The Gould Cooksey Fennell Blog
Personal Injury Protection vs. Bodily Injury
If you have ever reviewed your auto insurance policy, you have probably encountered terms like personal injury protection (PIP) and bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage. While both types of insurance relate to injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents, they serve very different purposes. Understanding the distinction between PIP and BIL
Punitive Damages in Florida
When most people think about compensation in a personal injury case, they think about money to reimburse them for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses, like pain and suffering. In some cases, however, Florida law allows courts to award an additional category of damages known as punitive damages. These
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage in Florida
If you own a vehicle in Florida, understanding your auto insurance coverage is critical. Unfortunately, many drivers do not realize that they may be financially exposed until after a serious accident occurs. This may be because, unlike many states, Florida does not require most drivers to purchase bodily injury liability
Thank You to Our Summer Interns
Summer at GCF is never just one thing. This year, it included meaningful projects, good questions, new faces around the office, team lunches, Kona Ice, and a few fun moments along the way. As the season wraps up, we want to thank our summer interns, Ethan Darnell, Ben Jamieson, Noah
Meet Our Summer Associates
Inside the Summer Associate Experience As the summer comes to a close, Gould Cooksey Fennell is proud to recognize Summer Associates Joe Gage and Savannah DeLullo and the contributions they made during their time with the firm. Throughout the program, Joe and Savannah worked alongside attorneys on legal research, drafting,
8 Gould Cooksey Fennell Attorneys Named to 2026 Florida Super Lawyers
Gould Cooksey Fennell is proud to announce that 8 of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 edition of Florida Super Lawyers® and Florida Rising Stars, a distinction reserved for the top attorneys in their respective practice areas across the state. Published annually by Thomson Reuters, Super Lawyers
Do You Need a Lawyer for an Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, one of the first questions that you might ask yourself is whether or not you really need a lawyer. It’s a fair question, and an important one. Between mounting medical bills, missed time at work, and pressure from
Pedestrian Safety in Downtown Vero Beach: A Growing Concern
Vero Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, a walkable downtown, and a welcoming atmosphere. Residents and tourists alike enjoy checking out local boutiques and restaurants, attending community events, and heading over to the beach. With so much to see and do, it isn’t uncommon to see people out and
Bicycle Accident Hotspots in Indian River County
Florida’s warm climate and scenic coastal routes make bicycling a popular outdoor activity throughout the Treasure Coast region. Cyclists are a common sight on roads throughout Indian River County, whether it’s tourists cruising to the beach or locals commuting along Vero Beach streets. Unfortunately, the same roadways that make bicycling
St. Lucie County Crash Statistics 2024
Located in Florida’s Treasure Coast region, St. Lucie County is an absolutely amazing place to live. With plenty to see and do (including hanging out on Florida’s Atlantic Coast beaches), it is also a great place to visit. It is little wonder, then, that so many people flock to St.
New Laws Governing Florida Nonprofits
The Florida House of Representatives and Senate have passed a bill adopting a sweeping overhaul of the laws governing Florida not for profit corporations, under Chapter 617, Florida Statutes, that if signed by Governor Desantis would be effective on July 1, 2026. This law, formally changing the name of Chapter
Indian River County Car Accident Report: 2024 Statistics and Your Path to Recovery
We might be a bit biased, but we happen to think that Indian River County is one of the best places in the world to live. It is also a tourist hotspot, nestled along Florida’s Atlantic coast. While the Vero Beach area is a tropical paradise, it also has its
Florida Community Property Trusts: Saving Tax and Avoiding Pitfalls
Florida Community Property Trusts: Saving Tax and Avoiding Pitfalls Florida Community Property Trusts can create meaningful income tax planning opportunities for married couples with highly appreciated assets. For lawyers, financial advisors, accountants, and other professionals who advise high-net-worth clients, they are worth understanding, especially as more clients move to Florida
When You Can Sue Beyond PIP Coverage in Florida
When it comes to car accidents, Florida is a no-fault state. This means that after a motor vehicle accident, each driver’s own car insurance policy will cover initial medical expenses and lost wages. These benefits are available to both drivers, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. No-fault
When to Accept vs. Reject an Insurance Settlement Offer
After an accident, receiving a settlement offer from an insurance company might feel like a relief. This is particularly true if your medical bills are piling up and you can’t work. But even if the settlement offer seems generous, accepting it too early can be a costly mistake. Insurance companies
What Qualifies as a ‘Serious Injury’ Under Florida’s Threshold Law?
Florida has a no-fault system for car insurance. This means that all drivers are required to carry a special type of insurance called, personal injury protection, also known as PIP. If you are in an accident, this insurance will pay for your initial medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of
Psychological Injuries: PTSD and Emotional Trauma Claims
If you are hurt in an accident, you are probably aware that you can file a lawsuit against the responsible party. For example, if you slip and fall at a grocery store and break your leg, you can probably file a lawsuit against the business for your injuries. But what
How Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Your Personal Injury Claim
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 70 million adults in the United States report having a disability. Tens of millions of Americans also have medical and/or mental health conditions that they may not consider a disability. If you have a pre-existing condition, you might wonder