Check out our August newsletter!
August 2023
720 Goodlette Rd. N, Suite 304, Naples, FL 34102 • www.AttorneyShapiro.com
RED-LIGHT CAMERAS ARE COMING BACK!
But They’re Not Being Used for Their Original Purpose
When dealing with personal matters in court, you’ll get dozens of “he said, she said” responses — especially during car accidents and personal injury claims. One party will argue that they weren’t the at-fault driver, while the other party says the same thing. Their stories may contradict each other, leaving the first responders, attorneys, mediators, judges, and sometimes the jury to determine the actual truth behind the accident. However, if you have solid evidence, you can strengthen your case! Witness statements and videos are some of the best forms of evidence that can help you during your case. Unfortunately, not everyone can obtain or access this form of proof. But all that will change — I have a secret weapon that will make me stand apart from my competitors, provide you with the best service possible, and strengthen your car accident claims. But before I tell you what new thing I’ve implemented, I have to share a story for context. A couple of years ago, a company approached the state and said they would install red-light cameras at most major intersections. If someone runs a red light, the camera would take a picture of their license plate and mail the owner of the vehicle a ticket. The company would do all this at its own expense and split the revenue with the state. I’m sure many of you remember when this happened!
caused. So, Collier and Lee counties scrapped the use of these cameras, and now, we have tons of red-light cameras no longer in use. But is there anything we could use them for? That’s where RoadProof comes into play. RoadProof is an independent company that can turn on red-light cameras for any law firm that purchases territory. So, I decided to do just that! I reached out to RoadProof and bought the territories of Naples and Fort Myers — the two locations where most of my clients are from. After purchasing the region, RoadProof turned on all the red-light cameras in those areas.
“No other law firm in Collier or Lee County has this tool — I’m the only one!”
But instead of tracking if you ran the light or not, it just records video, meaning that it can capture accidents at intersections and even parts of I-75! So now, if you’re involved in an accident in Naples or Fort Myers and the red-light camera captures the incident, I can use the footage as evidence during your case. So with my secret weapon, you no longer have to deal with the “he said, she said” battle during your cases! I can use this new strong layer of evidence to help you receive the compensation you deserve. No other law firm in Collier or Lee County has this tool — I’m the only one! If you were in an accident and are looking for someone to speak on your behalf who has the proper resources to defend you, look no
While the idea was successful, so many tickets were mailed out that it caused numerous people to fight their tickets. Some claimed they didn’t run a red light or that it wasn’t them driving the car. Additionally, people argued that tourists wouldn’t visit Naples or Fort Myers anymore because of the red-light cameras and the frustration they
further. My team and I will gladly assist you, so give us a call today to get started! You can also visit our website or Facebook page for additional information on RoadProof and how the firm is using its services. -Marc L. Shapiro
(239) 500-5000 • 1
NO FOOD, BEVERAGES, GUM, OR HIGH HEELS ALLOWED! How Greece Is Preserving Its Ancient Sites
If you wanted to pinpoint a civilization that has impacted our society and government in more ways than one, ancient Greece should be one of the first civilizations you think of. The ancient Greeks made significant contributions to philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, literature, and so much more. Today, you can still visit their magnificent monuments and tour ancient sites — it will surely make you feel like you’ve returned to ancient times! However, if you plan on traveling to Greece, there are a few things you need to know. For example, in 2009, Greek authorities implemented a law stating that you cannot wear high heels while walking around these historic sites. Because these monuments are centuries old, they have experienced a lot of wear and tear. And visitors (or locals) wearing stiletto heels can damage these sites even more with their spiked heels. But that’s not the only law Greek authorities instituted in 2009. You also can’t bring food, drinks, or gum to most of these historical sites. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens, Greece, was built in 161 A.D. To this day, it continues to be a stadium for live performances, festivals, and other activities. But in 2009, Greek authorities and the venue’s maintenance crew knew something needed to change. As
the crew cleaned up the stadium, they discovered nearly 60 pounds of chewing gum beneath the marble seats. Because of this incident of littering — and many others — Greek officials came up with a solution, and new laws were created. If we want to preserve the history of these places and the culture of the ancient Greeks, continue learning more about them, and use their buildings and stadiums, then we must follow the preventive measures the modern Greeks put in place. So, if you plan on traveling to Greece to see the iconic Parthenon temple, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Temple of Apollo, the Temple of Zeus, or other locations, be sure to wear your comfiest shoes, and eat and drink before visiting!
FAILURE TO BUCKLE UP Can You Still File a Personal Injury Claim? The Law on Comparative Negligence You have the right to file a personal injury claim after being involved in a car accident as long as you can prove that the other party’s negligence led to the accident. It’s important to note that you may affect your damage award if you share some blame with the defendant. Before the Florida Tort Reform, the plaintiff could collect compensation even if, to some degree, they were responsible for the accident. But now, if you’re 50% or more responsible for the negligent act, you will not receive a settlement. And if you weren’t wearing a seat belt when the collision occurred, it could hinder your case now more than ever when seeking compensation. Failure to wear a seat belt comes into play when the court feels the act contributes to your injuries. The cause of the accident may not have been your lack of wearing a seat belt, but if it played a role in increasing the severity of the injuries you suffered, your compensation amount will decrease. How does the defense use this against you? While not wearing a seat belt won’t forfeit your right to get compensated by your insurance provider or the at-fault party, it will affect the quality of your claims. The defense team can use medical evidence to prove to the court that your injuries’ degree and severity are because you weren’t wearing your seat belt. They may have experts testify and state that if you wore a seat belt, you wouldn’t have suffered the same injuries or maybe even been injured in the first place. You deserve a fair trial and compensation even if you weren’t buckled up. At The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro , we will fight and argue that you would have still received your injuries if you were wearing your seat belt. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you or someone you know is experiencing this scenario.
Under Florida law, it’s illegal for anyone to ride in or operate a vehicle without wearing a seat belt. And while it’s common knowledge that wearing your seat belt can protect you and prevent severe injuries, did you know you could jeopardize your personal injury case if you got into a car accident and weren’t wearing your seat belt?
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‘I HAD A PERSONAL ALLY TO HELP ME’ What Our Clients Are Saying “Because of a crash caused by someone running a stop sign, I suffered a serious neck injury. I was confused and unsure about the best course for my immediate and long-term medical care and legal rights. I was put at ease once I contacted The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro . I had a personal ally to help me through it all. Thank you to Marc and his entire staff during this difficult time.” –Me Me “I would like to thank Marnee Baker for all her knowledge and advice I received last week. She was very positive and kind! Ms. Baker wanted me to achieve great results from the case I had when I was injured while working in a boutique. Her legal expertise and experience guided me through the process. I am forever grateful for The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro! God bless them.” –Sandra A.
Your reviews offer us valuable feedback, but when you recommend our services to others, that’s the ultimate form of praise! Please share your experiences with the Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., on Google or on Facebook.com/AttorneyShapiroLaw. Your comments empower us, make us better, and allow us to help others.
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RASPBERRY AND FIG OAT BARS
Ingredients
• • • • • •
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup cornstarch 1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 cup raspberry jam 1 1/3 cups raspberries
1 cup and 1 tbsp rolled oats, divided 2 sticks chilled unsalted butter, diced 2/3 cup caster sugar (superfine granulated)
3 figs, quartered
1 tbsp turbinado or brown sugar
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease and line an 8x12-inch pan with parchment paper. 2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and 1 cup oats. Using your fingertips, rub in butter until crumbly. Stir in caster sugar, then add egg and vanilla. Stir until clumpy. 3. In the pan, smooth three-quarters of the mixture evenly. Spread jam over the top, then add fruit. Mix leftover oat mixture with turbinado sugar and remaining oats, then sprinkle over the fruit. 4. Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.
BACKPACK BOOKS DAFFODIL FESTIVAL
FRIENDS HARVEST LEARNING METEOR
PRODUCE SMORES
SUNSCREEN YARDWORK
Inspired by Delicious.com.au
(239) 500-5000 • 3
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720 Goodlette Rd. N, Suite 304 Naples, FL 34102 www.AttorneyShapiro.com
Inside I Have Something Other Attorneys Don’t Have! Page 1 You’re Forbidden From Wearing Heels in Greece?! This Action Can Jeopardize Your Claim and Settlement! Page 2
What Our Clients Are Saying
Raspberry and Fig Oat Bars Page 3 End Summer on a High Note Page 4
SUMMER ISN’T OVER YET! 3 Memorable Ways to Close the Season
As much as many of us wish we could have an endless summer, all good things must come to an end. But why let the season close with a whimper when you can go out with a bang? Strive for a memorable last few days of the season with one of these family-friendly ideas. Take a family road trip. What says “summer” more than piling in the car and driving somewhere? You don’t necessarily have to go far. A new town a few hours away can still be an adventure. Check out a local state park or nearby museum you’ve always meant to visit and let your children enjoy the novelty of sleeping in a hotel room or camper. Even a weekend away will feel like an occasion and stick out in everyone’s memories. Spend a day on the water. Enjoying the water is one of the summer’s greatest
pleasures, so make the most of it one last time. Depending on where you live, you might incorporate this idea into your road trip. Head to the nearest beach, lake, or river and pack in as much summer fun as possible with a favorite summer activity or something new! You could help your kids build a sandcastle, rent a kayak or paddleboat, or try water skiing. You might even surf or snorkel. Have a late night. Bedtime routines are about to make a return for school kids, much to their possible dismay, but you can indulge them with one last hurrah. Plan a special late night the family can enjoy together. You might go to a drive-in theater or host a movie marathon at home with plenty of popcorn. Camping on your lawn will also allow staying up late together doing something exciting. No tent? No problem — build a pillow fort in the living room instead!
Summer only comes once a year, so don’t let its final days go to waste. A special celebration to mark the season’s end will leave you with lasting memories and even more reasons to look forward to next year.
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