If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a West Palm Beach crash, you may be eligible to pursue financial compensation based on the at-fault driver’s auto insurance coverage, your own uninsured motorist policy, or a civil lawsuit. This could allow you to recover money for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other costs. One of our West Palm Beach car accident lawyers can help.
A West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer from GED Lawyers can discuss your car accident case with you today during a free initial consultation. We are happy to answer questions and explain your legal options.
Our West Palm Beach Car Crash Lawyers Fight for Damages
Car accidents can result in serious injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Damage to internal organs
- Soft tissue damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries and other head trauma
- Dental damage, such as broken teeth
- Internal bruising
These injuries can lead to lifelong impacts. You may struggle to return to work, need assistance with your activities of daily living (ADLs), or be dealing with intense physical pain. Fair compensation for your accident means compensation that accounts for all of the losses you suffered.
We’ve Recovered Millions for Car Accident Clients
Our recent case results include several notable car accident payouts:
- $1,400,000 for a doctor who suffered serious injuries in a crash
- $1,000,000 for the victim of a T-bone auto accident
The outcome of your case may look different than the outcomes of those listed here. Still, we believe that our case results showcase our commitment to client success and demonstrate our experience navigating the legal system.
When your car accident is due to someone else’s negligence, you have the legal right to pursue financial compensation for your accident-based losses. Here, you could recover expenses and losses not covered by your personal injury protection (PIP) policy. In a fault-based insurance claim or lawsuit, the liable party might need to pay for these types of losses:
Economic losses are losses that are financial in nature. They include things like:
- Medical expenses, including future care and support costs for lasting injuries
- Income losses to date and reduced ability to work and earn in the future
- Property damage costs, such as car repair or replacement expenses
- Home modifications
- Miscellaneous expenses with receipts
Non-economic losses are losses that are not directly financial. They include things like:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our West Palm Beach wrongful death attorneys advocate for grieving families too. If your loved one passed away in a West Palm Beach crash, Florida law allows their personal representative to hold the liable parties responsible. The estate executive (executor of their will) could recover a fair settlement for survivors. Our attorneys seek wrongful death damages, which may include:
- Your loved one’s medical care expenses incurred after the accident
- Your loved one’s pain and suffering
- Loss of your loved one’s companionship and protection
- Loss of your loved one’s financial support
- Funeral and burial expenses
Let GED Lawyers fight for your family’s rights after the worst has happened. Contact us today to get started on your case.
How GED Lawyers Manages Your West Palm Beach Car Accident Case
When GED Lawyers represents a car accident victim in West Palm Beach, our accident attorneys manage all parts of the case. We investigate what happened, identify the at-fault party, file the necessary paperwork promptly, and pursue fair compensation for our client. Throughout the legal process, our client can continue their treatment and rehabilitation, focusing on their own health and healing without worrying about the legal process.
We want you to feel fully supported, and so we’re available when you need us. We even offer weekend and evening appointments to better fit into your schedule.
Our Trial-Ready Lawyers Can File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Our team will not hesitate to take your case to trial if necessary. While some law firms settle for too little money to avoid going to trial, we do everything possible to secure the maximum compensation for your losses.
In fact, we provide mock trials for our clients so we can ensure they know what to expect and are ready to testify when necessary. You can trust us to go the extra mile to recover the compensation you need and deserve.
You Pay Nothing Out of Pocket for Our Legal Representation
We are a contingency-fee law firm. We never ask our clients to pay a retainer before we begin work. We only get paid after the case closes, and we win money for our client. If you do not get paid, we do not get paid.
How Florida’s Statute of Limitations Affects Your West Palm Beach Car Accident Case
Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, you typically have just two years to file a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit. Our West Palm Beach motor vehicle accident lawyers will move quickly to ensure that all paperwork is submitted on time and is complete.
By consulting our team at your earliest convenience, we can uphold your case’s deadline and work to gather time-sensitive evidence. Because we work on contingency and charge nothing upfront, you have nothing to lose by partnering with our personal injury attorneys.
Our West Palm Beach Car Crash Lawyers Build a Case Based on Fault
In 2022, Florida had 397,620 car accidents. Of those, 25,011 were in Palm Beach County. Whether driving along the busy Okeechobee Boulevard or on a calmer road in your neighborhood, safe driving is important no matter where you are.
Safe drivers exhibit driving behaviors that keep themselves and others on the road safe:
- Always obey the speed limited and posted traffic signs
- Slow down when entering construction zones, even if you think work is not being done
- Look both ways before entering roadways or intersections
- When possible, avoid driving when there are storms or other conditions which may affect roads
- Pay attention to your blind spots
- Never drive while drinking or otherwise inebriated
- If available near you, take a safe driving course
When a car accident is the result of a driver behaving recklessly or carelessly, trust our West Palm Beach auto accident lawyers to develop a compelling case that holds the at–fault driver responsible. Some examples of negligent actions that may lead to accidents include:
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Disobeying traffic laws
- Companies undertraining their drivers
- Companies hiring unqualified drivers
- Mechanics improperly installing brakes
- Failing to maintain safe roads
Florida law generally limits crash victims to filing a no-fault claim unless they suffer serious injuries. We can explore whether you meet the threshold to pursue a fault-based claim, then build the case and pursue compensation on your behalf.
To hold another driver legally liable for your injuries, we will need to show it was their carelessness or recklessness that caused the collision. This requires us to investigate and gather evidence to show what happened. Our attorneys use the evidence to prove the at-fault party caused the crash. Some liable parties in car accidents include:
- Other drivers
- Mechanics
- Rideshare companies
- Government entities
Some ways we investigate your accident and build a case include:
- Interviewing witnesses
- Reviewing the crash report
- Obtaining surveillance footage, such as from security cameras or traffic cameras
- Consulting with third party expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists
- Taking photos of the accident scene
The sooner we begin your case, the better our chances for obtaining timely evidence. Evidence like video footage may be overwritten after certain periods of time and physical evidence such as debris or skid marks may disappear.
We recommend calling us as soon as your injuries allow to discuss your accident and injuries. For some, this could be within a few days or weeks after the crash. For others, it could be longer. If your loved one has catastrophic injuries and is unlikely to make the call on their own for an extended time, contact us on their behalf.
What To Do After a Car Accident in West Palm Beach
If you’ve been in a car accident, the most important actions to take are the ones that ensure your safety. Check for any injuries that need immediate attention. If you can, move your vehicle out of the way of oncoming traffic and put your hazard lights on.
The next actions you take depend on your ability to safely do so. Keep in mind that many of these actions can be taken by a lawyer on your behalf if you are unable to do them yourself.
Dos Following a Car Accident:
- Seek Medical Attention: If you choose to forgo emergency medical attention, be sure to follow up with your primary care physician or other doctor. Having the correct diagnosis and treatment plan for your injuries can mean a higher chance of recovery.
- Call the Police: If your car accident resulted in an injury or you believe there is over $500 worth of property damage involved, then you must report the accident. In addition to legal reporting requirements, calling the West Palm Beach Police Department is a helpful way to ensure the safety of everyone involved. A responding officer will also create a police report, which can be useful supporting evidence for your car accident claim.
- Document Your Injuries: If you can safely do so, take photos of the damage to your vehicle, the surrounding accident scene, and your injuries.
Don’ts Following a Car Accident
- Post on Social Media: It can be tempting to vent about your accident online, but avoid doing so. Any posts on your social media can be used against you (and your claim) by insurers.
- Take Blame for the Accident: When talking to insurance adjusters, other involved parties, or the police, avoid taking blame for the accident. Instead, direct their questions to your lawyer.
- Approach an Aggressive Driver: If the other driver in your accident seems aggressive, avoid directly interacting with them. Wait until police officers arrive and have them take information from the other driver.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Cases
If you’ve been in a car accident, you likely have many questions and concerns about the legal process of recovering compensation. Below, we’ll go through some of the most common questions people have.
What If I Was Partially At Fault for My Injuries?
Florida has a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation as long as your portion of the fault is less than the person being held liable. However, your recoverable compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you could recover $100,000 in damages but were 30% at fault, then you would only be eligible to recover $70,000.
What Happens Once I File My Claim?
The insurance company will acknowledge your claim and then either accept it, deny it, or ask for additional information.
What Happens If the Insurer Denies My Claim?
If an insurance company denies your claim, they must do so in writing. Their denial must also include information about why your claim was denied. In many cases, this might be something like inconclusive evidence or incorrectly filed paperwork.
If your claim is denied, your lawyer can appeal this decision. They may gather additional evidence in order to further support your claim.
What Happens If I Receive a Low Settlement Offer?
The first offer from an insurance company is often not the best offer. Your lawyer can offer you guidance during the offer period. If you decide a settlement is not fair compensation, you can reject the offer.
You will then re-enter negotiations. In some cases, your lawyer may consult with experts to support your need for a higher amount of compensation. For example, a medical professional may be able to speak about the long-term impacts of your injuries and your need for continued medical care.
If it does not seem like a fair offer will be made, your lawyer may advise you to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
My Quality of Life has Suffered Since the Accident, Can I Be Compensated for That?
Yes, a lowered quality of life is often a recoverable non-economic loss.
Do All Car Accident Claims Go To Court?
No, the majority of car accident cases are settled outside of court. However, our lawyers will prepare you for a trial in case the need to go to court arises.
Is It Important to Continue My Medical Treatment While a Claim Is Under Review?
Yes, doing so is important for your health and safety as well as the success of your claim. Stopping treatment may be seen as a sign that your injuries were not severe.
Should I Reach Out to the At Fault Driver?
No, avoid talking to the at fault driver or other involved parties. Doing so can compromise your car accident claim. All communications with the parties involved can be handled by your lawyer.
What Is Bad Faith?
In rare cases, the insurance company may act in bad faith when denying your claim. This can mean things like denying a claim without properly investigating it or delaying a response to your claim beyond a reasonable amount. Florida laws prohibit these practices and you do have legal recourse if you believe an insurer acted in bad faith.
What If My Accident Involved a Rideshare Company?
If you were either a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, struck by a rideshare vehicle, or a rideshare driver involved in an accident, you are still able to recover compensation if you meet the other criteria of doing so. Our West Palm Beach rideshare accident lawyers can help.
What If My Accident Involved a Commercial Truck?
Accidents with commercial vehicles can lead to severe injuries, and our West Palm Beach truck accident lawyers are happy to help you pursue compensation and justice against the truck driver or trucking company.
Discuss Your Case With One of Our West Palm Beach Car Accident Attorneys for Free
Accidents are devastating. You may be struggling with a changed future while also being worried about your here and now. The financial instability of medical bills and lost wages, while still needing to take care of daily life expenses, can quickly seem insurmountable. You and your family deserve the support and care of a dedicated legal team.
Our West Palm Beach car accident lawyers will fight for fair compensation in your case, and we will advocate for your legal rights every step of the way. We know that the legal process can be complicated and disruptive to your daily life, so we’ll take it on for you.
GED Lawyers represents auto accident victims with significant injuries in West Palm Beach, Florida. We provide free case reviews. Let us answer your questions and assess your legal options during your complimentary consultation.
Contact us now to learn about working with our accident attorneys.
