FAQ’s

The Costello Law Group helps clients with personal injury claims, consumer law disputes, and Personal Injury Protection insurance matters. Consumer matters include credit reporting problems, security deposit disputes, and certain unwanted calls or text messages. The firm also considers criminal defense matters and property damage claims on a case-by-case basis.

Yes. Direct attorney communication is central to the firm’s approach. Joshua Costello reviews your legal issues, explains the available options, and remains involved in your case strategy and important decisions. You can ask questions about the process, the status of your matter, and what information is needed next.

No. The firm is based in Cooper City and serves clients in Davie, Pembroke Pines, and all of Dave, Cooper City , while also handling appropriate matters throughout Florida. Contact us with the location and nature of your legal issue so we can discuss whether the firm can help.

Yes. The Costello Law Group considers criminal defense matters and property damage claims on a case-by-case basis. Share a brief description of your situation, including any upcoming court dates, insurance decisions, or notices you have received, so Joshua Costello can evaluate the matter.

Start with a short description of what happened, the important dates, and the names of the people or businesses involved. Depending on your issue, useful records may include accident reports, insurance letters, medical bills, credit reports, leases, photographs, or text messages. Let the firm know promptly about any court papers or deadlines.

No. Submitting a form or requesting a consultation does not establish an attorney-client relationship. The firm must first review the matter, check for conflicts, and agree to the terms of representation. Do not assume the firm is handling a deadline or taking action on your behalf until representation has been confirmed.

Yes. In addition to personal injury and consumer law, The Costello Law Group handles criminal defense matters and property damage claims on a case-by-case basis. Contact us to discuss your situation so Attorney Joshua Costello can review your needs and determine how the firm may assist.

No. A claim depends on the dangerous condition, who was responsible for the area, and whether the legal requirements for liability are met. For a spill or similar temporary substance in a Florida business, an important issue is whether the business knew or should have known about the condition and should have addressed it.

If you can do so safely, photograph the condition, the surrounding area, and any warning signs. Report the incident to the property owner or manager and request a copy of any incident report. Keep witness information, medical records, and the shoes and clothing you were wearing.

Yes. Video may show the fall, the condition of the area, or how long a hazard existed. However, recordings may be overwritten or deleted. Let your attorney know promptly if cameras were present so the firm can consider steps to request preservation of relevant footage.

Yes. The Costello Law Group serves people injured in Davie, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, and throughout Florida. The firm can review the location, property type, and circumstances to determine whether it can assist.

Keep the crash report number, photographs, witness contact information, insurance details, medical bills, and correspondence about the collision. Save receipts for related expenses and records of missed work. If you do not have every document, you can still contact the firm to discuss what happened.

No. Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, provides certain benefits under applicable insurance coverage regardless of who caused the crash, subject to eligibility requirements and limits. A claim against another driver involves that driver’s legal responsibility and available coverage. Depending on the circumstances, both types of claims may need to be evaluated.

There may still be options, depending on your policy and the circumstances. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, if available and applicable, may help with injury losses. Other coverage may address certain expenses. A review of the policies is necessary before determining what benefits or claims are available.

Yes. Based in Cooper City, The Costello Law Group serves clients in Davie, Pembroke Pines, and throughout Florida. Contact the firm with the location of the crash and a brief description of what happened so Joshua Costello can evaluate your case.

Florida’s standard no-fault PIP system generally does not cover injuries sustained while riding a motorcycle. Motorcycle coverage differs from automobile coverage, so your own policy, the other driver’s insurance, and any applicable uninsured motorist coverage should be reviewed individually.

Photographs of the vehicles, road conditions, debris, and visible injuries can be important. Witness statements, video footage, crash reports, and medical records may also help explain what happened. Preserve your helmet, riding gear, and damaged motorcycle when possible, because they may contain relevant evidence.

A passenger may have a claim against a person or business responsible for the collision. That could involve another driver, the motorcycle operator, or another responsible party. Available compensation depends on the evidence, applicable law, and insurance coverage.

Yes. The Costello Law Group represents motorcycle accident clients in Cooper City, Davie, Pembroke Pines, and across Florida. The firm reviews each case individually, including where the collision occurred and which parties may be responsible.

Possibly. The location is one factor, not the only factor. Driver speed, attention, visibility, traffic controls, roadway design, and each person’s conduct affect fault.

Failure to see a pedestrian does not automatically excuse the driver. The investigation should examine lighting, sight distance, speed, distractions, clothing, signals, and whether a reasonably careful driver should have seen the pedestrian.

PIP, bodily injury liability, uninsured motorist coverage, health insurance, or other benefits may be involved. Priority and coverage depend on the policies and circumstances.

Depending on the facts, responsibility may involve the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle owner, maintenance provider, cargo-loading company, or another party. A company is not automatically responsible simply because it was connected to the truck. The investigation must establish each party’s role.

Truck collisions may involve commercial insurance policies, multiple businesses, driver records, and vehicle maintenance information. Determining who controlled the vehicle and how the crash occurred can require a more detailed investigation than a typical two-car collision.

Relevant evidence may include crash photographs, witness accounts, available vehicle data, driver logs, maintenance records, dispatch information, and cargo records. Not every record exists in every case. Early investigation helps identify what should be requested and preserved.

Yes. From its Cooper City office, The Costello Law Group serves clients in Davie, Pembroke Pines, and statewide. Contact the firm with the crash location, trucking company information, and any records you already have.

That statement does not, by itself, resolve responsibility for the collision. The circumstances must be reviewed, including visibility, traffic signals, vehicle movements, lighting, and witness accounts. Photographs and video can help establish what each person could see and how the collision occurred.

Preserve the bicycle, helmet, damaged clothing, photographs, medical records, and receipts for related expenses. Save any available ride-tracking information or camera footage. Before repairing or discarding damaged equipment, ask whether it should be documented or inspected.

Report the collision and provide any available description of the vehicle, driver, direction of travel, and witnesses. Nearby cameras may help identify the vehicle. Depending on your insurance policies and the facts, coverage may be available even if the driver is not identified.

Yes. The Costello Law Group assists injured cyclists in Cooper City, Davie, Pembroke Pines, and throughout Florida. Joshua Costello can review the circumstances and explain which potential claims or insurance options warrant further investigation.

Not necessarily. Florida law can hold a dog owner responsible for a bite even if the dog had never bitten anyone before. The location of the incident, whether the injured person was lawfully present, and applicable defenses can affect the claim.

Obtain the owner’s name and contact information, identify the dog, and save photographs and witness details. Seek appropriate medical care and keep treatment records. Animal-control reports and available vaccination information may also help document the incident.

You can explore your options without assuming the owner will personally pay every expense. A homeowners or renters insurance policy may provide coverage, but exclusions and limits vary. The firm can review the circumstances and available insurance before discussing how to proceed.

Yes. The Costello Law Group serves dog bite clients in Davie, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, and statewide. Contact the firm with the incident location and available information about the dog and its owner.

A Florida wrongful death action is brought by the deceased person’s personal representative for the benefit of eligible survivors and the estate. Family members should not assume that each person files a separate lawsuit. The firm can explain how the representative’s role relates to the potential claim.

Useful records may include the death certificate, accident or incident reports, medical records, insurance correspondence, and information about the person’s surviving family. If an estate has been opened or a personal representative appointed, bring those documents as well.

No. You can begin with the information you have. An initial conversation can help identify missing records, possible deadlines, and questions about the estate. You do not need to complete your own investigation before asking for guidance.

Yes, the firm can review a potential Florida wrongful death matter even if eligible family members live elsewhere. The Costello Law Group is based in Cooper City and serves families with matters throughout Florida. The location of the incident and other legal factors will help determine how the case should proceed.

Bring the records you already have, such as photographs, accident reports, insurance correspondence, medical documents, bills, witness information, and a brief timeline of what happened.

You do not necessarily need to wait. Deadlines, evidence preservation, insurance communications, and other issues may matter earlier. The firm can explain what information is useful based on the circumstances.

Yes. Direct attorney communication is central to the firm’s approach. Joshua personally reviews the legal issues and remains involved in strategy and client communication.

No. The firm must first review the facts, parties, deadlines, conflicts, evidence, and scope of representation. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Not necessarily. Some claims require a particular notice, dispute, or opt-out step, while a poorly documented response can make the facts harder to prove. Contacting an attorney early can help you understand which records to preserve and which next step fits the specific issue.

No. The conduct must fall within an applicable law, and the available evidence and harm matter. A case review is designed to separate a legally actionable issue from a problem that may be better addressed through another process.

The timeline depends on the type of claim, the parties, the available records, any required pre-suit process, and whether the dispute can be resolved without litigation. Joshua can discuss the likely stages after reviewing the facts.

Fee arrangements depend on the matter. Contact the firm to discuss the issue and the terms that would apply before representation begins.

Examples include accounts that do not belong to you, incorrect balances, inaccurate payment histories, and information mixed with another person’s file. Compare the reported information with your own records and identify each specific item you believe is wrong.

You can contact an attorney at any stage. Generally, errors should be disputed with the credit reporting company and the business that supplied the information. Explain the specific problem and provide supporting documents. Keep copies of your disputes, delivery confirmations, and responses.

Save the investigation results and obtain an updated report showing whether the error remains. Keep records of any related credit denial, higher borrowing cost, or other harm. An attorney can review the dispute history and determine whether further action may be appropriate.

Yes. The Costello Law Group serves consumers in Cooper City, Davie, Pembroke Pines, and throughout Florida. Provide the relevant report, dispute correspondence, and a brief explanation of how the error has affected you.

Review the landlord’s notice promptly and preserve the notice, envelope, and delivery information. Under Florida’s residential security deposit law, a tenant generally has 15 days after receiving a notice of intent to claim against the deposit to object in writing. Do not assume an informal phone call preserves your objection.

Keep your lease, proof of the deposit payment, move-in and move-out photographs, inspection reports, and communications with the landlord. Records showing when you moved out, returned the keys, and provided a forwarding address can also be important.

Request an explanation of the deductions and supporting records. The lease, the condition of the property before and after the tenancy, and the reason for each charge all matter. An itemized demand does not automatically establish that every deduction is justified.

Yes. Moving to another city or state does not prevent the firm from reviewing a dispute involving a Florida rental. The Costello Law Group serves tenants with matters in Davie, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, and throughout Florida.

No. Whether a text violates the Telephone Consumer Protection Act or another applicable law depends on factors such as the sender, the message’s purpose, how it was sent, and whether valid consent existed. An unwanted message alone does not automatically establish a claim.

Keep screenshots showing the complete message, sender’s number, date, and time. Preserve the original conversation, any opt-out requests, and messages received afterward. Information about purchases, online forms, or prior dealings with the business may also be relevant.

Prior consent does not necessarily mean you must continue receiving covered calls or texts indefinitely. You may be able to revoke consent. Keep a record of your request and subsequent messages so an attorney can evaluate whether the sender complied with the applicable rules.

Yes. The Costello Law Group assists consumers in Cooper City, Davie, Pembroke Pines, and across Florida. Send a brief description of the messages and the sender so the firm can explain what information is needed for a review.

No. Coverage, the 14-day treatment rule, provider eligibility, medical necessity, causation, billing compliance, deductibles, benefit limits, policy terms, and exclusions may affect payment.

Yes. The correct claimant and rights depend on the policy, services, applicable documents, and law. The firm reviews matters for policyholders and providers.

Provide the policy or declarations page, crash information, claim number, medical records, bills, explanations of benefits, denial letters, payment logs, correspondence, and any examination or document requests.

Personal Injury Protection, commonly known as PIP, is insurance coverage that may help pay certain medical expenses and other covered costs following an automobile accident, subject to the terms of the policy and Florida law.

The firm evaluates matters involving PIP benefits that have been denied, delayed, or underpaid, including disputes involving eligible policyholders and medical providers.

Bring any documents you have, including your insurance policy, claim correspondence, medical bills, treatment records, payment information, denial letters, and communications with the insurance company.

A denied or underpaid claim may require a review of the policy, medical records, billing information, correspondence, and applicable deadlines. The firm can evaluate the circumstances and explain the options available.

No. The policy, deductible, benefit limits, applicable payment methodology, submitted charge, coding, and supporting records must be reviewed. A difference between the bill and payment is the start of the analysis, not the conclusion.

Request and review the PIP payment log, claim chronology, reserve issues, and the timing of submitted bills. Exhaustion can be valid, but the underlying payments and priority should be verified.

Sometimes. A corrected bill, revised claim, additional record, or focused response may resolve an administrative or documentation problem. Other disputes may require the statutory demand process and litigation.

Potentially. A provider’s ability to pursue payment depends on the applicable coverage, its legal right to seek benefits, billing compliance, supporting records, and the insurer’s reason for the decision. A denial or reduction should be reviewed individually rather than assumed to be correct or recoverable.

Gather the bills submitted, relevant treatment records, assignment-of-benefits documents, explanations of benefits, payment records, and insurer correspondence. Include submission dates and any requests for additional information. These records help identify the disputed amount and the insurer’s stated position.

No. The first step is to review the policy, billing history, supporting records, and reason for the reduction. Some disputes may be addressed through additional documentation or presuit communications. Applicable notice requirements and other prerequisites must be evaluated before litigation.

Yes. The Costello Law Group serves eligible medical providers in Broward County and throughout Florida, including chiropractors, physicians, and imaging centers. From its Cooper City office, the firm reviews denied or underpaid PIP claims and explains potential next steps.

Yes. Depending on the lease and maintenance arrangements, the business, the property owner, a management company, or a third-party contractor could each share some responsibility for a hazard, depending on who controlled that part of the property.

Florida law may still allow a claim if the hazard existed long enough that the business should have discovered it, or if similar conditions occurred often enough to be foreseeable. This is often referred to as constructive knowledge.

Workplace injuries involving employees are often handled differently, potentially through workers’ compensation rather than a premises liability claim. The applicable process can depend on your relationship to the business and the circumstances of the fall.

You can still document the accident on your own by writing down what happened, gathering witness contact information, and taking photos if possible. An attorney may also be able to request records directly from the business.

Call 911 as soon as possible, try to note details about the other vehicle, look for witnesses or nearby surveillance cameras, and seek medical attention. Filing a police report creates an official record that can support both a criminal investigation and your own injury claim.

You may still be able to recover compensation through your own PIP and uninsured motorist coverage, since Florida generally treats an unidentified hit-and-run driver similarly to an uninsured driver. Reviewing your policy with an attorney can help clarify what coverage may apply.

Yes. Florida law requires drivers involved in a crash to stop and provide information. Leaving the scene can result in criminal charges ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on whether the crash caused injury or death.

Insurance policies often include specific deadlines for reporting a claim, including uninsured motorist claims. Reporting the crash to your insurer promptly, in addition to law enforcement, helps protect your rights under the policy.

Personal injury claims in Florida involve complex rules, strict deadlines, and insurers who work to limit payouts. An experienced Davie attorney protects your rights, handles the legal process, and fights for fair compensation for your injuries.

We represent clients in car accidents, rideshare and trucking collisions, motorcycle crashes, bicycle and pedestrian accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, dog bites, negligent security, and wrongful death claims throughout Broward County.

Make sure everyone is safe and get medical care, document the scene with photos, report the accident to authorities, gather witness and insurance details, and contact a personal injury lawyer before speaking with the at-fault party’s insurer.

For most negligence-based injury claims, Florida law now requires filing within two years of the accident. Because exceptions exist and evidence fades quickly, it is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

We handle personal injury cases on a contingency basis—there is no fee unless we win your case—and your initial consultation is free. Contact us at (954) 591-8099

The requirements can depend on the circumstances of the accident. Generally, an injured person may need to establish that a dangerous condition existed, that the responsible party had a legal duty concerning the property, and that negligence or another legally recognized basis for liability caused the injury. For certain transitory foreign-substance cases in Florida businesses, the law specifically addresses actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition.

Seek appropriate medical attention, report the accident, document the condition that caused the fall if possible, collect witness information, and keep records related to your injury and losses. You may also want to speak with an attorney before making detailed statements about the accident to an insurance company.

Photos and videos of the hazard, witness information, incident reports, medical records, bills, and available surveillance or maintenance records may help establish what happened and the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Fees and representation arrangements vary by law firm and case. The best way to understand the firm’s fees and policies is to contact the law office directly and ask about the terms of representation.

First, check for injuries and move to a safe location if it is possible to do so safely. Call 911 when appropriate, report the crash, exchange required information with the other driver, document the scene if you can safely do so, and seek medical attention.

You should be cautious when communicating with the other driver’s insurer. Avoid guessing about fault or minimizing your injuries. If the insurer requests a recorded statement, medical authorization, or other documents and you are unsure how to respond, consider speaking with an attorney first.

If it is safe to do so, photograph the vehicles, accident scene, road conditions, traffic signs, license plates, and visible injuries. You should also collect witness contact information and keep copies of medical records, bills, repair estimates, and insurance communications.

You can contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident, particularly if you were injured, fault is disputed, or an insurance company is involved. Early legal guidance can help you understand your options and avoid mistakes that could affect your claim.

Joshua personally evaluates matters accepted by The Costello Law Group and remains involved in strategy and client communication. The exact scope of representation is explained before an attorney-client relationship begins.

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No. Joshua’s former public-defender work remains relevant professional background, but Criminal Defense is not part of the approved current website scope. Property Damage is also excluded. The current focus is Personal Injury, Consumer Law, and PIP matters.

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The firm is based in Cooper City and serves clients throughout Broward County and South Florida. Appropriate Consumer Law and PIP matters may be evaluated from elsewhere in Florida. Jurisdiction and service availability depend on the specific matter.

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The firm will gather basic information, check for conflicts, and determine whether the matter falls within its current services. Joshua may request documents or a timeline before discussing possible next steps and representation terms.

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Yes. The Costello Law Group represents people injured in Davie, including those who live elsewhere in Florida or were visiting the area. The firm’s office is in nearby Cooper City. During your consultation, we can discuss where the accident occurred, who was involved, and whether the firm can assist with your claim.

Bring any accident or incident report, photographs, witness information, medical records, bills, and correspondence from insurance companies. Information about missed work and lost income can also be helpful. You do not need every document before contacting us—a brief timeline and the records you already have are a useful starting point.

Many personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning the attorney’s fee depends on recovering compensation. Case expenses are separate from attorney’s fees. Before hiring a lawyer, review the written agreement so you understand the fee percentage, how expenses are handled, and any responsibility for costs if there is no recovery.

Possibly. Under Florida’s comparative fault rules, compensation may be reduced by your share of responsibility. In negligence cases covered by the greater-than-50-percent rule, someone found more than 50% responsible for their own harm cannot recover damages. The rules that apply depend on the type of claim and other circumstances, so an insurance company’s allegation of fault should not be treated as the final answer.

The timeline depends on your medical treatment, the available evidence, disagreements about responsibility, insurance coverage, and whether a lawsuit becomes necessary. Some claims resolve through negotiations, while others require litigation. Evaluating ongoing treatment and potential future losses is an important part of deciding when a settlement offer can be assessed fairly.

Consider whether the offer accounts for your documented losses and any ongoing effects of the injury. A settlement release may prevent you from seeking additional compensation for the same claim later. Before signing, make sure you understand what claims you are releasing, what expenses remain outstanding, and how much you would actually receive.