’s always good to have a dedicated entertainment space. Here are some tips for putting one together. Use your space wisely. You don’t want small spaces to feel cramped, and you don’t want large spaces to feel empty. If your room is small, design the space to serve multiple purposes, like installing a bar with a TV on the opposite wall. If your room is large, two or more

(smaller) TVs let visitors play multiple games or watch different shows. A projector can also be used to maximize a room’s space. It allows you and your guests to utilize an entire wall without requiring much physical space. Set up surround sound. Whether you’re using your entertainment room for movies, music, video games, or all of the above, investing in high-quality speakers will pay off instantly. You can set them up around the room for clearer, more immersive sound for movies and games, and by spacing out each speaker, you can eliminate cord clutter and tangle. Soundproof your space. Soundproofing not only helps shield your neighbors from action game explosions and booming movie scores, but it also improves the sound quality in the room. Thick curtains and carpets, wall-mounted foam panels, or

freestanding acoustic panels work for basic soundproofing, but if you plan to utilize your space every day and night, consider hiring a contractor to help estimate materials and cost for a more sophisticated soundproof space. Have great lighting. There’s nothing more inviting than a well- lit space, and this also applies to your entertainment room. Whether you’re playing a board game or putting together puzzles with the whole family, mood lighting can make the experience feel even more cozy and special. Try experimenting with different, stylish lamps or overhead fixtures to light up your space.

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