Those who’ve had a personal injury are often surprised by how confounding the world of personal injury claims can be. Not only do they have to consider the physical damage from an accident, but they also feel the significant impact the injury has on their job, relationships, emotional health, and more.
Those who have been injured in Key West deserve fair compensation for their losses. Florin|Roebig personal injury attorneys serving Key West help those who have suffered a personal injury decode complex personal injury challenges, laws, and procedures to enhance their chances of a favorable outcome.
Common Accidents That Lead To Personal Injury Claims In Key West
From accidents on the water to road rage to impaired driving, injuries resulting from accidents are common in Key West. For example, over four percent of people surveyed in Monroe County admitted that they get behind the wheel after having too much to drink. That’s more than double the state average.
On top of that, The Florida Department of Health found that vehicle-related injuries are the most common type of injury in the area. Nearly 1,000 drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists end up in emergency rooms each year as a result.
Common personal injury claims in Key West include:
- Scooter and Moped Accidents on Duval Street: Duval Street is a bustling area in Key West, popular among tourists for its shops, restaurants, and bars. With many visitors renting scooters and mopeds to explore the area, accidents are common due to congested traffic, inexperienced riders, and poor road conditions. Florin|Roebig would investigate such cases by gathering evidence from traffic cameras, eyewitness statements, and police reports. They would also review the rental company’s maintenance records and safety instructions provided to renters. By demonstrating that the rental company failed to ensure safe equipment or adequately inform riders of safety protocols, Florin|Roebig would build a strong case for compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Boating, Jet Ski, and Snorkeling Injuries at Dry Tortugas National Park: This remote park, accessible only by boat or seaplane, is a popular spot for boating, jet skiing, and snorkeling. However, injuries can occur due to inadequate safety measures, faulty equipment, or operator negligence. Florin|Roebig would handle these cases by thoroughly investigating the incident, examining the operator’s safety protocols, and reviewing equipment maintenance records. They would gather expert testimonies from marine safety professionals to establish negligence. By showing that the operator failed to adhere to safety standards, Florin|Roebig would aim to secure a substantial settlement or jury verdict to cover the victim’s medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and emotional distress.
- Slip and Fall Accidents at Mallory Square: Mallory Square is a popular waterfront area known for its nightly Sunset Celebration, attracting large crowds. Slip and fall accidents can occur due to uneven walkways, wet surfaces, or inadequate lighting. Florin|Roebig would investigate these incidents by collecting maintenance records, surveillance footage, and witness testimonies. They would work with safety experts to demonstrate that the property management failed to maintain a safe environment. By building a comprehensive case highlighting the negligence, Florin|Roebig would seek maximum compensation for the victim’s injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Steps To Take Following An Accident In Key West
1. Seek medical care for all parties involved
If someone is in a severe accident, the chances are that emergency medical assistance will arrive. But what if the accident isn’t deemed “serious”? What if the driver and passengers are able to simply order a ride-share or call a friend to pick them up after the police officer takes their report?
In minor accidents, often those involved feel no pain or discomfort. That’s because the body produces adrenaline during a traumatic event. This often blocks the pain a person feels. A person may not even feel serious physical problems like back injuries, dislocated joints, or broken bones.
Regardless of the severity of the accident, one should seek medical attention immediately. They may need that medical report later if they decide to file a personal injury claim in Key West. Those who have medical coverage on their car insurance will find that this is usually covered at little to no out-of-pocket cost through their policy.
2. Contact police and gather details about the accident
After an accident, those involved should always call the police. They will secure the site and any evidence. This includes but is not limited to road sobriety tests, pictures, and signs of device use while driving.
They may gather the contact information of witnesses and document what has happened. It’s vital that a person who may need to file personal injury claim know what is in this report. This way, they can more clearly communicate with both their insurance company and personal injury lawyer.
3. Speak with a personal injury attorney
A person who has been in an accident should always call a personal injury attorney before calling their insurance company. A personal injury lawyer is on their client’s side when others don’t have their best interest at heart. They can help the injured make sense of the police report and understand how to communicate with insurance.
Insurance companies may look for any reason not to pay a claim in order to secure their own interests. They explore ways to pay less than they should, which means they pay close attention to anything you may say and record all phone calls. Speaking with an attorney first ensures you will not say anything which could hurt your case.
4. File a personal injury claim
Additionally, personal injury attorneys can speed up the insurance claim process. They will offer support if the injured needs to take legal action and file a claim against the other driver or insurance.
Understanding Personal Injury Claims In Key West
Generally, in a personal injury claim, the attorney will need to demonstrate that the other party was negligent (at fault) in some way. Each state has its own way of determining this. Florida utilizes consideration of a concept called comparative negligence.
Comparative negligence means that the courts will weigh the degrees of fault on both sides of an accident. They may then reduce the damages awarded if the person who was hurt held some responsibility.
For example, if an intoxicated driver hits someone’s car while driving the wrong way on the highway, but the person in the other vehicle was not wearing a seatbelt, the person’s injuries are likely worse because of their own negligence.
In this situation, the damages would likely be reduced somewhat to account for this fact. How much the courts reduce damage payments depends in part on how well personal injury attorneys in Key West can manage the case. They need to show that the drunk driver’s negligence far outweighs forgetting to buckle up. The drunk driver’s lawyer could then add to their argument by showing that the injured person also ignored airbag recall notifications sent to them.
This only scratches the surface of Florida personal injury law. It is vitally important that a person consult a personal injury lawyer to understand their unique situation and the filing process. A lawyer then keeps their clients informed throughout the process to enhance their chances of getting more significant compensation faster.
What Is A Personal Injury Claim Worth?
A personal injury claim does not just consider medical bills. Personal injury lawyers help their clients recognize and quantify every loss they have endured because of the injury.
The value of a personal injury claim depends on aspects like:
- type of injury
- severity of injury
- type of accident
- chance of full recovery
- bills that will continue to accrue due to the need for long-term medical or psychological care
- permanent scarring
Our Featured Case Results
Types Of Damages For Personal Injury Claims
In personal injury claims in Key West, the damages awarded are usually considered compensatory. In other words, they should compensate someone for what they’ve lost as a result of someone else’s negligence. They should make a person whole to whatever extent possible.
Common types of damages awarded in personal injury claims include:
- medical treatments
- psychological treatment
- income lost
- loss of property
- emotional distress
- loss of enjoyment (e.g., a physically active person having to give up their lively lifestyle)
- loss of consortium (e.g., a person’s spouse files for divorce because of the emotional strain caused by the accident)
Knowing When To Hire A Personal Injury Attorney
Many people struggle with knowing when to hire a personal injury attorney.
Victims of personal injury who are considering filing a claim will benefit from hiring a personal injury attorney if:
- someone has been injured in an accident and the other party may be at fault
- they need an objective look at the case to determine if they have a case
- the injured person needs a skilled negotiator on their side
- the injured person wants to avoid trial
Over 85 percent of personal injury claims are settled without a trial. There are no guarantees that the person who caused the injury will not force a trial, but a personal injury lawyer can work to prevent this from happening through years of experience settling out of court.
List Of Personal Injury Attorneys Serving Key West
Someone who has suffered an injury due to the negligence of another deserves to have their case resolved quickly and favorably. They deserve compensation. The dedicated, experienced, and successful legal team at Florin|Roebig is ready to put their years of experience in the state of Florida to work.
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- Neil P. O’Brien, M.B.A.
- Shaun M. Cummings
- Luca G. Esposito
- Parker Y. Florin, LL.M.
- Taylor D. Roebig
- Andrew M. Leone, O.C.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Reach Out To A Key West Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you have been injured due to an accident in Key West, reach out to the capable attorneys at Florin|Roebig. We have been serving Florida residents in personal injury cases for more than 30 years and we can help you get fair compensation for your claim. Contact us today for a detailed case evaluation.
