It may not always be immediately apparent, but many car accidents are the result of a driver’s negligence. In this case, the victim of the crash is often eligible to file a car accident claim and win compensation to help cover the damages they’ve incurred.
The process of filing an auto accident case can seem overwhelming, especially when dealing with all of the aftermath of a crash. That being said, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney can make the process much less stressful. The Boca Raton personal injury lawyers at Florin|Roebig not only have years of experience but are also triple-board certified and ready to help you with your car accident case.
Read on to learn what to do following an accident, how to file a personal injury claim, what you may be able to receive compensation for, and more.
What To Know About Boca Raton Car Accident Claims
The rate of Boca Raton car accidents is ever-increasing, resulting in many people having to brave the car accident lawsuit filing process. Having a grasp on the basics of a car accident claim can make the process feel less intimidating and make you a more informed plaintiff.
You may find mentions of the statute of limitations, insurance requirements, Boca Raton driving laws, and comparative negligence standards during your research. All of these can play important roles in your claim, so it’s important to be familiar with these terms.
While reading this article is a great start, booking a free case review with one of our reputable lawyers at Florin|Roebig can make all the difference in your case.
Attorney Shaun M. Cummings says,
“We speak with countless car accident victims about whether it’s in their best interest to file a claim. In many cases, victims are eligible for compensation that they did not know they qualified for. We’re ready to fight for your rights and make sure you’re heard.”
What is Driver Negligence and How Can it Cause an Accident?
A common term you’ll hear during the filing process is negligence. Driver negligence refers to any action that demonstrates a driver failing to drive with care and caution. There are different kinds of negligence often seen in car collisions, and understanding them can help you decide whether or not to pursue a claim.
Common causes of driver negligence can include:
- Distracted driving – Distracted driving is a form of negligence that distracts the motorist from the road and traffic.
- Disobeying traffic laws – Running a stop sign, running a red light at an intersection, or not following local laws can demonstrate negligence.
- Reckless driving – Reckless driving such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or cutting people off can all count as negligence.
- Driving under the influence – Drunk driving or driving while high also constitutes negligence.
Auto Accident Rates In Boca Raton
Boca Raton is a popular tourist and retirement destination located in Palm Beach County. With the local traffic and extra cars on the road from tourism, there are high rates of car accidents every year.
Boca Raton saw the following car accident statistics in 2023:
- In Palm Beach County there were 26,237 vehicle crashes
- 181 fatalities resulted from these accidents
- 16,243 injuries occurred
- 6,951 of these accidents were hit-and-runs
Dangerous Intersections In Boca Raton, Florida
While the number of people in town can certainly impact the car crash rates of Boca Raton, dangerous intersections and road conditions can also worsen the problem.
According to WPTV, Okeechobee Boulevard and Military Trail is the most dangerous intersection in Palm Beach County.
Intersections and Roads in Boca Raton and Palm Beach County that experience high car crash rates:
- Glades Road and State Road 7
- Atlantic Avenue at South Military Trail
- South Military Trail at Forest Hill Boulevard
- Southern Boulevard at State Road 7
- South Jog Road and Lake Worth Road
- North Congress Ave and 45th Street
- West Atlantic at Congress Avenue
- South Jog Road and Forest Hill Boulevard
- Glades and Airport roads
- Riviera Beach through Jupiter
- Atlantic Avenue and Lyons Road
How to File a Boca Raton Car Accident Claim Step-by-Step
While the process of filing a personal injury case can be complex at certain times, there are three steps you can follow to get you off on the right foot.
1. Gather evidence
If you need immediate medical attention, make sure to seek medical care first. Following any medical needs, it is of the utmost importance to gather as much evidence as you can immediately after your crash. Evidence can strengthen your case immensely.
2. Contact Florin|Roebig to set up a free consultation
Florin|Roebig attorneys offer free consultations for car crash victims. During your call, you and your lawyer can discuss the details of your case, whether or not you are eligible for compensation, and devise a strategic plan for your filing process.
3. Contact your insurance company and review your insurance policies
Once you’ve discussed your accident with Florin|Roebig, gather all of your evidence and contact your insurance provider to report the accident and get a claim started. It’s also a good idea to review your insurance policies in order to understand what may be covered and what isn’t.
This is only the start of your journey, but it’s a solid basis for a strong car accident claim. The legal team at Florin|Roebig will be there to provide legal assistance and advocate for fair compensation.
Boca Raton Laws For Car Accident Cases
While federal laws play a role in car accident claims, many people forget the importance of local laws. For Boca Raton crashes, it’s important to be familiar with Florida state driving laws. The attorneys of Florin|Roebig are particularly knowledgeable in this area and can help you understand the complexities of these laws.
Relevant Florida state laws include:
- Florida law states that a car accident must be reported to the police if death or injury occurs or if the damages are greater than $500.
- Florida is a no-fault state. This means no matter who is responsible for an accident, insurance companies are responsible for covering medical treatment (to an extent).
- The statute of limitations for a Florida car accident is four years.
- Drivers must have a minimum of $10,000 of both personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PIL) coverage.
- Florida observes comparative negligence standards.
“Driving laws can be complex on their own and become even more confusing when related to a car accident claim. Luckily our legal team is extremely well-versed in Florida driving laws and can help you understand how they may affect your case.”
Fault in Boca Raton Car Accidents
Once you start the claim filing process, you’re sure to hear the term “fault” used frequently. The at-fault party is the driver who is found to be responsible for the motor vehicle accident.
It’s important to note that in Florida, both drivers can be identified as at-fault drivers at different percentages, this is called comparative negligence. However, you are still eligible to file a claim even if you are found partially at fault, though your compensation will likely be reduced.
Another important standard for fault in Florida is the no-fault law mentioned previously. One of twelve no-fault states, Florida requires insurance companies to cover car accident injuries through each driver’s PIP, regardless of who is at fault.
PIP covers the following:
- 80% of medical expenses
- 60% of lost income due to injuries
- $5,000 in death benefits, for cases that result in fatalities
As a disclaimer, the above is only covered to a certain extent. More catastrophic injuries from your car accident may not be covered by your PIP if the costs are exuberant. If this is the case, it’s best to file an auto accident claim. Florin|Roebig can walk you through the process of doing so to ensure your best chances of being awarded compensation.
Liability in Boca Raton Car Accident Cases
You’ll also want to be familiar with the concept of liability when considering filing a car accident claim. The driver(s) who is considered at fault for the accident is also considered liable, or legally responsible for the accident. If both drivers are at fault, their liability percentages are equal to their fault percentages.
Fault determination and liability are determined by insurance adjusters based on the information the involved parties provide as well as any police reports. This is why it is vital to preserve evidence as much as possible. Additionally, it’s a great idea to have a Florin|Roebig attorney on your side when filing as insurance companies can manipulate liability to avoid paying large sums of money to victims.
Under the umbrella of liability determination, you may also run into terms like strict liability, vicarious liability, and theories of negligence. But what do these mean?
Strict liability and vicarious liability are two different types of liability relevant in car accident claims. Strict liability holds the responsible party accountable for consequences regardless of any negligence or intentions whereas vicarious liability holds vehicle owners accountable for damages caused by their vehicle whether or not the driver is the owner.
As for theories of negligence, there are four components of negligence that are considered when proving a driver’s negligence. They are duty of care, breach of duty of care, causation, and damages.
Each of these components can be supported by evidence from the scene of your accident. This is yet another reason why Florin|Roebig strongly recommends gathering evidence and calling an auto accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Ways Your Accident May Affect Your Life
Often the most immediate impact of a crash is injury. Injuries from car accidents can range from minor to serious and while many have immediate symptoms, some can take time to show up.
Injury victims commonly sustain injuries including:
- Strains
- Sprains
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Paralysis
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Wrongful death
Injuries are not the only consequence associated with vehicle accidents, however. Many areas of your life can be impacted by your crash directly and indirectly.
Effects of auto accidents include:
- Mental trauma
- Loss of property
- Loss of companionship
- Decreased quality of life
- Financial strain
- Lost wages
- Loss of independence
- Loss of loved ones
You may be unsure of how the losses you’ve incurred play a role in your claim. That’s where Florin|Roebig comes in, we can help review your case and determine how best to pursue compensation.
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What To Do After A Car Accident in Boca Raton
If you ever do find yourself in the unfortunate situation of getting in a car crash, you may not know what to do. We know how stressful it can be to deal with a wreck, so we’ve put together a list of steps to keep in mind.
Following your accident:
- If your vehicle is functional, move it out of danger to avoid secondary accidents.
- Check your passengers and yourself for injuries and seek medical attention for any injuries that need immediate care.
- Speak with the other driver and witnesses to exchange contact information.
- Call the police and file a report if necessary by state law.
- Take photos and videos of any evidence, damages, and injuries.
- Contact the offices of Florin|Roebig to set up a free case evaluation and decide whether to file a case.
- Contact your insurance company to file a case and provide any relevant evidence.
We know it can be difficult to proceed with a clear head, which is why your Florin|Roebig lawyer will be there to guide you throughout your filing journey.
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
There are many ways Florin|Roebig can give you the upper hand in your car accident claim. Our legal team is one of the best in Boca Raton and our experience speaks for itself.
Our Experience and Track Record
Our personal injury law track record is one of many success stories, with some of the highest jury verdicts in the state. We’ve also been awarded Best Law Firm by U.S. News & World Report for countless years.
Our triple-board certified attorneys have over four decades of experience, which is why hiring one of our attorneys as legal representation can help your case so immensely. With Florin|Roebig, you can count on someone in the courtroom to have your best interests at heart.
Compiling a Strong Claim
With our legal expertise and decades of experience, Florin|Roebig’s legal team is incredibly skilled in compiling car accident claims that insurance companies cannot poke holes in. Though it’s possible to file a claim on your own, having an expert on your side can make the process smoother and easier to navigate.
Our number one priority when filing a vehicle crash claim is to ensure you have the best chance of your case results ending in compensation. This can be supported by preserving evidence, proving negligence, and documenting damages.
Getting the Compensation You’re Entitled To
Oftentimes, the other driver’s insurance company and legal team will do everything possible to decrease the amount of compensation you receive from your claim. It is unfortunate, but the truth for many crash victims.
When you have a Florin|Roebig attorney on your side, you’ll have a better chance at combating any attempts to scam you out of your rightful compensation.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
There’s a lot of legal jargon that can float around following your automobile accident, and while it is important to understand, it’s important to also have some practical information in your back pocket.
- Receive injury care as early as possible. If you sustain any injuries during your accident, make sure to receive medical care as soon as you can. Even if you don’t notice any injuries, it is a good idea to receive a medical evaluation as some serious injuries can be undetectable at first.
- Preserve evidence. Don’t hesitate to capture and document anything you think could be relevant to your car accident claim. This includes medical records, physical therapy bills, witness statements, etc.
- Contact your insurance company. It’s important to talk with your insurance company after you’ve gathered all of your evidence to get an insurance claim started and review your policies.
- Hire an experienced attorney. Florin|Roebig is the best firm for the job when it comes to Boca Raton car accident claims. Our legal team is ready to provide legal advice, fight for you, and support you throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an attorney charge for a car accident in Florida?
In Florida, attorney fees vary from firm to firm and from lawyer to lawyer. However, Florin|Roebig attorneys work on a contingency fee basis.
This means they do not get paid until they win your case. You can rely on our lawyers to give your case their all.
How long do you have to get a lawyer after a car accident in Florida?
Based on the statute of limitations in Florida, you have up to four years to get a lawyer after a car accident. That being said, you shouldn’t wait that long if possible. There are several reasons to get an experienced car accident attorney at your earliest convenience.
Should I get a lawyer for a car accident that was my fault in Florida?
Yes, you should get a lawyer for a car accident in Florida even if you are determined partially at fault. Florida observes comparative negligence, which means that both parties can be determined at fault and they are still eligible to file a claim.
While you are still eligible for compensation in most cases, it will likely be reduced based on the percentage of fault determined to be yours. Speak with a lawyer at Florin|Roebig for more details.
How much money do you get from a car accident settlement in Florida?
The amount of money you can be awarded will depend on several factors as well as the unique details of your accident.
Involved parties may consider the type of accident, percentage of fault assigned to both parties, the extent of injuries, extent of medical bills, extent of pain and suffering, evidence of property damage, and more when determining the maximum compensation you are eligible for.
During your free case review, Florin|Roebig may be able to give you an estimate of how much compensation you are eligible for if any.
Florin|Roebig: Top-Rated Boca Raton Car Accident Attorney
The right car accident attorney can rescue a claim from receiving the low-end of a settlement offer. The law offices of Florin|Roebig are here to help clients in Boca Raton and South Florida get the compensation they deserve.
For every year since the inception of the honor in 2010, the Florin|Roebig personal injury law firm has been selected as one of the “Best Law Firms in America” by “US News and World Report” and “Best Lawyers in America.” In fact, we not only come recommended by clients, but by other firms in Florida.
Consider the following car accident injury lawyers from our award-winning team, among others, to give you the edge in your case:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Shaun M. Cummings
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- John J. Hart
- Parker Y. Florin, LL.M.
- Taylor D. Roebig
- Nollys R. Solarte, O.C.
- Lawrence J. Najem, O.C.
- Andrew M. Leone, O.C.
With over 30 years of experience, our law firm has successfully won over $1 billion in settlements from personal injury cases by providing our clients with high-quality legal representation. To date, one of our most impressive case awards includes a car accident case that awarded $1.9 million to our client.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Find A Boca Raton Car Accident Lawyer Near You
Many car accident victims in Boca Raton find that their quality of life is greatly affected by the accident. This can often be the result of another driver’s negligence or even the negligence of an organization or the local government depending on the circumstances.
You may be able to receive compensation for the damages you’ve incurred due to your car accident, but with conflicting parties involved, it’s not always an easy task. Luckily, the offices of Florin|Roebig can greatly increase your chances of winning compensation.
If you or a family member have any additional questions about filing a car accident claim or want to set up a free case review, call us today.
