West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer

What Services Does Friedland & Associates Offer?

At Friedland & Associates, our experienced car accident lawyers handle the following types of cases:

How Can a West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer Help?

Pursuing compensation for an auto accident in West Palm Beach, Florida, involves a series of steps designed to help injured individuals recover damages for their injuries, property damage, and other losses. Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, which means that regardless of who is at fault for the accident, each party’s own insurance company is responsible for covering their medical expenses and certain other damages. However, there are situations where you can step outside of the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to seek additional compensation.

Here’s how our car accident attorneys can help:

Filing a Personal Injury Protection Claim

Under Florida’s no-fault system, you’ll first file a claim with your own insurance company through your personal injury protection coverage. PIP covers a portion of your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident.

Determining If You Meet the Serious Injury Threshold

If your injuries meet the state’s “serious injury threshold,” you may be able to step outside of the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Serious injuries may include permanent disfigurement, significant scarring, permanent injury, or death.

Gathering Evidence

To pursue a claim against the at-fault driver, your attorney will need to gather evidence to support your case.

This may include:

• Accident reports
• Witness statements
• Photographs of the accident scene and damages
• Medical records

Working With Experts to Prove Severity of Injuries

Our legal team can also work with medical professionals to establish a direct link between your injuries and the accident. This documentation is crucial in proving the extent of your damages and the impact the accident has had on your physical and emotional well-being.

In cases involving severe injuries, our attorneys may collaborate with life care planners and medical economists. These experts can assess your current and future medical needs, estimate the cost of ongoing treatments, and determine the financial impact of your injuries on your life. This evidence is vital in accurately valuing your claim and ensuring you receive fair compensation.

Negotiating a Settlement

Your car accident lawyer will work to negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This settlement should cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and any other applicable damages.

Filing a Lawsuit

If negotiations fail to yield a satisfactory settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This initiates the litigation process, which may involve depositions, document requests, and court appearances.

Trial

Most car accident cases are settled out of court. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial. A judge or jury will determine the outcome, and if successful, you will receive a verdict awarding compensation.

Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

The Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Friedland and Associates are familiar with the complex laws that surround rideshare accident liability. These types of motor vehicle collision cases can be especially complex. The challenges of rideshare claims are often due to the multiple insurance policies involved and the difficulty determining liability, depending on who was at fault and what driving phase the rideshare motorist was in at the time of the collision. If you were injured in a rideshare crash, contact our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help.

What Are the Common Types of Auto Accident Injuries?

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor to life-threatening. While each accident is unique, certain types of injuries tend to be more common due to the mechanics of car collisions.

Some of the most common types of car accident injuries include:

What Damages Am I Entitled to After a Motor Vehicle Collision?

If you’ve been involved in an auto accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to various types of damages to compensate for the losses you’ve suffered. These damages are intended to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

The types of damages you may be entitled to after an auto accident include:

Medical Expenses

This includes all medical costs related to your injuries, such as hospitalization, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, rehabilitation, and therapy.

Pain and Suffering

These damages compensate you for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and your injuries.

Lost Wages

If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you’ve lost due to missed workdays or reduced work hours.

Loss of Earning Capacity

If your injuries result in a long-term or permanent reduction in your ability to earn income, you may receive compensation for the potential future earnings you’ve lost.

Property Damage

This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal property that was damaged in the accident.

Emotional Distress

In addition to physical injuries, you may experience emotional trauma and distress. Compensation can help address the psychological impact of the accident.

Loss of Consortium

If your injuries affect your relationship with your spouse, you may be entitled to damages for the loss of companionship and intimacy.

Loss of Enjoyment

If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you may receive compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life.

Scarring and Disfigurement

If the accident caused visible scars or disfigurement, you may be entitled to compensation for the impact on your physical appearance and self-esteem.

What Are Dangerous Areas Intersections in West Palm Beach?

The most dangerous intersections in West Palm Beach include:

Okeechobee Boulevard and Military Trail

This busy intersection is known for heavy traffic and complex turning movements.

Southern Boulevard and Congress Avenue

The convergence of major roads often results in high traffic volumes and potential congestion.

Southern Boulevard and Parker Avenue

Another intersection involving Southern Boulevard, this one is also associated with heavy traffic flow.

North Australian Avenue and Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard

This intersection can be complicated due to its proximity to the Palm Beach Outlets, leading to increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

45th Street and Broadway Avenue

This intersection is near residential areas and schools, leading to a mix of commuter and local traffic.

Village Boulevard and Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard

This intersection is situated near shopping centers and commercial establishments, resulting in increased traffic flow.

Okeechobee Boulevard and Australian Avenue

The convergence of these major roads can result in heavy traffic flow and congestion.

45th Street and Military Trail

This intersection serves as a major route for commuters and commercial vehicles.

Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard and Village Boulevard

Close to the Palm Beach Outlets, this intersection experiences a mix of local and tourist traffic.

Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard and Congress Avenue

High traffic volume and various turning movements can create challenges for drivers navigating this intersection.

What Are Basic Auto Insurance Requirements in FL?

In Florida, there are specific insurance requirements that drivers must adhere to in order to legally operate a vehicle.

Auto insurance requirements include:

Personal Injury Protection Insurance.

Florida is a no-fault state, which means that regardless of who is at fault in an accident, your own insurance is responsible for covering your medical expenses and related costs. This is where Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance comes in. PIP coverage is required in Florida, and it covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs for you and your passengers, regardless of who caused the accident.

Property Damage Liability (PDL) Insurance.

This coverage pays for damages you or another driver operating your car with your permission may cause to someone else’s property in an accident. This can include damage to vehicles, structures, and other types of property.

The minimum required coverage limits for PIP and PDL insurance in Florida are as follows:

• $10,000 in PIP coverage per person
• $10,000 in PDL coverage per accident

Keep in mind, in many cases, medical expenses and property damage can quickly surpass these limits. Additionally, these requirements do not cover other types of liability, such as bodily injury to others. As a result, many drivers opt for additional coverage to ensure they are adequately protected.

2021 West Palm Beach Car Accident Fatalities

West Palm Beach saw a slight decline in motor vehicle fatalities in 2021, at 21, compared to the 23 fatalities the city saw in 2020.

Fatal accident count: 21
Vehicles involved in fatal accidents: 29
Persons involved in fatal accidents: 38
Pedestrians involved in fatal accidents: 8

Contact Us Today!

At Friedland & Associates in West Palm Beach, we recognize that a car accident can leave a lasting impact on every aspect of your life. From medical bills and lost wages to pain and suffering, the toll can be overwhelming. Our car accident attorneys will go above and beyond to fight for your rights and ensure that you receive the full and fair compensation you need to rebuild your life and move forward.

Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced member of our legal team.

Our West Palm Beach Office