West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer 

Worldwide, the average person’s most dangerous activity is driving an automobile.  Approximately 45,000 lives are lost to auto accidents annually in the USA. 

In Florida, just under 3,000 auto accident victims die annually. Many crash victims experience a severe injury or suffer significant and permanent loss. This is where the work of auto accident lawyers begin.

Personal injury protection has never been more relevant. By Florida law, West Palm Beach car accident lawyers stand by to provide their services. It could be that you’ve suffered serious injuries because of a drunk driver or you want to recover compensation for a minor traffic accident. Any car crash is worth a free case evaluation.
The personal injury lawyers in West Palm Beach, FL are ready to assist any injured person with their car accident lawsuit. At 1-800-Injured, it’s common knowledge that West Palm Beach car accident victims want car accident attorneys who can get results. 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service.

Why Involve an Attorney in Filing A Car Accident Claim?

With any car wreck in West Pam Beach, consulting with an auto accident lawyer is always a smart move. You never can tell when some complications from the collision will derail your quality of life in some way. 

Insurance companies have repeatedly proven that they’re willing to undercut honest accident victims while sending huge salaries and bonuses to executives. This is standard for how they operate. You can count on insurance adjusters prioritizing company interests before yours. With battle-tested attorneys on your team, you won’t be cheated out of compensation. 

Your car accident attorney will be willing to take the matter to court if needed. This is one of the last things that insurance companies want. A court decision could mean paying out a much larger award than they would’ve otherwise settled for. The presence of solid legal guidance during negotiations serves as a reminder that they should treat their claimants fairly.

In West Palm Beach, car accident attorneys know the system inside and out. Their experience fighting for and winning compensation for victims in all sorts of crash scenarios speaks for itself. Free consultation means there’s nothing to lose. Additionally, clients don’t pay anything until their attorney’s efforts result in a victory because most personal injury lawyers use contingency fees.

Expert Legal Guidance In All Car Accident Scenarios

There are many different types of traffic accidents, so there is no cookie-cutter approach to dealing with crashes. Different incidents require different approaches. The personal injury lawyers in West Palm Beach FL are prepared to assist you with the following types of automobile collisions:

• Bicycle accidents
• Bus accidents
• Car & SUV accidents
• Distracted driving accidents
• Drowsy driving accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Reckless driving accidents
• Uber & Lyft accidents
• Train accidents
• Uninsured driver accidents

The Process of a West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer

Firstly, the car accident lawyers in the 1-800-Injured network are valued sources of support, wisdom, and assistance for victims in Palm Beach County. They take note of every detail provided, knowing that every piece of information is important for their clients’ claims. 

The car accident attorney working with you will consider all possible scenarios of the motor vehicle collision. Then they’ll gather evidence to find the at-fault party. Once this is done, your personal injury lawyer will: 

• Prepare a strong case designed to obtain compensation from all liable parties
• Examine the details of all insurance coverages associated with your claim. 
• Calculate the case value 
• Manage administrative tasks around paperwork and court filings
• Contact the insurance adjuster working on your claim and begin negotiating a fair settlement 
• Remain prepared to reject all lowball offers and remind the insurance company that they’ll be taken to court unless a fair offer is presented

Losses Commonly Associated with Car Accidents

Car accidents can leave victims suffering many losses. Those burdens include physical setbacks, lost wages, medical care, and more. An attorney specializing in car accidents can guide victims into a better understanding of how they can be compensated for their troubles.

Here are some examples of compensation that accident victims may be eligible for:

• The cost of repairing or placing property
• Covering the cost of present and future medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of consortium in a wrongful death 
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning potential

Common Causes Of West Palm Beach Auto Accidents

Absentminded drivers at busy intersections are the at-fault party in many Palm Beach County motor vehicle collisions. Local accident reports have pinpointed the intersections at Okeechobee Boulevard and Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, Okeechobee Road and the Turnpike, Military Trail and 45th Street, and along Jog Road to be the most dangerous.

When these high-volume streets experience peak traffic is when most car crashes occur. Car accidents result in lost wages, gruesome injuries, medical bills, and numerous personal injury cases.

Here’s a closer look at the main causes of auto collisions in Palm Beach County and West Palm Beach:

Intersections

Intersections can present many potentially hazardous scenarios. These are locations where mistakes become costly and sometimes even deadly. Unfortunately, collisions with pedestrians,  bicyclists, and multi-vehicle crashes often happen at intersections.

Distracted Driving

Like the rest of the country, distracted driving is a major problem in West Palm Beach. Cellular phones, electronics,  and general aloofness continue to contribute to automobile collisions.

Drunk Driving 

One of the great tragedies of our time is the amount of life lost and damaged by drunk drivers in the United States. Because it is a popular vacation destination, West Palm Beach is a hotbed for this brand of tragedy.

Speeding

Speeding violations contribute heavily to wrecks. Drivers who violate speed limits place themselves and other drivers in danger. Higher speeds leave less opportunity to stop in time or successfully perform evasive maneuvers. 

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Every vehicle on the road is not a safe vehicle. Sadly, some of the unsafe vehicles contribute to the deaths of innocent people. You should ensure that your vehicle is in good working order to keep our Palm Beach roads safer for all.

Defective Roads

Not every municipality does a great job at keeping their roads up to par. When roads and bridges are dangerous, many hazards like potholes, downed wires, and malfunctioning lights can cause wrecks. 

What to Do After a Car Accident

If you’ve been involved in an automobile collision there’s a proper protocol to follow. Here is what you should do:

• Stay put and call 911- If there are injured victims in need of medical care at the crash site, tell the dispatcher an ambulance is needed. Aside from that, inform them that you’ve been in an automobile accident, and stay on the scene until police arrive. 
• Hit-and-Run scenario- Make no attempts to follow or pursue the other driver. Alert the police as quickly as you can about whatever details you observed about the other car. In West Palm Beach, fleeing drivers are subject to punitive damages.
• Exchange information- Talk with all people involved in the collision. Collect the names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and addresses of all persons involved. Don’t speak about the accident or get involved in any drama. 
• Never Admit Fault- To preserve your chances of collecting as much compensation as possible, avoid admitting fault or apologizing for the accident.  
• Take pictures and video of the accident scene. Take as many photos and videos as you can. Damage to all vehicles should be documented. Photos or videos of physical injuries should be taken. Never share pictures or videos of the crash site or injuries with anyone other than your attorney. 
• Talk with Witnesses- Request the names and contact information of all persons who may have seen the crash occur. The testimony of witnesses is a key consideration when determining fault. 
• Write down your experience- Make a record of the crash as you remember it. Do it as soon as possible so that your memory will be strongest. Include the location, time, road conditions, weather, and all other relevant phenomena. 
• Get examined by a doctor within 24 hours of the crash. Even if you’re asymptomatic, see a doctor anyway. You may be injured and not even know it. Waiting too long to see a doctor to find out if you’re injured will work against you in court and with car accident claims. Go to a doctor, and follow their orders.
• Make an accident report- Contact your insurer and tell them that you were in an auto accident. Only give them the basic facts. Don’t say too much. 
• Hire a lawyer- You’ll want to get a lawyer as soon as possible. Make sure they’re reputable and passionate about their craft. Once you’ve found them, they’ll provide a free consultation and then explain the options that are available to you.
• Dealing with insurance companies- Do not talk with the insurance provider of the other driver. Understand that anything you give them will be used to weaken your claim. Decline all requests to make a statement or share medical records. Refer them to your attorney, and let your insurance company know that they approached you.

How Much is My West Palm Beach Car Accident Claim Worth?

No two car wrecks are the same, so there isn’t any way to say exactly how much a successful car accident claim will be worth. The personal injury lawyers in West Palm Beach, FL will take your case with the intention of getting you maximally compensated for your troubles. That amount is usually in the thousands or tens of thousands. 

In all cases, the goal is to ensure that an automobile collision victim will have the resources needed to recover their quality of life. Factors that influence the compensation amount include the following:

• The extent of the victim’s injuries
• The age of the victim
• Employment status at the time of the crash
• Pre-existing support network (community and family)
• Who was at fault and the details leading up to the incident
• The details of insurance coverage and policy limits

Nothing will undo the pain a victim suffers, or replace any losses that a victim may endure. The most favorable scenario is to make sure that victims can have multiple paths to victory on their road to recovery. Money isn’t everything, but it helps a lot when it comes to personal injuries.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Injuries sustained in car accidents can vary from mere scratches to life-threatening wounds. Knowing what sort of injuries are most common for crash victims is an important step in gettting the right treatment. The most common car accident injuries are:

Burns

There are many ways to be burned during or after a car crash. High-temperature fluids, surfaces, chemicals, and objects are often present during these incidents. Second and third-degree burns can require skin grafts, and inpatient care, and even threaten the lives of victims.

Injuries to the Face

 During collisions, the face is particularly vulnerable to things like glass and smashing against surfaces like steering wheels, dashboards, and the ground. Plastic or cosmetic surgery may be needed to fix the damage.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Automobile-related high velocity-impact trauma can break and fracture bones. Arms, legs, hands, feet, and ribs can get damaged easily in automobile collisions and can require surgery, inpatient care, and extensive rehab.

Neck or Spinal Cord Injuries

High-velocity impact trauma is a proven hazard to neck and spine health. The most common neck injury is whiplash, which causes the head to fly violently back and forth. Spinal damage can range from herniations to fractures and can result in temporary or a permanent state of paralysis.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Also called PTSD, this sort of injury affects the psyche and emotional health of victims. Occurrences such as nightmares, depression,  persistent bouts of unexplainable anxiety, and flashbacks are common symptoms. Post-traumatic stress disorder must be diagnosed by psychiatric specialists. 

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries are some of the most dangerous injuries that victims can endure. These include lacerated spleens, ruptured intestines, and bruised livers. Because they can be undetected, they can be very dangerous. Bleeding out from the inside is a very real risk with traumas like these. 

Traumatic Brain Injuries

In the USA car accidents cause more traumatic brain injuries, or TBI, than anything else. The brain can be injured from an object piercing it, or from the head colliding with objects. TBI causes headaches and lack of focus, and is associated with headaches, mood swings, and suicidal and homicidal tendencies

What Should I Tell the Police?

When dealing with the police, you should only tell them the bare minimum. Volunteering additional information about the crash could jeopardize or weaken the integrity of your personal injury claim. You never know if you might say something that could compromise your case. Make sure that you are not rude, but be straight and to the point and do not give any more information than what is asked. 

You will want to keep in mind that in West Palm Beach and the rest of Florida, you must report  certain car crashes within 24 hours of the incident. This applies to crashes with more than $500 worth of property damage, fatalities, and serious injuries. Along with leaving the scene of the crash, failure to report will result in heavy fines.

Note that collisions involving the negligence of a drunk driver are exceptions. The State of Florida, Palm Beach County, and West Palm Beach all favor a heavy-handed approach when handling alcohol-related auto infractions. Punitive damages are normally sought against drunk drivers. 

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?

When an auto accident occurs in Palm Beach County, the statute of limitations is four years from the day the accident happened. This is also true for any associated wrongful death suits. All lawsuits filed after four years will not be entertained per Florida law. Remember, financial compensation is less likely to be awarded as time passes. It’s best to act promptly.

Filing car accident lawsuits is as simple as contacting one of the many fine attorneys in the 1-800 injured network. Car accident attorneys are standing by to help you with your claim. 1-800-Injured can connect you to truck accident lawyers as well.

What Fees Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge?

Florida law limits the amount that a car accident lawyer can charge. This is especially true for lawyers who charge on a contingency basis. They can collect no more than 33⅓ % of any compensation up to 1 million dollars before a lawsuit is filed. Once a lawsuit has been filed, an attorney can’t charge 40% of the gross recovered amount from a settlement. 

There are no charges for calling and asking questions. 1-800 injured is an attorney and medical referral service.