West Palm Beach Car Accident Attorneys

Common Car Accident Injuries We Handle

Our legal team of car accident lawyers in West Palm Beach County has experience with a wide range of injuries, including:

• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Burn injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Emotional trauma and PTSD

We know how deeply these injuries can affect your life, and we will do everything we can to get you justice and the financial recovery you need.

Compensation You Can Recover After a Car Accident 

In Florida, car accident victims may be entitled to a wide range of damages. Here's a comprehensive overview of the types of damages you may be able to recover:

• Medical expenses: Covers all medical costs, both current and future, including treatment, equipment, and long-term care.
• Lost income: Reimburses lost wages, bonuses, and future earning potential due to the injury.
• Property damage: Covers repairs to your vehicle and damaged personal belongings and includes rental car expenses.
• Pain and suffering: Compensates for physical and emotional pain caused by the accident, both immediate and long-term.
• Emotional distress: Addresses the psychological impact of the accident, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and therapy costs.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensates for limitations in enjoying hobbies and activities due to the injury, impacting your overall quality of life.
• Loss of consortium: Provides compensation to your spouse for the loss of companionship and intimacy resulting from your injuries.

At South Florida Justice, we understand the complex nature of car accident cases and are committed to fighting for you at every stage on the way to compensation.

Florida Car Accident Laws You Should Know

Understanding Florida's car accident laws is crucial when pursuing a claim. Here are some key points:

No-Fault Insurance System

Florida is one of the few states that operates under a no-fault insurance system, as outlined in Florida Statute 627.736. 

This means that regardless of who caused the accident, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for your initial medical expenses and lost wages. By law, all Florida drivers must carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage.

PIP coverage typically pays:

• 80% of necessary and reasonable medical expenses
• 60% of lost wages
• $5,000 in death benefits

It's important to note that PIP benefits are limited and may not cover all your expenses, especially in serious accidents.

Serious Injury Threshold

To step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, you must meet Florida's "serious injury" threshold, as defined in Florida Statute 627.737. This typically includes:

• Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
• Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability
• Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Death

If your injuries meet this threshold or a loved one passed away as a result of their injuries, you can pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance.

Comparative Negligence

Florida follows a pure comparative negligence system, as outlined in Florida Statute 768.81. This means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Statute of Limitations

Under Florida Statute 95.11(3)(a), you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the statute of limitations is also two years from the date of death. It's essential to be aware of these deadlines, as failing to file within the statutory period typically means losing your right to sue.