Being involved in a motor vehicle crash is one of the most terrifying experiences both new and experienced drivers can have. In the days after a crash, an injured person faces a slew of necessary communication with various parties, from their insurance providers to the other driver's insurance company to a family member checking up to make sure you are okay to the police requesting you fill out a police report. What injured drivers need most in these first days is a personal injury lawyer at your side to assist with all legal matters.
Automobile accidents can be tricky to navigate on your own. You will need to understand various aspects of the law, and probably have millions of questions after an accident. The Boca Raton car accident lawyers at our firm are ready to help you with your car accident case. To discuss your case in a free, confidential consultation, contact us today.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Boca Raton
Every year, thousands of people are involved in severe car accidents across the country. Drivers in Palm Beach county are likely well aware of this reality. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were 2,935 fatal crashes in Florida in 2018. Furthermore, 3,150 people lost their lives in accidents during the same year in Florida.
A car crash can happen for a number of reasons. However, some causes are more prevalent than others. Some of the most common causes of an automobile accident in Florida include:
Speeding
Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents for motor vehicles in south Florida and around the country. Every year, thousands of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians lose their lives due to speed-related car crashes.
Despite efforts to prevent speeding from happening, there are still many people who decide to go against the law and drive at excessive speeds. Unfortunately, this negligent practice often leads to otherwise preventable car accident injuries, property damage, and deaths.
In the unfortunate event that you are the victim of a speeding car accident, employing personal injury lawyers to help you with your case is one of the most logical things you can do to protect your future. They will understand the necessary steps to determine fault, and the proper consequence that the at fault driver should face.
Our Boca Raton law firm is extremely experienced at navigating speeding car accident cases. Our personal injury attorneys practice a strong attorney client relationship, so contact us today.
Distracted Driving
Everything happening around a driver while operating their car can be a distraction. That is why focusing on the road should always be a priority for drivers. However, many people operate their vehicles while distracted.
For instance, one of the most dangerous practices when driving a car is texting. Texting and driving has proven to be a lethal combination, often leading to accidents. Even though it is against Florida law, many people still engage in this negligent practice, causing harm and damage along the way.
Experienced car accident attorneys will be able to help you with your claim and prove a driver was acting negligently by texting and driving. It's common in car accident lawsuits, and an auto accident attorney will be experienced in proving this.
Driving While Intoxicated/DWI
Drunk driving has been a recurring cause of car accidents in Boca Raton, FL, and across the nation. According to the FLHSMV Annual Crash Statistic Report, in 2017 there were 5,125 alcohol-related crashes in Florida. During the same reported year, there were 350 confirmed deaths related to alcohol – alarming numbers, considering all the efforts made to reduce the incidence of alcohol-related car accidents.
These are causes that show the dangers associated with car accidents. Fortunately, you can hold the liable parties accountable for their negligence through a personal injury claim and ensure that their insurance will cover medical expenses that you incurred, as well as securing your future medical expenses will also be paid. Our Boca Raton car accident attorney can help you through the entire process.
Other Types of Driver Negligence
- Aggressive driving
- Drowsy driving
- Driving the wrong way
- Failing to yield
- Defective tires
- Illegal passing
What Types of Auto Accident Claims Does Our Personal Injury Firm Handle?
A Boca Raton car accident lawyer will handle all types of car accident claims, including but not limited to claims involving:
- Wrecks involving motorcycles, bicyclists, pedestrians, or commercial vehicles
- Distracted driving accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Trucks
- Road hazards
- Accidents involving commercial trucks
- Uninsured motorist coverage
- Claims involving bodily injury coverage
- Head-on collisions
- Highway accidents
- Mechanical failures
- Left-turn accidents
- Sideswipe Accidents
- Intersection accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Side-impact collisions (“T-bone” accidents)
What Types of Injuries Are Caused By Car Accidents?
Car accident victims in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, or even Fort Lauderdale often experience severe, life-altering injuries. Much of the time, these injuries require surgery, rehabilitation, and continuing medical care. These medical costs can pile up quickly, which is why it is so important to document the injuries sustained after Florida car accidents. These will help your personal injury law firm recover the medical costs of your injuries and ensure you receive a settlement large enough to have future medical bills paid.
Injuries stemming from car crashes can include bruises, broken bones, and even paralysis or death.
Other common injury types are:
Head Injuries
Head injuries are common in auto accidents because, in a car accident, it is easy to lose control over your body. The forces and momentum associated with car accidents can cause your body to move around your car, which can cause you to hit your head against parts of the car’s cabin, including the windshield, side window, or steering wheel.
Blunt trauma to the head can lead to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI can lead to many different health complications and the development of severe, permanent medical conditions. Fortunately, you can obtain compensation from the negligent driver who caused your accident when you work with an experienced auto accident lawyer.
Back Injuries
Back injuries are also common in car accidents. This is especially true for drivers who get rear-ended. Back injuries can be painful and challenging to deal with. For instance, a car accident can cause a person to suffer from a disc injury or nerve compression injury in the back. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may require continuing medical treatment. Filing a car accident injury claim can help you obtain compensation for your medical bills and help keep the at fault party liable for your severe injuries.
Neck Injuries
Neck injuries can be excruciating and lead a person to suffer discomfort for days, weeks, or months. The most common type of neck injury is known as whiplash, which is mostly caused by a sudden back and forth shaking of the head. This can lead to stiffness of the neck, tingling sensations throughout the arms, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Neck injuries can be a clear sign of a more serious injury brewing. Documenting these in personal injury claims helps protect you while helping your Boca Raton car accidents lawyer recover the maximum compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions Our Car Accident Lawyers Receive
Below are just a few of the most frequently asked questions our Boca Raton car accident lawyers receive from clients and potential clients.
How Do You File A Car Accident Claim in Boca Raton?
You can hold the liable parties accountable for your accident and injuries through an injury claim. Personal injury claims normally based on negligence. This means you, or your car accident lawyers, will need to show the liable party’s carelessness to the court. There is a specific set of elements that need to be proven. For instance, you will need to show that the other driver owed you a duty of care, meaning that you will need to show the other driver had the responsibility to drive their vehicle in a safe way.
Additionally, you will need to show that the liable party breached that duty of care, which then led to your accident. Furthermore, you will need to prove you suffered losses as a consequence of your accident. Once you have successfully shown these elements, you may be granted compensation for things such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. All this can be done by retaining the services of a skilled, experienced personal injury attorney.
Is Florida A Fault State For Car Insurance After A Wreck in Boca Raton?
With some exceptions where hybrid rules are in place, most U.S. states use a “fault” or “no-fault” system for auto insurance purposes. This divide has important legal and financial consequences for car wreck victims who decide to file an injury claim in Florida. Florida's no fault law makes motor vehicle accidents claims a complicated procedure for those who do not employ the help of a lawyer.
What Is The Difference Between “Fault” and “No-Fault” Car Accidents?
In fault states, a vehicle accident victim must show that the other driver was at fault for the crash in order to receive compensation. In no-fault states, it does not matter which driver caused the wreck; regardless of who was at fault, an injury victim will file a claim with their own insurance company.
In order for an at-fault type of system to work, drivers must have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which is why Florida requires all drivers to carry certain amounts of coverage.
For example, state law requires all drivers to carry at least $10,000 of PIP coverage, along with at least $10,000 of Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance.
Filing A Car Accident Claim in Boca Raton, FL
Florida is a no-fault state for car accidents, which means that if you are injured in a crash or collision, you may file a claim with your insurance provider to get compensated. However, simply filing a claim with your insurer may not be enough to compensate your losses, especially if you have suffered disabling or catastrophic injuries.
In addition, you may be able to bring a car accident lawsuit against the driver who caused the car wreck, such as a drunk driver or a motorist who was texting while driving. It depends on whether your injuries meet certain thresholds for severity. In other words, you could have a case against the driver who hit you, if you sustained serious injuries.
As you can see, Florida’s no-fault insurance regulations are more complex than they initially appear. It is in your best interest to discuss your situation with a Boca Raton car accident lawyer to find out whether you could have a case. We can prepare and file your insurance claim, negotiate aggressively with claims adjusters, and fight back if the insurance company tries to deny liability for your injuries.
Choose an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Boca Raton, Florida
At our law firm, we understand how difficult and frustrating dealing with the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident can be, and we are experts in filing car accident cases. That is why we dedicate our efforts to providing high-quality legal representation to all of our clients. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced Boca Raton car accident lawyer, contact us today.