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Self-driving cars used to sound like something out of a science fiction movie. Now they’re rolling down I-75, US-19, and neighborhood streets across Florida. But when an accident happens, one big question remains: Who’s responsible- the driver, the car, or the company that made it?
Florida allows autonomous vehicles on public roads, even without a human driver. But despite flashy names like “Autopilot,” most systems still require full driver attention.
Imagine this: You’re heading down the highway with your Tesla on Autopilot. Suddenly, the car fails to detect a motorcycle in your blind spot and changes lanes, causing a serious collision. Who’s at fault?
-You? For not paying enough attention?
-Tesla? For a faulty algorithm?
Right now, Florida drivers are still legally responsible, even when the car is “driving itself.” But in some cases, injured victims may have a case against car manufacturers, software developers, and/or parts suppliers.
These are complex cases that require tech knowledge and legal expertise.
So what can you do? If you’re using AI driving features, make sure you stay alert, as these systems are not fully autonomous. Know your car’s limits. And if you’re in a crash, document everything and talk to an attorney.
Technology is changing fast, but the law doesn’t move at the same speed. As more AI-driven vehicles hit the roads in Florida, we’re going to see a rise in complex accident cases where fault isn’t clear-cut.
Chuck and I are here to help you navigate the future of driving and to protect your rights in it. Stay safe out there, and we are always here for you.
Sarah and Chuck

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If you are traveling in your own vehicle out of state, then the current auto policy that you have
should cover you wherever you travel within the United States. If you are traveling outside the
US in your own vehicle, then you should speak to your insurance agent as to how your coverage
will apply as you might need to purchase additional coverage solely for that trip.

If you rent a car, you will be offered additional coverage to purchase. We recommend you do two
things prior to buying or declining coverage with the car rental company. First, call your
insurance agent to find out what coverage you have and how that will apply to the rental car.
Secondly, contact your credit card company to find out if they extend you any rental car
coverage benefits if you use that credit card to pay for the rental.

I always buy the” loss damage waiver” coverage when renting a car as I know that even though I
have collision coverage, this will not pay the deductible I will incur if I damage the rental car,
nor will it pay for loss of business use if the rental car is out of commission due to repairs or a
total loss. My collision coverage also will not reimburse the rental car company for the loss in
fair market value (diminishment of value) of the rental car after repairs. The “loss damage
waiver” purchased from the rental car company will pay for this damage though.

Most credit card companies offer some type of property damage coverage, although limited.
Some might reimburse you for your deductible on your collision coverage, or at least a portion
thereof, as well as possible other rental coverage benefits. It just depends, so contact your credit
card company to determine what they cover.

Boating and riding personal watercraft, like wave runners, is very popular during the summer,
but once again make sure you are properly insured. You should base the purchase of watercraft
coverage on the same criteria as you would use for the purchase of car insurance. Buy liability
coverage on the basis of what assets you have to lose, and Uninsured/Underinsured coverage on
the basis of who you need to protect, as well as to what extent.

If you are renting a vessel, such as through a boat club, inquire as to what coverage they provide,
and then check with your insurance agent if you have any concerns.

Lastly, if traveling abroad or on a cruise, you might want to entertain the thought of purchasing
travel coverage which can provide you health insurance benefits for treatment that your own
health insurance might not cover. Once again, call your health insurance and verify whether this
is necessary before spending the additional money.

We hope everyone has an amazing summer full of fun adventures with family and friends!
As always, if you should have any questions, or need further information concerning this, or any
other legal matter, please reach out to us. We are always here for YOU!

Chuck and Sarah

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We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous contributions of gifts and cash to support Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and The RAP House over the holidays. Your thoughtfulness and commitment to making a difference inspire us all.

Your donations go a long way in helping us support the organizations and causes that mean so much to us and our community. We were able to donate over $7,000 in cash and in-kind merchandise to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and over $3,000 in cash and in-kind merchandise to the RAP house, inclusive of our law firm’s match.

Thank you once again for being a valued Friend of the Firm and for sharing in our vision of giving back. We truly appreciate your kindness and generosity.

Chuck & Sarah

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Sometimes in our practice, we have the occasion to handle cases where a Power of Attorney (POA), or a Guardianship are involved or are required.

What is a Power of Attorney or a Guardianship and what is their purpose?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that a person (the principal) has created to give another person (the agent) the right to act on the principal’s behalf. It can be a Limited Power of Attorney, or a General one. The limited Power of Attorney is very specific as to what action the principal is allowing the agent to take on their behalf. For instance, if the principal wanted to give the agent the right to sell a property for them, then the POA could be limited solely for that purpose. However, if the principal wanted to give the agent the right to handle all of their affairs, such as medical, financial, properties, contracts, etc. then a General Power of Attorney would be the proper legal document for that purpose.

A person must be of sound mind and not incapacitated to give someone a Power of Attorney allowing them to act on their behalf. If a principal gives an agent a Durable Power of Attorney, then this Power of Attorney should remain in effect, even if the principal becomes incapacitated after the Power of Attorney was issued. Most Powers Of Attorney granted in Florida today are Durable ones. The Durable Power of Attorney must have very specific language though that provides that the agents power survives the incapacity of the principal.

We have cases where a POA was used by the agent to hire our firm to represent the principal in a personal injury case because the principal was incapacitated and unable to pursue the personal injury matter themselves.

A Power of Attorney terminates when the principal dies, revokes the Power of Attorney, a Court determines that the principal is totally or partially incapacitated and the Power of Attorney did not specifically provide for that, the purpose of the Power of Attorney has been served, or the term of the Power of Attorney expires.

A Guardianship is the appointment by the Court of a surrogate decision-maker for a minor child or for an adult with mental and/or physical disabilities allowing the guardian to make personal and/or financial decisions for that person, (known as the Ward). Adult Guardianship is the process by which the Court finds an individual’s ability to make decisions is so impaired that the Court gives that right to another person.

Florida law requires that the Court appoint a guardian for a minor in circumstances where the parents have died or become incapacitated, or if the child receives an inheritance or proceeds from a lawsuit or insurance policy exceed the amount of money to the child allowed by statute.

In our office, often times the personal injury damages we recover for a minor’s injuries exceed the amount allowed by Florida Law to go directly to a minor and therefore we have to have the family hire an attorney who can petition the Court for the establishment of a Guardianship for purposes of approving and managing the child’s personal injury recovery.

If you, or anyone you know ever has any questions concerning this legal topic or any other legal matters, please contact us. If it is something we do not handle like Powers of Attorney or Guardianships we can refer you to one of our Friends of The Firm who specializes in that area of law.

We are always here for YOU!

Chuck and Sarah

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Marjorie was a single mother of two children, Andrea and Robert, aged 11 and 12 at the time of her passing. She was known for her vibrant personality, infectious sense of humor, and her deep devotion to her children. Marjorie was involved in various organizations from a young age, and particularly drawn to events that focused on helping children. Her love for horseback riding led her to volunteer with Horses for Handicapped.

Marjorie believed that personal appearances didn’t matter as much as what was in people’s hearts. She had a unique ability to connect with troubled teens and would often bring them to church in the back of her pickup truck. Her passion for helping others was evident in everything she did.

Marjorie’s children, Robert and Andrea, have grown into amazing individuals who actively help run the organization and volunteer with their families. Marjorie’s Hope provides backpacks and other donations to the same children she reached out to during her lifetime, continuing her legacy of love and service.

Marjorie’s Hope is a testament to the life of a woman who touched the hearts of many.

For more information, to volunteer, or donate, please visit their website. The Law Office of Philips & Raaymakers proudly supports this organization.

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Sarah and Chuck

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