Amanda Knox Case Shows Our Justice System Isn’t So Bad

Amanda Knox, the American college student accused of murder in Italy, came out with a book this week about her ordeal in the Italian criminal justice system. Her book,Waiting to Be Heard, is likely to reignite the media attention her case has received in the last several years. Knox was initially convicted of the 2007… read more

Tallahassee Judge Blocks New Auto Insurance No Fault Law

A judge in Tallahassee recently blocked Florida’s new no fault insurance law. The judge issued a written decision finding that the new law violates the constitutional right of access to courts. While the judge’s decision is likely to bring howls from the insurance industry about “judicial activism,” it makes sense when one considers our constitution… read more

Florida Remains Dismal for Bicycle and Pedestrian Deaths

In previous posts, I’ve discussed the dangers facing bicyclists and pedestrians on Tampa Bay area roads. The figures are now in for 2012. Unfortunately, the picture remains grim. There were 13 bicyclist deaths in Hillsborough County in 2012. That’s up from 2011, when there were nine, and 2010, when there were 11. Pasco County was… read more

Bar Issues Scathing Report on Medical / Legal Referral Services

In the last few years, they’ve been impossible to avoid: an onslaught of radio ads, TV ads, and billboards for companies calling themselves medical/legal referral services. These companies promise to arrange medical care and legal consultations for people involved in auto accidents. Because of concerns about how these companies operate and the claims they make,… read more

The Cram Down: When The Money Available Isn’t Enough

Many people have an image of personal injury lawyers fighting for verdicts before juries in court. Undoubtedly, that is a critical part of what we do. But there is another less glamorous but equally important role we can play: helping with the inadequate settlement. It’s no secret that many people driving in Florida have inadequate… read more

Safety: A Point Everyone’s Missing In The Public Transportation Debate

Floridians, particularly those in the Tampa Bay area, have heard a lot about Governor Rick Scott’s rejection of federal money for a bullet train between Orlando and Tampa. Scott cited the potential cost to Florida in rejecting the money. His opponents, on the other hand, have said the death of the project will prevent jobs… read more

Don’t Believe Big Business Propaganda About Florida’s Civil Justice System

Florida’s new governor, Rick Scott, is on the warpath against our civil justice system. Fully supporting Scott’s proposed tort reforms is an organization called the Florida Justice Reform Institute. The Institute’s title makes it sound like an academic think tank. It is not. The Institute was formed by the Florida Chamber of Commerce in 2005…. read more

Gulf Oil Spill Report Identifies The Problem With Liability Caps

The National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill recently issued its report to the President. Consistent with previous findings, the Commission found that a series of missteps led to what’s been called the worst ecological disaster in U.S. history. In describing the multiple causes of the disaster, the Commission described how the participants… read more

Flexibility: A Sometimes Overlooked Key For Lawyers In Trial

If there is one thing skilled trial lawyers agree on, it is the need for thorough preparation. A lawyer who goes into court must know the case they intend to prove. To the extent possible, they must also know their opponent’s case and be ready to defuse it. Trying to “wing it” through a trial… read more

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Partners with Gearlink Racing

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers is pleased to announce that we have partnered with Gearlink Racing, Inc.! Our firm is now a sponsor of the bicycle racing team, which plays a prominent role in the Florida cycling community. Founded in 2008, Gearlink Racing consists of nearly 100 riders – and growing – who participate in… read more