If you or a loved one have recently been involved in a car accident in Delray Beach, FL, it can be overwhelming and confusing. You likely need help navigating the claims process, which can be challenging to do on your own.
An experienced Delray Beach car accident lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected during this difficult time so that you receive the compensation owed to you.
The team at Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers has over 28 years of experience helping personal injury victims injured in all types of accidents. We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients, and we’ll work hard to get a positive outcome for you.
Contact our Florida personal injury law firm to schedule a free consultation at (561) 347-7770. We’ll discuss your collision and potential options for obtaining compensation for your losses.
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How Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Car Accident in Delray Beach, FL
A Delray Beach personal injury lawyer can be a valuable asset in a car accident claim in several ways.
Here’s what we can do to help if you’ve been injured in a collision in Delray Beach, Florida:
- We will review all of the evidence related to the case, including police reports, photos and videos, and medical records.
- We will negotiate for an appropriate settlement from any responsible parties or insurance companies.
- If necessary, we will represent you in court proceedings so that you don’t have to navigate a complicated legal system on your own.
- Our lawyers are compassionate toward accident victims and knowledgeable about relevant laws, providing valuable advice throughout your claim process.
By having an experienced Delray Beach personal injury attorney at your side, it’s more likely that fair compensation will be awarded. Let us help you.
Contact Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Delray Beach car accident attorneys.
How Common Are Car Accidents in Delray Beach, Florida?
In Palm Beach County, FL, where Delray Beach is located, there are a significant number of car accidents.
The following is a breakdown of the annual statistics for 2022 and 2023:
In 2022:
- There were 24,958 car accidents leading to 223 fatalities and 15,250 injuries.
- 6,796 hit-and-run crashes resulted in 23 fatalities and 1,693 injuries.
As of May 11, 2023:
- There have been 9,425 car accidents resulting in 76 fatalities and 5,879 injuries.
- 2,473 hit-and-run accidents have been reported, leading to 4 fatalities and 616 injuries.
These crashes injure and kill thousands of Florida drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists each year.
What Is My Delray Beach Car Accident Case Worth?
Florida’s no-fault rules make it somewhat complicated to provide an answer regarding how much a claim is worth. In Florida, it is required for drivers to file a claim with their own PIP insurance company, regardless of who caused the accident.
However, if the injuries sustained are classified as “serious” under Florida law, victims can take action against the responsible party.
Generally speaking, when calculating the value of your Delray Beach car accident claim, several factors are taken into consideration:
Severity of Injuries
The severity of the injuries sustained in an accident directly impacts the value of the claim. More severe injuries typically require more extensive medical care, leading to higher expenses and a greater claim value.
Medical Expenses
The cost of medical treatment, medications, and any required rehabilitation all contribute to the total value of your claim. Be sure to keep thorough records of all your medical expenses.
Length of Time Out of Work
If your injuries prevent you from working for a more extended period, the financial toll will be significant, ultimately increasing the value of your claim.
The Other Party’s Insurance Coverage
If you’re eligible to file a claim with someone else’s insurance company, the amount of coverage they have can impact your claim’s worth. For example, a policy with low limits may not cover all of your expenses.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages can boost your claim’s value significantly and are awarded in cases of gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing. However, these damages are relatively rare.
What Damages Are Available to Car Accident Victims in Delray Beach, Florida?
When you are involved in a car accident in Florida, knowing the various types of compensation available can equip you to make an informed decision and help you receive a fair settlement or verdict. The following are the most common types of compensation available:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the tangible, quantifiable financial losses that result from a car accident.
They may include:
- Medical expenses (both current and future)
- Lost wages
- Property damages
- Loss of earning capacity
You can typically prove these losses through receipts, statements, and bills.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are the intangible, non-financial losses that stem from an accident, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Inconvenience
These losses are more challenging to prove and may require insight from an expert witness or testimony from you, your family, and friends.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded to punish a defendant for behavior that was intentional or grossly negligent. This type of compensation is only granted when the responsible party’s actions were particularly egregious, like DUI-related accidents.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed For a Car Accident in Florida?
Florida’s law regarding comparative fault can affect your ability to recover compensation. These rules acknowledge that fault is shared in some cases, and compensation may be adjusted accordingly.
Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this system, you cannot recover any damages if you were more than 50% at fault for the collision. If you were 50% or less responsible, your recovery will be reduced by your share of the responsibility.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation For All Of Your Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, with the most common including the following:
- Whiplash
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Chest injuries
- Burns
- Soft tissue injuries
In the most catastrophic car accidents, a victim loses their life. Our personal injury lawyers in Delray Beach will help you pursue a wrongful death claim for damages.
What Causes Most Car Accidents in Delray Beach, Florida?
To avoid car accidents, it’s important to be aware of the most common causes:
Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, grooming, and other activities that take a driver’s focus away from the road contribute significantly to car accidents.
Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination, often leading to serious accidents.
Speeding: Excessive speeds reduce reaction time and increase the risk of severe injuries in case of an accident.
Reckless Driving: Aggressive maneuvers, tailgating, and frequent lane changes can increase the likelihood of accidents.
Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and fog can create hazardous driving conditions and contribute to car accidents.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Car Accident in Florida?
To prove negligence in a car accident case in Florida, you must demonstrate that the following four elements are present:
Duty of care: The at-fault driver had a legal duty of care to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.
Breach of duty: The at-fault driver breached this duty (e.g., by speeding, texting while driving, or running a red light).
Causation: The at-fault driver’s breach of duty directly caused the car accident and your resulting injuries.
Damages: You suffered quantifiable losses (such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering) from the accident.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Florida?
In Florida, the current statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. However, this was recently changed, so it’s important to take into consideration when your car accident occurred, because the old rules may still apply.
If you were injured in a collision due to someone else’s negligence before March 24, 2023, you have four years to file your claim. If you were injured on or after March 24, 2023, you have two years to file your claim.
Preserve your legal right to compensation by seeking advice from an experienced car accident attorney in Delray Beach as soon as possible.
Contact Our Delray Beach Car Accident Lawyers For a Free Consultation
Car accidents happen all the time, and often when we least expect it. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but there’s help available. Contact Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Delray Beach car accident lawyer.
