If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident, you may wonder if there is anything you can do to recuperate your losses. If the car accident was someone else’s fault, you have rights, but to exercise these rights, you must file a car accident claim.
Filing a claim in Palm Beach Gardens requires careful consideration and planning. To have the greatest chance of winning your case, you need to speak with an experienced lawyer. The Florin|Roebig team of accident attorneys is here to help you navigate how Florida law can apply in your case so you can make the most informed decision.
Accident Statistics for Palm Beach County, Florida
The following are the 2023 accident statistics for Palm Beach County, Florida, where Palm Beach Gardens is located.
- There were a total of 26,241 accidents reported in Flagler County in 2023.
- 16,243 injuries reportedly occurred as a result of one of these accidents.
- Unfortunately, 171 of these accidents were reported as fatal.
- 6,952 of the accidents were reported as hit-and-run accidents.
- A total of 18 motorcycle accidents were also reported.
Palm Beach Gardens Most Dangerous Intersections
Any road with traffic has the capability of being dangerous. With inattentive drivers, weather conditions, construction, etc. there are a number of reasons an intersection can become a hazard. In Palm Beach Gardens, the most dangerous intersections are listed below:
- Northlake Boulevard and Beeline Highway: This intersection has been mentioned as a high-risk area due to the combination of high traffic volume, high-speed traffic, and complex traffic patterns. Accidents at this intersection may involve multiple lanes of traffic and turning vehicles.
- Military Trail and PGA Boulevard: This intersection has a history of accidents, in part due to the heavy traffic volume and the complexity of the intersection. Multiple lanes, turning vehicles, and potentially insufficient signage may contribute to the dangers at this location.
- Hood Road and Central Boulevard: This intersection has been reported as dangerous due to high traffic volume, especially during peak hours, and the intersection’s layout. Visibility issues and the proximity of schools and residential areas may also contribute to accidents at this location.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
Car accident victims in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, can legally seek compensation for their injuries or property damage from an accident. In the insurance world, this is called a car accident claim, which can be filed by victims of car accidents to obtain damages that can be either monetary or non-monetary.
Misunderstandings about auto accident claims can include:
- Auto accident lawyers are not required if you have car insurance.
- Only accident victims with serious injuries can file claims
- The at-fault driver’s insurance will cover the damages
- Car accident victims can take as long as they need to file a claim
- It is too expensive to hire car accident lawyers
- If you are offered a settlement, you have to accept it no matter what
- The only way for car accident victims to receive compensation is by filing claims
“Insurance companies often make a difficult time worse by withholding the claim payment they should give their customers when the worst happens. If car accident victims hire a lawyer at the beginning of the process, we can help ensure they receive their rightful compensation,” says Chad K. Florin, a reputable lawyer of Florin|Roebig.
When it is time for accident victims to file a claim, they may find the following steps helpful:
- Compile evidence for your claim: At the accident scene, take as many pictures and videos of everything as possible, including injuries and property damage.
- Review your insurance policy: Read your insurance policy thoroughly to ensure you know what your insurance provider will and will not cover.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney: When filing your accident claim, call a Florin|Roebig lawyer and schedule a free claim consultation.
- Get a copy of the police report: When you are preparing to file a claim, it is critical to obtain a copy of the police report before you contact your insurance company.
- Call your insurance representative: Once you are ready, call your insurance representative to begin the claims process in order to hopefully receive your compensation quickly.
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims and the law surrounding fault are two of the more important Florida car accident laws that accident victims will need to become familiar with.
First, accident victims in Palm Beach Gardens need to know that Florida is a no-fault state. All documented Florida drivers must have personal injury protection insurance (PIP). This insurance covers medical expenses and property damage, no matter who caused the accident.
Motorists in Palm Beach Gardens need to know that the statute of limitations, which is four years for car accident claims in Florida, is the time frame in which accident victims can bring their accident claim against the at-fault motorist. If you file your claim by this deadline, you could forfeit your right to file.
Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
When a motorist does something that directly causes an accident, it is known as negligence, another essential legal term that accident victims often hear.
Factors that can determine fault in car accidents include:
- Negligence by a driver
- A driver operating under the effect of a substance
- Road conditions at the time of the accident
- The weather conditions when the accident happened
- Whether or not a vehicle malfunction occurred
A driver can be at fault for a car accident but not liable for it. For example, if a car malfunctions because the brakes were defective due to a manufacturing error, causing the car to brake improperly, the driver of the malfunctioning vehicle would be at fault but may not be liable.
Even though the driver is technically at fault, the company that made the brakes would be held strictly liable.
“It is normal for accident victims to feel shaken up after an accident and to have difficulty understanding the legal steps that come next. As car accident lawyers, we strive to help our clients navigate this often perplexing and stressful time in their lives,” explains Chad K. Florin.
Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
Negligence, when regarding car accidents, is any behavior or act that directly results in injury, property damage, or other consequences.
Forms of negligence in car accident claims that are filed by auto accident victims include:
- Gross negligence is a severe indifference to the well-being of other drivers and a disregard for traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence occurs when a driver is given a percentage of fault and granted damages accordingly.
- Contributory negligence states a claim cannot be filed to pursue compensation if a person is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
An auto accident seldom occurs due to just one driver’s negligence; therefore, courts will assign at least some share of fault to each driver involved in the accident.
Necessary information to know about fault in auto accidents:
It may be possible for motorists to seek damages in no-fault states.
- A victim’s settlement may be reduced by their portion of fault.
- Fault may bar accident victims from seeking damages in some states.
Our Featured Case Results
What To Do After A Car Accident in Palm Beach Gardens
If you or someone you care about has been affected by an accident in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the following are important steps you should take immediately.
1. Seek Medical Care
The first thing you need to do is call 911 when you can safely do so. This will ensure that you, any passengers, and the other driver involved in the accident receive medical care. There are some injuries that may have their symptoms masked by adrenaline.
2. Collect Contact Information
Information that needs to be collected includes:
- The names of everyone involved in the accident
- Contact numbers for everyone in the accident
- Everyone’s driver’s license numbers
- Insurance information for all drivers involved
- The license plate numbers for the vehicles involved
3. Call The Police
In Florida, you are legally required to report any accident to the police that results in either damage to property or any type of injury, no matter how severe. When the police arrive, the information they gather will generate a police report, which will be valuable to your claim.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
Begin taking photographs and videos of the scene of the accident. You should try to get pictures of:
- The flow of traffic
- Any injuries
- Damage to vehicles
- Weather conditions
- Record witness statements
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
You need to contact your insurance company to report the accident as soon as you can. Quickly beginning the claims process can speed up your claim processing, and your settlement check can be sent your way.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
It is not unusual for accident victims to run into trouble when trying to get a settlement from their insurance provider. Insurance providers are infamous for using dirty tactics to save money, including refusing to pay rightful claims. Hiring a Florin|Roebig accident lawyer can help ensure your claim is treated fairly.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
For people involved in an auto accident, far-reaching impacts can touch many aspects of their lives.
Various ways an accident can affect your life include:
- Losing your job
- Losing the ability to make money
- Your pain and suffering
- The loss of your independence
- Losing your spouse or partner
- Adjusting your home to accommodate your injuries/disability
- The loss of your transportation
- Developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
Choosing a car accident attorney to handle your claim is a significant decision that should be made with consideration. The Florin|Roebig accident attorneys have been compassionately representing their clients for forty years.
Advantages that you can gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig car accident attorney include:
Car Accident Case Experience
The law offices of Florin|Roebig have been representing accident victims in and out of court for forty years. Our attorneys have witnessed everything insurance companies can pitch their way, making our legal team perfect to champion your claim.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
Our Florin|Roebig team of attorneys has practiced long enough to know precisely what it takes to build a strong, successful claim. Everything from the type of evidence you collect to how you diligently you fill out your paperwork, our lawyers know how to build a winning personal injury claim.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
Car accident settlements can usually be managed quickly and efficiently outside the court system. In cases where insurance companies do not cooperate or the at-fault driver refuses to pay your damages, your Florin|Roebig attorney is equipped to represent your claim to a judge.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
If you or someone you love has been in an auto accident, you may feel shocked and overwhelmed by what to do next. These are helpful steps to take in the aftermath of a car accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Contact 911 to ensure a medical team checks everyone out.
- Collect evidence immediately: Collect as much as possible by photo and recording.
- Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance agent to begin your claim immediately.
- Protect your legal rights: Hiring a Florin|Roebig lawyer can help ensure you avoid any delays in your settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an attorney charge for a car accident in Florida?
Accident attorneys can charge anywhere from 25-40% of your settlement. Florin|Roebig’s attorneys work on a non-contingency fee basis, so you do not pay any fees until we win your case.
How much can someone sue for a car accident in Florida?
There is no limited amount of compensation a person can sue for in an accident lawsuit.
Who pays for car damage in Florida’s no-fault system?
Each driver’s insurance company pays for their damages unless the amount surpasses their policy, in which a lawsuit may be filed against the at-fault driver’s insurance.
List Of Top-Rated Car Accident Attorneys Serving Palm Beach Gardens
If you’re involved in a car accident in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, work with an attorney with a track record for success. The experienced and dedicated legal team at Florin|Roebig serves Palm Beach Gardens and the surrounding area.
Some of our award-winning legal team members include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Shaun M. Cummings
- John J. Hart
- Michael A. Ossi, O.C.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about the services our attorneys provide or if you would like to schedule a free case review, the following are the best ways to contact our offices:
- Call our phone number 24/7
- Our website, florinroebig.com.
- Questions can be emailed to [email protected]
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident resulting from someone else’s negligence, you may be qualified to receive compensation. A car accident claim must be filed before the statute of limitations expires to collect your compensation. Contact the reputable lawyers at Florin|Roebig today to start the process or to learn more about your rights as a car accident victim.
