When you are involved in a car accident, it can feel like you have nowhere to turn. Auto accidents also result in hefty expenses for many accident victims, leaving them wondering how they will make ends meet. Fortunately, if the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be able to file a claim for compensation.
if you are planning to file an auto accident claim in Pompano Beach, the highly recommended, experienced attorneys at Florin|Roebig are here to help you through this sometimes complicated process.
Accident Statistics for Broward County, Florida
The following are the 2023 car accident statistics for Broward County, Florida, where Pompano Beach is located.
- There were a total of 40,236 total accidents reported in Broward County in 2023.
- As a result of these accidents, 24,517 injuries and 210 fatalities were reported.
- In 2023, 760 motorcycle accidents were reported in Broward County.
- 12,451 of these reported accidents were hit-and-runs.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
In Pompano Beach, Florida, you can seek compensation if you have been injured or had your property damaged in a car accident. For legal and insurance purposes, this is known as a car accident claim, which can be filed by accident victims to obtain damages, which can be either monetary or non-monetary.
Misconceptions about car accident claims can include the following:
- Car accident lawyers are not required if you have insurance.
- Claims can only be filed by auto accident victims with serious injuries.
- The insurance provider of the at-fault driver will cover everything
- You can take as long as you need to file a car accident claim
- Auto accident lawyers are too expensive to hire
- You have to accept whatever settlement you are offered
- You have to file a lawsuit to receive compensation
“Car accident victims often find themselves in a whirlwind of paperwork, legal terms, and phrases. This can add much more pressure and stress than the original accident. Contacting a lawyer can ease some of this stress and ensure important details are not overlooked,” says Chad K. Florin, an esteemed attorney of Florin|Roebig.
When you are ready to file an accident claim, the following are steps you can take:
- Compile evidence for your claim: Take pictures and record videos of everything you can while at the car accident scene.
- Review your insurance policy: Take a moment to look over your insurance policy and ensure you understand what it covers.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney: When preparing to file your car accident claim, call a Florin | Roebig attorney and request a free case evaluation.
- Get a copy of the police report: It is essential that you receive your copy of the police report before you call your insurance company.
- Call your insurance representative: When you are ready, contact your insurance agent to start the claims process so you can hopefully receive your settlement quickly.
Pompano Beach, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
The citizens of Pompano Beach should be aware of Florida’s car accident laws. Still, two are the most important to understand: the statute of limitations for personal injury claims and the law surrounding fault.
The first thing to know is that Florida is a no-fault state. Every registered Florida motorist must have personal injury protection insurance (PIP), which covers medical costs and property damage, regardless of who caused the accident.
The statute of limitations is when you can bring your accident claim against the at-fault driver. The second thing drivers in Pompano Beach should know is the statute of limitations, which is four years for car accident claims in Florida. Failing to file your claim by this deadline could forfeit your right to file.
Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
Negligence, which occurs when a motorist does something that leads directly to an auto accident, is another important legal term that auto accident victims will become familiar with.
Factors that can decide fault in auto accidents include:
- Negligence by a driver
- A motorist driving under the influence of a substance
- Condition of the roads
- The weather conditions when the accident happened
- Whether or not a vehicle malfunction occurred
An individual can be at fault for a car accident but not liable for it. If a car malfunctions because of faulty brakes due to a manufacturing error, thus causing the vehicle to brake improperly, in this scenario, the motorist would be at fault but may not be liable for the accident.
The driver may be at fault, but the manufacturer of the brakes will be held strictly liable.
“Understanding the terms liability, negligence, and fault can be difficult for those who do not hear them often. If you have questions about the claim-filing process, contact a lawyer you can depend on,” explains Chad K. Florin.
Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
Negligence, when in reference to a car accident, is any conduct or action that directly results in injury, damage to property, or other consequences.
Forms of negligence in car accident claims that are filed by accident victims include:
- Gross negligence occurs when a driver seriously disregards the safety of other drivers and does not respect traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence states that each motorist is given a percentage of fault and granted damages accordingly.
- Contributory negligence is a claim system that states a claim cannot be filed to pursue compensation if a person is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
A car accident rarely happens due to just one driver’s negligence, therefore, in most cases, courts will allocate each driver at least some share of fault for the accident.
Important information to know about fault in car accidents:
- Drivers may still be able to seek damages in no-fault states.
- A victim’s settlement may be decreased by their percentage of fault.
- In some states, fault can stop you from pursuing damages.
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What To Do After A Car Accident in Pompano Beach
Car accidents can be chaotic to navigate. Car accidents can be chaotic to navigate. If you have been in an auto accident in Pompano Beach, Florida, the following steps should be taken as soon as possible.
1. Seek Medical Care
Contact emergency medical services, or 911, immediately to ensure that a medical team and police are sent to the scene of the accident. The team of medics will look everyone over and send those with severe injuries to the hospital.
2. Collect Contact Information
Information that needs to be collected includes:
- The names of everyone involved in the accident
- Phone numbers for everyone who was in the accident
- The driver’s license numbers for the drivers
- Insurance information for all drivers
- The license plate numbers for the cars involved
3. Call The Police
It is law in Florida that any accident resulting in injury or property damage must be reported to the police. The police will investigate the accident scene and use the information to generate a report with their official opinion of what happened and who is at fault.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
As soon as possible, you need to begin taking photos and recording videos of the accident scene. You should try to get pictures of the following:
- Traffic flow
- Injuries
- Vehicle damage
- Weather conditions
- Record witness statements
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
You need to contact your insurance provider to report the accident as soon as you are able to. The sooner you begin the claims process, the sooner your claim can be processed, and your compensation can be sent your way.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
It is not uncommon for people to run into trouble when trying to get a payment from their insurance company. Insurance companies are notorious for doing anything they can to save money, including denying rightful claims. If you hire a Florin|Roebig accident attorney, we can help ensure your claim is processed correctly.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident, its far-reaching impacts can touch many aspects of your life.
Various ways an accident can affect your life include:
- Loss of your job
- Loss of your money-making potential
- The cost of your pain and suffering
- Losing your independence
- The loss of your spouse or partner
- Needing to change your home to adapt to your injuries/disability
- Losing your transportation
- The development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
If you have been in an accident in Pompano Beach, Florida, you may consider hiring a car accident attorney to handle your claim. This is a wise and important decision that should be made thoughtfully.
Advantages that you can gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig car accident lawyer include:
Car Accident Case Experience
The car accident attorneys of Florin|Roebig have been representing car accident victims both in and out of court for four decades. Our lawyers have seen everything big insurance companies are willing to throw their way during this time, so they are ready to champion your claim.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
Our Florin|Roebig attorneys have a long, successful history of handling car accident cases, and we know precisely what it takes to create a strong, winning claim. From the evidence you collect to how diligently you fill out your paperwork, our attorneys know how to build a solid auto accident claim.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
In most cases, auto accident claims can be addressed quickly and without issue outside the court system. However, your Florin|Roebig attorney is prepared to present your claim to a judge when your insurance does not cooperate, or you cannot get the at-fault driver to pay your damages.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
If you or someone you love has been in an auto accident, it is common to feel shocked and unsure of what to do next. The following are useful steps to take in the aftermath of an auto accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 to ensure everyone is looked over by a medical team.
- Collect evidence immediately: Collect as much as possible by taking photos and recording videos.
- Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance provider to begin your claim immediately.
- Protect your legal rights: Hiring a Florin|Roebig lawyer can help make sure you avoid costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I hire an attorney after a car accident in Florida?
Accident victims in Florida are not required to hire an attorney to handle their claim; however, it is in their best interest to contact Florin|Roebig for a free case evaluation to see how they can benefit from having an attorney on their team.
How much can someone sue for a car accident in Florida?
There is no limit to how much compensation an accident victim can sue for in Florida.
How long after a car accident can you sue in Florida?
In Florida, car accident victims have four years from the moment the car accident happened to sue for compensation.
List Of Car Accident Attorneys Serving Pompano Beach
If you are thinking about filing a car accident claim, you need quality legal representation. These claims require careful planning, as well as meticulous collection of evidence.
When preparing arguments for court, you need a skilled attorney on your side to help you build the strongest case possible. Florin|Roebig employs some of the most experienced and capable car accident attorneys in Florida. Not only do our lawyers come recommended by clients, but they’re also recommended by other firms in the state.
Some of the members of our team who serve clients in Pompano Beach include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- John J. Hart
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you or a member of your family have been in an auto accident in Pompano Beach and you are interested in hiring a top-rated car accident attorney in Florida, 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]
You may be entitled to compensation if you have been involved in a car accident. To collect compensation, you must file an accident claim. At Florin|Roebig, we understand how serious these claims are for you. Please call the Florin|Roebig firm today to learn more or to schedule a consultation with a top-notch attorney.