DOES YOUR AUTOMOBILE / MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE PROVIDE YOU WITH “FULL COVERAGE”? ALMOST CERTAINLY NOT…

Jason B. Goldman • September 8, 2015

Full coverage Punta Gorda motorcycle insurance Port Charlotte motorcycle Insurance

I have handled countless automobile, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and Englewood in the last 20 years. At the beginning of every claim, I ask my prospective client “Do you know what levels of insurance coverage you have?” I’d venture to say that 80% of people respond with the same answer: “Oh, I have  full coverage ”. Of all the folks who believe they have “full coverage”, in my experience less than 1 in 10 actually does. Full coverage Punta Gorda motorcycle insurance Port Charlotte motorcycle Insurance dos not always fully cover you in the case of an accident!

Most people believe they have “full coverage” because they purchased a policy which includes “coverage” under every category where insurance is offered, such as:

  1. Personal Injury Protection (pays for your medical bills)
  2. Property Damage (pays for damage to other vehicle if you cause accident)
  3. Comprehensive (pays for damages to your vehicle caused by another driver)
  4. Towing Expenses
  5. Vehicle Rental
  6. Bodily Injury (compensates another who you’ve negligently injured in an accident)
  7. Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist (compensates you for injury if driver who caused accident is uninsured or underinsured)

People believe merely having all seven (7) of these coverages, regardless of the actual amount of coverage they’ve purchased, is “full coverage”, because Florida law (shamefully, I might add) only requires two (2) of these coverages, i.e. $10,000.00 in Property Damage coverage and $10,000.00 in Personal Injury Protection benefits. Let me show you with some simple examples why having merely purchased all of these coverages as part of your insurance policy, without focusing on the actual amounts of the coverages you’ve purchased, does not equate to having “full coverage”. I will focus on Property Damage coverage in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood, Bodily Injury coverage in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood, and Unsinured/Underinsured Motorist coverage in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood. These are the three (3) coverages for Full coverage Punta Gorda motorcycle insurance Port Charlotte motorcycle insurance where most people fall woefully short, and don’t realize it until it’s too late.

Property Damage Coverage in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood:

Florida law only requires us to carry $10,000.00 in Property Damage coverage, which pays for property damage you caused as a result of negligently operating your car or motorcycle. If you cause more than $10,000.00 in property damage, however, you are personally responsible for all damages above the $10,000.00 limit you purchased. If you accidentally go through a red light and broadside a newer model luxury car, do you feel $10,000.00 in Property Damage coverage is enough to cover that loss? Probably not. If you accidentally rear-end a vehicle stopped in line at a red light and that vehicles pushes forward into another vehicle, do you feel $10,000.00 in Property Damage coverage is enough to cover the property damage of two vehicles? Probably not. In these scenarios, other drivers and their insurance companies will be suing you personally for all of their property damage over and above your $10,000.00 Property damage insurance limit.

Solution Regarding Property Damage Coverage in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood:

Purchase at least $50,000.00 in Property Damage coverage, but we recommend $100,000.00 in light of the increasing cost of automobiles and their repair.

Bodily Injury Coverage in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood:

Bodily Injury coverage compensates someone you’ve negligently injured in an accident. Please recall that Florida law does not require you to purchase any Bodily Injury coverage. Nonetheless, you responsibly decide to purchase some level of Bodily Injury coverage. You can generally purchase this coverage for limits anywhere from a minimum of $10,000.00, all the way up through $1,000,000.00. So, how much should you purchase to make sure that you’re “fully covered”?

Statistics seem to bear out that each of us, at least once in our lives, will cause an accident that involves serious injury to another, i.e. bone fractures, a surgical procedure performed, substantial scarring, etc. Serious injury claims usually involve voluntary settlements or jury verdicts which exceed $100,000.00. If you’ve purchased only $50,000.00 in Bodily Injury coverage, do you feel you’re fully covered if this scenario occurs? Clearly not. In this instance, you can be sued by the injured party, and any judgment entered in excess of your $50,000.00 Bodily Injury insurance limit will be entered against you personally. Obtaining the proper level of Bodily Injury coverage, and the financial protection it provides, is even more important for those who have reached a level of financial comfort and security in their lives. The more financial success you’ve enjoyed, the more you have to protect.

Recommendations Regarding Bodily Injury Coverage in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood:

  1. Unless financially impossible for you to afford, never carry less than $100,000.00 Bodily Injury coverage.
  2. The more assets you own and personal wealth you’ve accumulated, the more Bodily Injury coverage you need to purchase.
  3. When deciding on the proper level of Bodily Injury coverage to purchase, have an honest discussion with your local insurance agent or an attorney like myself regarding your assets and personal wealth. This conversation takes less than 30 minutes. Unfortunately, this incredibly important discussion almost never occurs when people purchase their automobile/motorcycle insurance coverage. The amount of Bodily Injury coverage you purchase should be directly related to the amount of assets you’ve accumulated. The more assets and wealth you have, the more Bodily Injury coverage you require.

Unisnured /Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood:

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverages compensates you if you’re injured by another driver who either doesn’t have insurance, or has Bodily Injury coverage in an amount that’s less than the value of your injury claim. Please recall that Florida law (shamefully) does not require vehicle owners to carry any Bodily Injury coverage at all. As a result, if a negligent driver either without insurance or who has purchased an amount of Bodily Injury coverage that is far less than the value of your injury claim causes you serious injury, there may be no coverage (or very little coverage) to compensate you for your loss. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you from this all-too-common scenario in Florida. You can generally purchase this coverage for limits anywhere from a minimum of $10,000.00, all the way up through $1,000,000.00. So, how much should you purchase to make sure that you’re “fully covered”?

Statistics coincidentally seem to bear out that not only will each of us, at least once in our lives, cause an accident that involves serious injury to another, they also indicate that each of us will be seriously injured by another in an accident at least once in our lives. Knowing these statistics, obtaining a proper level of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist benefits is crucial in Florida, a state in which other drivers are not required to carry any Bodily Injury coverage whatsoever.

Once again, serious injury claims usually involve voluntary settlements or jury verdicts which exceed $100,000.00. If you’ve purchased only $25,000.00 in Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage, do you feel you’re fully covered if this common scenario occurs? Clearly not. In this instance, for example, you could suffer a $500,000.00 injury and collect only $25,000.00 because of a lack of insurance coverage limits between the other driver’s Bodily Injury and your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverages. This sad scenario happens each and every day in Florida.

Purchasing Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage in substantial amounts is particularly important for motorcyclists. There are very few motorcycle accidents which involve only “minor” injuries, because motorcyclists have little protection. Whereas the occupant of an automobile is protected by seat-belts, air-bags, and the carriage of the vehicle, the motorcyclist has no such protections. Motorcyclists often contact the roadway at substantial force, which almost always brings about serious injuries such as fractures, internal injuries, paralysis, or death.

Recommendations Regarding Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood:

  1. Florida law does not allow you to carry more Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist benefits (which protects you from the negligence of others) than what you carry for Bodily Injury coverage (which protects others from your negligence). As a result, you can never protect yourself from the negligence of others more than you are willing to protect others from your negligence. So if you want to fully protect you and your family, you will need to protect the public fully from you!
  2. Unless financially impossible for you to afford, never carry less than $100,000.00 Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist benefits. If you ride a motorcycle and can afford the coverage, never carry less than $250,000.00 in Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist benefits. Simple accident statistics show that you will almost certainly need this coverage at some point in your life.
  3. Always “stack” your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage. “Stacking”, the cost of which is fairly minimal, multiplies your level of coverage by the number of automobiles you have on your policy. Thus, if you choose to purchase $100,000.00 in Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist benefits and you have three (3) vehicles on your insurance policy, you in fact have $300,000.00 in Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage.
  4. When deciding on the proper level of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist benefits to purchase, have an honest discussion with your local insurance agent or an attorney like myself regarding your assets, personal wealth, and family situation. This conversation takes less than 30 minutes. Unfortunately, this incredibly important discussion almost never occurs when people purchase their automobile/motorcycle insurance coverage.

Conclusion

Please take out your automobile or motorcycle insurance policy in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood. Take a look at what coverages you purchased, and more importantly, pay special attention to the amount of coverage you purchased, especially for Bodily Injury coverage and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist benefits. Ask yourself these simple questions:

  1. “If I caused an accident this week, and the driver I injured suffered a non-surgical wrist fracture, a rotator cuff tear which required surgery, and a serious ankle fracture which required surgery to insert a plate and screws to stabilize the fracture, do I have an appropriate level of Bodily Injury coverage which fairly compensates the injured driver, and in so doing protects me from getting sued?”
  2. “If I were in an accident this week caused by an uninsured or seriously underinsured driver, and I suffered a non-surgical wrist fracture, a rotator cuff tear which required surgery, and a serious ankle fracture which required surgery to insert a plate and screws to stabilize the fracture, do I have an appropriate level of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist benefits to fairly compensate me and my family for my injuries, lost wages, unpaid medical expenses?”

If your answer to either question is “no”, you, like most others, do not have the “full coverage” you believed you had. If you have additional questions regarding the topic of this blog post, or would like to review your automobile/motorcycle insurance policy in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood with me, I would be happy to speak with you.

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Pool Safety Season: Protecting Your Family and Understanding Liability in Charlotte County

By Jason B. Goldman • May 5, 2026
As temperatures rise across Charlotte County and summer approaches, backyard pools become the centerpiece of family gatherings and weekend relaxation. From Port Charlotte neighborhoods to waterfront properties in Punta Gorda, swimming pools offer a welcome escape from Florida's heat. However, with this seasonal shift comes an important responsibility: ensuring pool safety for everyone who takes a dip. At Goldman, Tiseo & Sturges, P.A., we've seen firsthand how quickly a fun afternoon can turn tragic when proper safety measures aren't in place. Whether you're a pool owner hosting friends and family or a guest enjoying someone else's hospitality, understanding pool safety and liability can prevent accidents and protect lives. The Reality of Pool Accidents in Florida Florida leads the nation in drowning incidents, with swimming pools being a primary location for these tragedies. According to the Florida Department of Health, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 in our state. Even non-fatal pool accidents can result in serious injuries, including near-drowning incidents that lead to brain damage, spinal cord injuries, or broken bones. The risks extend beyond swimming itself. Slippery pool decks, diving board accidents, improper chemical storage, and inadequate fencing all contribute to preventable injuries each year. Essential Pool Safety Tips for Charlotte County Families For Pool Owners: Install proper fencing: Florida law requires pool barriers at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates. This is your first line of defense against unauthorized access. Maintain visibility: Keep the pool area well-lit, especially if you host evening gatherings. Secure pool chemicals: Store cleaning supplies and chemicals in locked cabinets away from children. Inspect equipment regularly: Broken drain covers, loose handrails, and faulty ladders create serious hazards. Post pool rules: Clear signage about diving restrictions, shallow areas, and pool capacity helps guests make safe choices. Provide flotation devices: Keep Coast Guard-approved life jackets accessible, especially when children are present. For Parents and Guests: Never leave children unattended: Drowning can happen in seconds, even in shallow water. Designate a "water watcher" during gatherings. Learn CPR: Knowing how to respond in an emergency can save lives. Avoid alcohol while supervising: Impairment reduces reaction time and awareness. Respect pool rules: If the host has established safety guidelines, follow them. Check water depth before diving: Many pool injuries result from diving in shallow areas. Understanding Pool-Related Premises Liability When an accident occurs at someone else's pool, determining liability can be complex. Florida law holds property owners responsible for maintaining reasonably safe premises for their guests. This legal concept, known as premises liability, applies to swimming pools and surrounding areas. Property owners may be liable when: Required safety features (like proper fencing) are missing or non-functional The pool deck is slippery due to poor maintenance or lack of proper drainage Lighting is inadequate, making hazards difficult to see Broken equipment (ladders, diving boards, filters) causes injury Chemicals are improperly stored and accessible to children Warning signs about depth, diving restrictions, or other dangers are absent However, liability isn't automatic. Several factors influence whether a property owner can be held responsible: The victim's legal status matters: Invitees (social guests, party attendees) are owed the highest duty of care Licensees (service workers, delivery personnel) are owed a duty to warn of known hazards Trespassers generally are owed minimal duty, with exceptions for children under the "attractive nuisance" doctrine The attractive nuisance doctrine is particularly important for pool owners. Because pools are inherently attractive to children, property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent child access—even if those children are trespassing. This is why proper fencing isn't just a good idea; it's a legal requirement. When Accidents Happen: Your Legal Rights If you or a loved one is injured in a pool accident in Charlotte County, taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal rights: Seek immediate medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional. Some pool-related injuries have delayed symptoms. Document the scene: If possible, take photographs of the pool area, including any hazardous conditions, missing safety features, or broken equipment. Report the incident: Inform the property owner and ensure the accident is documented. If the injury is severe, contact local law enforcement. Preserve evidence: Keep any clothing, shoes, or items involved in the accident. Gather witness information: Get contact details from anyone who saw what happened. Avoid giving recorded statements: Insurance companies may use your words against you. Speak with an attorney before providing detailed statements. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney: Pool accident cases involve unique aspects of premises liability law. Legal guidance early in the process can make a significant difference in the outcome. Summer is Here, Stay Safe and Informed Pool season in Charlotte County should be about making memories, not dealing with preventable tragedies. Whether you're hosting Memorial Day gatherings, Fourth of July parties, or simple weekend cookouts, prioritizing pool safety protects everyone. At Goldman, Tiseo & Sturges, P.A., we're committed to keeping our Charlotte County community informed and safe. But when accidents do happen, we're here to help you navigate the legal complexities and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact Us for a Free Consultation If you or a loved one has been injured in a pool-related accident, our experienced legal team is here to answer your questions and protect your rights. Goldman, Tiseo & Sturges, P.A. 📞 (941) 625-6666 📍 Serving Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Englewood, North Port, and all of Charlotte County

Celebrating Mother's Day Safely: Protecting What Matters Most in Charlotte County

By Jason B. Goldman • May 5, 2026
Mother's Day is a cherished occasion throughout Charlotte County, a time when families gather to honor the incredible women who have shaped our lives. From brunch reservations at local Port Charlotte restaurants to scenic drives along the harbor, this Sunday brings an outpouring of love and gratitude. Yet amid the celebrations, it's important to remember that keeping our mothers and all families safe is the greatest gift we can give. At Goldman, Tiseo & Sturges, P.A., we're more than just attorneys; we're neighbors, parents, and community members who understand what matters most. This Mother's Day, we want to share some practical safety reminders to help ensure your celebration stays joyful. The Roads Get Busier on Mother's Day Mother's Day consistently ranks as one of the busiest days for restaurants and retail establishments, which means Charlotte County's roads see increased traffic. With families traveling to brunches, parks, and gatherings, the potential for accidents rises. Stay safe on the road: Plan ahead: Allow extra time for traffic, especially around popular dining areas on Tamiami Trail and Kings Highway. Avoid distractions: Keep phones down and focus on the road—your family needs you alert and present. Watch for pedestrians: Many families walk to restaurants and parks; be especially cautious in parking lots and crosswalks. Never drive impaired: If your celebration includes champagne toasts, designate a sober driver or use a rideshare service. Restaurant and Venue Safety Crowded restaurants and event venues can present their own hazards. From slippery floors to overcrowded walkways, premises liability concerns are real. What to watch for: Wet floors near entrances and restrooms Uneven surfaces in parking lots Proper lighting in outdoor dining areas Safe walkways free from obstacles If you or your mother is injured due to unsafe conditions at a business, know that property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for guests. Honoring Mothers Who've Faced Hardship Mother's Day isn't just about celebration; it's also a time to recognize the strength and resilience of mothers who have faced unexpected challenges. Whether it's recovering from an injury, dealing with the aftermath of an accident, or navigating the complexities of a personal injury claim, mothers often carry burdens that others don't see. If you're a mother who has been injured due to someone else's negligence, you deserve support, compassion, and justice. Don't let the stress of medical bills, insurance claims, or legal processes overshadow your recovery. You have rights, and we're here to protect them. A Message to Our Community This Mother's Day, take a moment to appreciate not only your own mother but all the mothers in Charlotte County who strengthen our community every single day. Whether they're teachers, nurses, business owners, or volunteers, mothers are the backbone of what makes Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and Englewood such special places to call home. From all of us at Goldman, Tiseo & Sturges, P.A., we wish every mother a safe, happy, and memorable Mother's Day. We're Here When You Need Us If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident on Mother's Day or any day, our experienced legal team is here to help. We understand the unique challenges families face, and we're committed to providing personalized, compassionate legal representation. Contact Goldman, Tiseo & Sturges, P.A. today for a free consultation: 📞 (941) 625-6666 📍 Serving Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Englewood, North Port, and all of Charlotte County

Understanding Mediation: A Smarter Path to Resolving Disputes

By Jason B. Goldman • April 6, 2026
When facing a legal dispute, many people assume their only option is a lengthy court battle. However, there's often a better way: mediation. At Goldman, Tiseo & Sturges, we've seen how mediation can save time, money, and relationships while achieving outcomes that satisfy all parties. What Is Mediation? Mediation is a collaborative process where an impartial third party—the mediator—helps disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable resolution. Unlike a judge who imposes a decision, a mediator facilitates communication and guides parties toward their own agreement. Why Choose Mediation? Cost-Effective & Fast Mediation costs a fraction of litigation and typically resolves in a half-day to full-day session—not years. You Stay in Control Unlike court decisions, mediated settlements put you in the driver's seat. You control the outcome. Preserve Relationships Mediation's collaborative approach can preserve business partnerships, neighbor relations, and other ongoing connections. Confidential & Binding Everything discussed stays private, and agreements you help create are more likely to be honored. When Should You Consider Mediation? Mediation works at any stage: Before filing a lawsuit (most cost-effective) During litigation (often court-ordered) Even post-judgment Jason B. Goldman: Certified Charlotte County Mediator Attorney Jason B. Goldman has been certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a circuit court mediator since 2002. Our Mediation Services We mediate cases throughout Charlotte County and beyond: Business and commercial disputes Real estate and construction conflicts Personal injury claims Contract disagreements Pre-suit negotiations Ready to Resolve Your Dispute? Contact Goldman, Tiseo & Sturges today at (941) 625-6666 to schedule your mediation session.

Easter Weekend Safety - Protecting Your Family This Holiday

By Jason B. Goldman • April 6, 2026
Easter weekend is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and fun traditions. But as personal injury attorneys who've spent decades serving Charlotte County, we know that holidays can also bring increased risks on our roadways and in our communities. The Reality of Holiday Traffic Easter weekend consistently ranks as one of the deadliest holiday periods for traffic accidents in Florida. With families traveling to visit relatives, increased alcohol consumption at gatherings, and distracted drivers rushing to events, the roads become significantly more dangerous. According to Florida Highway Safety data, Easter weekend sees a spike in DUI arrests and serious accidents. As you plan your celebrations this year, keep these safety tips in mind: Plan ahead for a designated driver if your celebration involves alcohol Watch for increased pedestrian traffic around churches and parks Be extra cautious at intersections - we know Charlotte County's dangerous crossroads well Secure children properly in car seats when traveling to family gatherings Easter Egg Hunts and Premises Liability If you're hosting an Easter egg hunt or attending one at a church, park, or community center, be aware of potential hazards. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises. We've seen injuries from: Uneven ground causing trip-and-fall accidents Hidden hazards in tall grass where eggs are hidden Dog bites when excited pets interact with children during outdoor events Pool accidents when Easter parties include swimming Your Rights After a Holiday Accident If you or a loved one is injured this Easter weekend due to someone else's negligence - whether it's a drunk driver, an unsafe property, or any other preventable accident - don't wait to seek legal guidance. Evidence disappears, witnesses' memories fade, and insurance companies start building their defense immediately. At Goldman, Tiseo & Sturges, we're here even during the holidays. As lifetime residents of Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, this is our community, and these are our neighbors. We want everyone to enjoy a safe and happy Easter. This Easter, celebrate the renewal of spring - but stay safe doing it. And if the unexpected happens, remember that we're always here to help.