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West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyers

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west palm beach car accident lawyersCar accidents are among the most common causes of personal injuries in the United States. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, it is essential to seek the help of an experienced West Palm Beach car accident lawyer. At Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, our skilled attorneys are dedicated to helping clients obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.

Car Accident Lawyer in West Palm Beach

Our firm has a proven track record of success representing clients in car accident cases. We have a team of experienced attorneys who understand the complexities of car accident cases and are committed to providing personalized attention to each client. Our goal is to help clients obtain maximum compensation for their injuries and losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

During your initial consultation with us, we will listen carefully to your account of the car accident and gather all the necessary information to build a strong case on your behalf. We will also provide you with a thorough explanation of your legal rights and options and answer any questions you may have. Our attorneys will then work with you to develop a strategy to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Our Services

At Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, our West Palm Beach car accident lawyers provide a wide range of services to clients, including:

  • Investigation: We thoroughly investigate the accident scene, gather evidence, and interview witnesses to build a strong case on your behalf.
  • Negotiation: We work to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company to obtain maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
  • Litigation: If necessary, we will take your case to court to fight for your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.
  • Medical referrals: We can provide you with referrals to medical professionals who can evaluate and treat your injuries.
  • Communication: We keep you informed every step of the way, and are always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Important Laws to Know Related to Your West Palm Beach Car Accident

Car accident laws in West Palm Beach are governed by Florida state law, which provides guidelines for determining fault, liability, and compensation for damages. Here are some key aspects of car accident laws in West Palm Beach:

No-fault insurance

Florida is a no-fault state, meaning drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages up to a certain amount, regardless of who caused the accident. In some cases, drivers may also be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance for damages that exceed the PIP limit.

The specific amount of PIP insurance Florida drivers must have and requirements to utilize the coverage after an accident  includes the following:

Minimum Coverage

Florida law requires drivers to carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage. This coverage applies to the driver and any passengers in the car who do not have their own PIP insurance.

Coverage Limits

PIP insurance covers up to 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, up to the policy limit. The remaining 20% of medical expenses and 40% of lost wages must be covered by the driver’s health insurance or disability insurance.

Time Limits

PIP insurance benefits must be claimed within 14 days of the accident. You may lose your right to collect PIP benefits if you do not seek medical treatment within this time frame.

Exemptions

Motorcyclists and drivers with DUI convictions may be exempt from PIP insurance requirements. However, these drivers may be required to carry additional liability insurance to cover damages in the event of an accident.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Drivers who do not carry the required PIP insurance may face penalties, including fines and license suspension. In addition, uninsured drivers who cause an accident may be personally liable for damages.

Statute of limitations

Florida has a statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit. The deadline for filing a lawsuit is typically four years from the accident date. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

Damages

In West Palm Beach, car accident victims may be able to recover compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. The amount of compensation a victim can recover will depend on the severity of their injuries, the extent of their losses, and the amount of fault assigned to each driver.

The specific types of damages you can recover after a West Palm Beach car accident include the following:

  • Medical expenses: This includes the cost of medical treatment, including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation.
  • Lost wages: If you were unable to work due to your injuries, you might be able to recover compensation for the wages you lost during your recovery period.
  • Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and your injuries.
  • Property damage: If your car was damaged in the accident, you might be able to recover compensation for the cost of repairs or the fair market value of your car if it was totaled.
  • Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries have left you unable to work in the same capacity as before the accident, you may be able to recover compensation for the future earning potential you have lost.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: This includes compensation for any activities or hobbies you can no longer participate in due to your injuries.
  • Wrongful death: If a loved one was killed in a car accident, you might be able to recover compensation for their medical expenses, funeral expenses, and loss of income.

Comparative negligence

Florida follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means that each driver is assigned a percentage of fault for the accident. The amount of compensation a driver can recover is reduced by the percentage of fault. For example, if drivers are found to be at 20% at fault for an accident, their compensation will be reduced by 20%.

If you have been involved in a car accident in West Palm Beach, you must speak with an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and options. At Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, we can work with you to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

Steps to Take After a West Palm Beach Car Accident

If you have been involved in a car accident in West Palm Beach, taking certain steps to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the medical care and compensation you need is important. Here are some steps you should take after a car accident:

Seek Medical Attention

Your health and safety should be your top priority after a car accident. Even if you don’t feel like you’ve been seriously injured, it is important to get checked out by a medical professional to rule out any underlying injuries. Some injuries, such as whiplash or traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms until hours or days after the accident.

Seeking medical attention immediately after a car accident is crucial for several reasons:

Identifying Injuries

Even if you don’t feel any pain or discomfort immediately after the accident, you may have sustained injuries that are not immediately apparent. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms until hours or days after the accident. A medical professional can evaluate you and identify any injuries that require treatment.

Preventing Further Injury

In some cases, injuries sustained in a car accident can worsen if left untreated. For example, if you have a head injury or neck injury, continuing to move around or engage in physical activity could worsen the injury. Seeking medical attention can prevent further injury and ensure you receive appropriate treatment.

Establishing a Medical Record

Seeking medical attention after a car accident creates a medical record of your injuries, which can be important if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action. The medical record can help establish a causal link between the accident and your injuries, which can be important for establishing fault and obtaining compensation.

Protecting Your Legal Rights

If you delay seeking medical attention, insurance companies and other parties involved in the accident may argue that your injuries are not serious or that they were not caused by the accident. Seeking medical attention immediately after the accident can help protect your legal rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Call the Police

Contacting the police is important for documenting the accident and establishing fault. The police will create an accident report, which can be used as evidence if you need to file a claim with your insurance company or pursue legal action.

Florida law requires you to report a car accident to the police if the accident involves injuries, death, or property damage that exceeds $500. Specifically, Florida Statutes section 316.065 requires that any driver involved in an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage must immediately report the accident to law enforcement.

If the accident involves injury or death, the driver must remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives, except in cases where the driver requires medical treatment. Failure to report an accident or leave the scene of an accident can result in criminal charges, fines, and other penalties.

Reporting the accident to the police is important for several reasons. First, it helps to document the accident and establish fault, which can be important if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action. The police report can also provide valuable information about the accident, such as witness statements and vehicle condition.

Gather Evidence

Take photos of the accident and any damage to your vehicle or other property if possible. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.

More specific information about the information you should collect while at the accident scene includes the following:

  • Contact and insurance information: Get the names, phone numbers, and insurance information of all drivers involved in the accident, as well as the contact information for any witnesses to the accident.
  • Photos and videos: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including the damage to all vehicles involved, any skid marks on the road, and any traffic signals or signs in the area.
  • Police report: If law enforcement is called to the scene, obtain a copy of the police report. This report will provide important information about the accident, including witness statements and any citations issued.
  • Medical records: If you have been injured in the accident, keep all medical records and bills related to your injuries. This information can help establish the extent of your injuries and the costs of your medical treatment.
  • Written accounts: Write down your account of the accident as soon as possible while the details remain fresh. Include details such as the time and location of the accident, weather conditions, and any actions taken by the other drivers involved.
  • Receipts and bills: Keep all receipts and bills related to any expenses you incur as a result of the accident, such as car repairs, rental car fees, and medical bills.
  • Expert opinions: In some cases, obtaining expert opinions to support your compensation claim may be helpful. This could include opinions from accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, or other experts who can provide insight into the causes and consequences of the accident.

Collecting evidence after a car accident can be crucial for establishing fault and obtaining the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Contact Your Insurance Company

You should report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurance company will likely want to investigate the accident and may require you to provide a statement.

Consult with a West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it is important to speak with an experienced auto accident lawyer who can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

If you have been Injured in an accident call us today at 561-687-5660 . FREE Consultations and Never a Fee Until We Win Your Case.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact the West Palm Beach car accident lawyers at Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, today. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and evaluate your legal options. With our experience and dedication, we are confident that we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

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