West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer
Were you recently injured in an auto accident in West Palm Beach, FL? The experienced West Palm Beach car accident lawyers at Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers will work to secure maximum compensation for you. You just have to dial (561) 556-7873 and request a free consultation.
If someone else is even partly to blame, you may have the right to hold them financially liable for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Since 1996, we’ve helped to recover tens of millions of dollars on behalf of car accident victims across Palm Beach County. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and go to the mat for you, too. Contact our law office today to speak with our skilled legal team. The sooner you contact us to get started, the sooner we can get to work on getting you the money you deserve.
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How Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers Can Help If You’ve Been Involved in a Car Accident
Getting into a car crash can change the course of your life forever. Even if you’re simply facing a few temporary hurdles, the costs can be overwhelming.
When someone else is responsible for your injuries, they must be held to account. That’s where our West Palm Beach personal injury lawyers can help. We cover cases such as medical malpractice and slip and fall accidents, among others.
We have more than 28 years of experience navigating the most complex auto crash instances. We’ve gone against the most powerful adversaries in the state of Florida – and emerged with sizable settlements and verdicts for individuals harmed in auto accidents just like you. We know how important money can be after you get hurt, which is why we will do everything in our power to get it for you.
When you reach out to us for help after a motor vehicle accident, we will:
- Be a source of positivity, compassion, and strength during this challenging time
- Listen to what you have to say and use the details you provide as the basis for our investigation
- Examine the conditions of your accident from all angles
- Gather evidence to help us determine what caused your accident and, in turn, who is likely to blame
- Prepare a strong case and obtain compensation from all liable sides
- Consult with experts as we work to determine what the value of your case is.
- Handle the administrative aspects of your case including paperwork and court filings
- Negotiate with insurance providers in an effort to resolve your case in a way that’s most favorable to you and get you a fair settlement
Rest assured, we will be fully prepared to reject lowball offers and bring your case to a jury if needed. See our testimonials and reviews – our demonstrated track record shows that we know how to win, inside and outside of the courtroom.
Want to learn more about how our team can help you after a car accident? Give us a call for a free consultation.
West Palm Beach, FL Car Accident Statistics (April 2023 Update)
Car accidents occur quite often in and around West Palm Beach. As of April 2023, there have been 6,902 crashes in Palm Beach County. Those have resulted in 4,342 injuries and 59 fatalities.
Our city is home to more than 111,000 residents. Palm Beach County welcomes more than 7.5 million visitors every year. There’s no denying that this part of southern Florida is busy. And, unfortunately, crowded, congested roads are a perfect recipe for accidents.
Back in 2012, there were only 16,726 collisions in that same area. In 2022, the number of wrecks increased by nearly 60%.
In 2022, Palm Beach County experienced 24,777 crashes. On average, that works out to about three crashes during every single hour of the year. 215 people died in these crashes, and 15,100 were injured.
Interestingly, while the overall number of wrecks declined from 2021, the fatalities across Palm Beach County roads remained the same. In 2021, there were a total of 24,739 motor vehicle accidents in Palm Beach County. That’s roughly 3 auto accidents every single hour of every single day.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 40% of car wrecks that happened in Palm Beach County in 2021 ended in physical injury or death. That year, there were 185 fatalities that resulted in 204 deaths. 9,769 of the accidents led to injuries.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
There are many good reasons. The main one is that they can help you protect and maximize your compensation.
Insurance companies won’t want to pay the full value of your claim. That affects their profits. Therefore, they will use their vast resources and teams of employees to find ways to deny or devalue it. They will almost certainly blame you for the accident; this allows them to reduce your compensation to account for your share of the blame.
By hiring a legal professional, you can improve your chances of obtaining a fair financial award. He or she will employ their assets and staff members to maximize the value of your claim.
They will defend you from unfounded claims that you provoked the accident. They will handle all negotiations and communications with the insurance (as well as every other aspect of your case) so you don’t have to worry about mistakes.
How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help?
After a car collision, you shouldn’t have to worry about struggling with insurance providers and accountable parties for compensation. You should be focusing on your recovery.
When you hire our West Palm Beach car accident attorneys, we’ll handle the claims process from start to finish. This includes negotiating with the insurance companies, confronting allegations of comparative fault, and filing a lawsuit if necessary.
Clients normally get more compensation when they’re represented by an attorney.
Representing Clients in All Car Accident Claims in Palm Beach County
A car accident might seem straightforward. You might think you know who’s to blame and on the hook for your damages. However, that’s not always the case. Even though most accidents are caused by negligence, auto accidents are all unique.
The only way to ensure that you walk away with full monetary recovery is by making sure that your case is handled by an attorney who has extensive experience handling a variety of car accident actions.
We have more than 28 years of experience handling:
- Single auto accidents
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Head-on wrecks
- Rear-end crashes
- Side-swipes
- T-Bone accidents
- Rollovers
- Hit and run accidents
- Intersection accidents
- Red and yellow light wrecks
- Highway accidents
- Passenger negligence
- Truck accident
- Motorcycle accident
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
Let us take our experience and in-depth knowledge of car accident litigation and work for you. Contact us to set up a time to discuss your case now.
What are the Typical Causes of Car Accidents?
Leading causes of traffic accidents are for example, speeding, distracted and drunk driving, as well as dangerous turns and the poor maintenance of roadways and vehicles.
Speeding
Speed plays a major role in many of the wrecks that happen. When a driver exceeds the speed limit, they have less time to come to a complete stop if necessary and are much more likely to lose control of their autos.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a serious problem across the country. Florida’s no exception – despite the fact that distracted driving is illegal. Drivers are increasingly distracted by cell phones and electronics while driving, which diverts their attention from where it really needs to be – on the road monitoring traffic conditions around them.
Drunk Driving
Our city is one of the most popular spots to vacation in the United States, it is jam-packed with bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and music venues. Alcohol flows freely. Unfortunately, many people think that they’re okay to drive when, in reality, the reasonable thing to do would be not to.
Dangerous Turns
Intersections are inherently dangerous because there are a lot of moving parts. Vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians – all traveling in different directions – come together. It takes extra care and caution from a driver to navigate these crossroads safely. However, some of them put the pedal to the metal and throw caution to the wind by turning without being sure the coast is clear.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
When you operate a vehicle, you have a responsibility to make sure that it’s in good working order. This means inspecting it from time to time and staying on top of regular maintenance. When it isn’t maintained properly, potentially hazardous issues – like faulty brakes or a loose steering column – aren’t discovered.
Road Defects
Governments are responsible for designing and maintaining the roadways on which we drive. When hazards arise – such as potholes, a malfunctioning traffic signal, or realization that a curve in the road is much too sharp – the government has to react.
Fighting to Maximize Recovery For All Car Accident Injuries
Whether you’ve suffered relatively moderate injuries or sustained permanent ones that will change the course of your life forever, our West Palm Beach car accident attorneys are here to help.
We appreciate that even the smallest injuries can cause significant disruptions in your life. So, if someone else is to blame, we will work to hold them financially accountable.
We represent clients who suffer:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Burns
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
- Chest injuries
- Concussions
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Degloving
- Amputation
- Soft tissue damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
If a family member or a loved person has recently died in a fatal impact, our compassionate team can take the reigns on a wrongful death lawsuit.
What Types of Compensation Are Available to Auto Accident Victims?
Victims can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Sometimes, punitive awards might also be on the table.
You deserve to be compensated by those accountable for putting you in this extremely difficult and stressful situation.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include money for verifiable and quantifiable financial losses related to an accident. Examples include:
- Current medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Therapy
- Lost income and wages
- Disability
- Property damage
- Funeral and burial prices
When you receive your award, you should be financially whole. It should be as if the accident never happened – at least as far as your bank account is concerned.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are intended to compensate for injuries that are much more subjective. There’s no hard-and-fast or black-and-white value. Examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of consortium or companionship
Valuing these damages can be challenging. You can bet that the insurance company will try to downplay the emotional and psychological effects of your accident. We will fight to ensure that your losses are calculated meticulously and accurately reflect your agony.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are exclusive for situations where a defendant’s behaviour is intentional or grossly negligent. They are commonly not available in the vast majority of cases. We will carefully review the conditions of your case and determine if punitive damages might apply.
What is Negligence in a Car Accident?
Negligence is the legal foundation for most lawsuits. It refers to the failure to act as a reasonably prudent person would in similar conditions.
In Florida, you generally have to file a claim with your own no-fault insurance company after a collision. However, you may be entitled to sue the accountable driver if you sustained serious injuries due to the accident.
The plaintiff (injured party) has the burden of proving negligence to get compensation in a car accident claim against the other party.
In a negligence claim, you must prove four elements:
- The at-fault driver owed you a duty of care;
- The responsible driver breached the duty of care;
- The breach directly caused your accident or harm; and
- You suffered damages.
If you were injured in a car wreck due to another party’s carelessness, contact our us today for a free consultation.
What is the Florida Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits?
Florida limits the amount of time you will have to file a lawsuit and demand compensation for your injuries. Most times, it’s a two-year limitation.
So, you’ll have to file your claim within two years of the date of your wreck. Miss the window, and you’ll lose the right to recover anything at all.
There are situations that might give you more or less time to act. Preserve your rights by calling us for help as soon as you can after you get injured.
What Should I Do After a Car Crash?
It’s important to know that the decisions you make in the minutes, hours, and days after a car accident matter. The wrong move can jeopardize your health and put your claim in danger.
Here’s what you should do after a car accident:
- Remain at the scene. Move away to safety, if possible, but don’t leave. Check to see if everyone is okay, exchange information, and wait for the police to arrive.
- Report the accident. Dial 911 or contact the police and provide detailed information to the dispatcher. An officer will be sent to the scene, where they’ll conduct a short investigation and complete an accident report. This report can be critically important if you decide to seek compensation down the line.
- Get medical care. Go to the doctor, even if you don’t think your injuries are severe. Immediate medical treatment is important, as it can help to ensure that your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. And, the report that’s generated by your visit will be helpful in establishing a causal link between the accident and your trauma.
- Don’t admit responsibility. Don’t apologize, even if you think that the accident is your responsibility. You really can’t know why the accident happened until it’s investigated. If you say something now, you might be admitting to something that you are not to blame for and putting the brakes on your claim before it has a chance to take off.
- Direct conversations to your lawyer. Other people might try to get you to discuss your accident shortly after it happens. These efforts are designed to figure out a way to deny your request for compensation or, at the very least, identify a way to undervalue your claim. The best thing to do is decline to discuss the matter and, instead, have communication directed to your lawyer.
We know that accidents can be jarring. It’s easy to get frustrated and overwhelmed. Contact us, we are standing by 24/7/365.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Hire an Auto Accident Lawyer?
As soon as possible after your collision. They can help you understand your rights and options after your accident. They can also help you identify and evaluate all avenues for compensation.
Most importantly, he or she will protect you from doing or saying something that could hurt your case.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Many people believe that they can’t afford an attorney after a car wreck. However, we work on a contingency fee basis – meaning you owe nothing unless we lock a financial settlement or verdict in your favor.
We’ll take our fees from the compensation you recover based on an agreed-upon percentage – typically between 33% to 40%. We also offer a free initial consultation, so there’s no obligation if you call us for help.
What is The Average Settlement for a Car Accident Lawsuit?
The settlement value of your case will depend on the circumstances of your accident. No “average” value will help you pinpoint its worth.
Your settlement will depend heavily on the following factors:
- The extent of your past and future medical bills
- The amount of your lost wages
- Whether you have a diminished earning capacity after your injuries
- The emotional distress you experienced after the accident
- Whether you share blame
- The available insurance coverages and whether you can opt out of Florida’s no-fault system
- The strength of your evidence
The best way to get an idea of the possible settlement value of your case is to consult with an attorney.
Should I Speak to the Insurance Company?
Not without a lawyer. The insurance company is not your friend. You want to recover as much compensation as possible after the accident; they want to pay you as little as possible.
Therefore, insurance adjusters may use what you say against you to deny or devalue your claim. For example, suppose they ask you how you are feeling, and you say, “I’m feeling fine.” They may use your statement to question the severity of your injuries. Therefore, you should always let your lawyer handle communications with the insurance adjuster.
What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance?
PIP insurance is a type of “no-fault” insurance coverage for car accidents. Florida requires drivers to have at least $10,000 in PIP coverage in the event of an accident. If you get into a collision, this insurance will be your first avenue for recovering compensation.
After a collision, you will file a claim with your own PIP insurer — regardless of who is to blame. You will be able to recover up to 80% of your medical bills and 60% of your lost wages. If you suffered a serious injury or your damages exceed your PIP policy limits, you may be able to opt out of the no-fault system and make a claim against the accountable driver to get greater damages.
Who is Liable For My Car Accident?
So, who will pay for the expenses of your accident? Insurance will typically be the first place you’ll look. Florida is a no-fault state. This means that you’re required to carry no-fault Personal Injury Protection as part of your liability policy.
When you suffer physical damage in a collision, you must file a claim with your own insurance provider to get these benefits – regardless of whether or not you caused the accident.
The expenses of a car accident might exceed what your insurer will pay. When that happens, you can turn your attention to other individuals implied in the collision. You can pursue compensation from anyone who caused you to get injured. This might include:
- Drivers and/or passengers in other automobiles
- Motorcyclists
- Bicyclists
- Pedestrians
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Bus drivers
- Transit institutions – both private and government-run
- Government agencies
- Employers of responsible companies
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Mechanics
The only way to know who is to blame is by making sure that your accident is subject to a thorough investigation. We will begin to coordinate an in-depth examination into the circumstances of your collision immediately.
This way, we’re confident that valuable evidence doesn’t disappear and that we’re able to fully understand what led to the incident. This information will help us identify who is to blame and on the hook for the balance of your costs.
What If I’m Blamed For My Car Accident?
If you are allocated blame, your ability to recover compensation will be affected. At the same time, you will be partly responsible for the costs incurred by other victims. If you share most of the blame, you will be barred from recovering any money.
Florida has what’s known as a modified comparative fault system. Anyone who contributes to the accident shares financial responsibility for the consequences.
Let’s say you’re allocated 15% of the blame for an accident. As a result of the accident, you incur damages that total $100,000. You would be able to get a maximum of $85,000. That’s because your compensation is reduced in proportion to your degree of blame. You’ll also be on the hook for 15% of the damages sustained by the other party.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyers
When you need help fighting for compensation after a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers, our results speak for themselves. Our West Palm Beach car accident attorneys have the experience and winning track record that you deserve to have in your corner.
Contact us to discuss your legal options. Your first case evaluation is free. There’s a limited time to file a lawsuit and assert your rights, so contact us or fill out an online form today to get started now. We’ll be happy to answer all your questions.
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Areas We Serve in West Palm Beach, FL
Downtown, CityPlace, Providencia Park, Flamingo Parks, Sunshine Park, Progressive Northwest, Pineapple Park, Southland Park, Central Park, El Cid, Roosevelt Estates, North Tamarind, Pleasant City, Southside, Southend, Southwest, Parker Ridge, Vedado, Poiciana Park II, Old Northwood Historic District, Northwood Shores, Northboro Park Historic District, Northwood Gardens, Northwood Harbor Historic District, North Shore, and more.
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Car Accident Additional Resources
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Local Auto Repair Shops Nearby
- Goodyear Auto Service – 515 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
- Griffin Auto Care, Inc. – 1241 Roebuck Ct, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
- Jordan’s Auto Care – 1225 Old Okeechobee Rd # C, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these businesses or profit from having them listed on our website.
Car Accident Infographic
