Automotive technology has played a vital role in improving the safety of cars, buses, and trucks. However, accidents still remain a severe threat that can have devastating effects on people’s financial stability as well as their health.
According to a 2019 report, approximately 401,867 traffic crashes occurred on Florida roads. If an automobile accident is not handled promptly enough, the consequences can be terrible and can change your life forever.
Suppose you’ve been wounded in a car accident; it is critical to understand your legal options for compensation for personal injuries incurred in such accidents and comprehensive property damage or destruction caused by them.
Were you hurt in a West Palm Beach auto accident? You can seek compensation through the legal avenues available to you. A West Palm Beach Auto Accident lawyer at Fetterman & Associates can assist you in obtaining compensation for your suffering, pain, lost income, and medical expenditures.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents in West Palm Beach
If you get injured in a car crash and want to seek compensation, you have to prove the other party’s negligence led to the accident. After a crash, no one may be willing to accept liability, which can make your claim more challenging.
Dealing with insurance agencies can be debilitating since most find ways to minimize your compensation or deny responsibility. The best way to navigate the legal process is to work with a compassionate West Palm Beach auto accident lawyer to fight for your rights
.A qualified attorney will investigate the accident and determine who was at fault. Here are some examples of negligence:
- Malfunctioning manufacturer-installed parts
- Drunk driving
- Drowsy driving
- Incompetent mechanical work
- Dangerous road conditions
- Road construction
Proving negligence in a West Palm Beach auto accident is challenging, especially if you don’t understand the relevant legal frameworks. When you hire a car accident lawyer, they’ll gather evidence to build a solid claim and increase your chances of getting fair compensation. Here are items they use to argue your case:
- Crash scene accident and injury reports
- Your medical history
- Photo and video evidence of the scene and your injuries
- Accident-related cost records
- Medical reports and expenses related to the accident injury
- Records of how the crash affected your life
- Information on the other involved individuals
- Witness statements
Types of Car Accidents and Injuries in West Palm Beach
The type of car accident in which you were hurt, as well as the injuries you had, are significant to investigating the accident and obtaining compensation— The crash type is important because it indicates who was at fault, while the injuries incurred determine the amount of compensation you receive.
These details are critical when seeking compensation after a West Palm Beach car accident since they affect the result of your claim. Here are some examples of common car accidents and injuries:
- Sideswipes: Lacerations, cuts, head injuries, and broken bones
- Rollovers: Wrongful death, broken bones, spine injuries, and traumatic brain injuries
- Rear-End Collisions: Whiplash, facial fractures, spinal injuries, and concussions
- Head-On Collisions: Wrongful death, broken bones, spine & neck injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
Steps You Should Take after a West Palm Beach County Car Accident
After being involved in a car accident in West Palm Beach, you must take important steps which will help you recover and obtain compensation for your losses and damages. A West Palm Beach car accident lawyer will assist you in navigating the procedure and ensure that it runs properly.
Here are five steps to keep in mind:
Step 1: Obtain Accident Reports from the Police
When a car accident occurs, the first thing to do is contact law enforcement immediately. Once the law enforcement officers arrive, expect a series of questions about the incident. When speaking with the police about the accident, provide as much detail as possible because they will use what you tell them to produce an accident report. Furthermore, it will also be used by your attorney to protect your legal rights.
Step 2: Gather Eyewitness Statements
If possible, gather eyewitness accounts after calling the cops. This is simple since all you need are the names and addresses of people who were present at the scene when the accident occurred. Having witnesses on your side is an excellent method to create a compelling case and persuade the responsible party to give reasonable compensation.
Step 3: Take Pictures and Videos at the Accident Scene
Photographing the accident site is crucial because lawyers use it as evidence when negotiating a settlement. It would be best to photograph any injuries, significant landmarks, relevant road signs, road issues, and vehicles involved. Videos of the scene can also assist you in developing your case. Concentrate on important traffic lights, signs, and property damage.
Step 4: Seek Immediate Medical Care and Keep the Records
If you want your legal team to be able to make a successful argument, they are going to need proof of what happened. The best way to document an injury is by seeking medical attention at once. Not only will this help with any pain or discomfort that may have been caused, but it also ensures you are fully healed before beginning litigation against those responsible for your injuries!
The more material you have for your case, the better. If possible, get your hands on all available materials such as photographs and medical records so that you can build up a strong enough defense in court if necessary.
Step 5: Don’t Delay to File a Claim
The statute of limitations for filing an insurance claim in West Palm Beach and other parts of Florida is four years from the date of the accident. If you do not follow this timeline, there is a strong chance that you may lose the opportunity to file a claim, which can impede both your compensation and your recovery.
If you are planning to make a claim, you should not wait for too long following an accident before doing so. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by contacting an experienced auto accident lawyer in West Palm Beach. A conscientious lawyer will provide you with a free consultation so that you can get started. After thoroughly examining the facts of your case, they will discuss all available options with you as well as their potential consequences.
Seeking Compensation Following a West Palm Beach Auto Accident
Because every car accident is different, there is probably no one method that can be used to determine the settlement amount. When you choose an experienced vehicle accident lawyer in West Palm Beach to represent you in a case, you can relax knowing that they will fight for the best possible outcome on your side.
Lawyers understand how to estimate and calculate damages and have your best interest at heart. The amount of compensation you get will be proportional to the seriousness of your injuries and the degree of negligence displayed by the party responsible for your injuries. Your attorney will investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, and the amount of compensation you receive will be determined by the following factors:
- Emergency medical costs
- Medical assessments and tests
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Physical pain
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Surgeries and other medical treatments
- Punitive damages
- Wrongful death damages
- Lost zeal/enjoyment of life
- Auto damages, including repairs or replacement
- Temporary or permanent disfigurement accommodations
- Current and future medical expenses
- Medical debts due to the accident
- Lost wages
How to Solve an Auto Accident Claim in West Palm Beach
After suffering injuries, the last thing you want is to go through an overwhelming legal process as you recover from the traumatic event. Unfortunately, not all parties are willing to accept responsibility and offer you fair compensation.
As you recover, you want a committed West Palm Beach auto accident lawyer to assist you throughout the legal process. In most cases, settlements for these claims occur before advancing to the courts.
Since the legal process can take longer than expected, a lawyer negotiates with the liable individuals to compensate you without proceeding to court. If the other party fails to offer fair compensation, an attorney helps you to file a claim.
Should You Deal Directly with an Insurance Company?
Following an automobile accident, the insurance company representing the party at fault will likely contact you with an early settlement offer. While the insurance company may seem helpful, most don’t have your best interest at heart. They’re looking for ways to increase their profits.
When you receive calls from the insurance agency, you should decline any offer before talking to them and avoid recording statements. You don’t want them to use your words against you and find ways to minimize your compensation.
A skilled West Palm Beach auto accident lawyer understands insurance companies’ tricks to reduce or deny you settlement. Once you hire an attorney, they will prepare a solid case to counter the insurance company’s arguments for a successful compensation.
Don’t let insurance agencies take advantage of your situation to reduce your settlement. At Fetterman & Associates, we are prepared to assist you in protecting your rights and obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Why Do You Need a West Palm Beach Auto Accident Lawyer?
Car accident claims in West Palm Beach are difficult to navigate, especially if you lack experience. Hiring a legal expert to guide and represent you throughout the procedure is the best option. An experienced West Palm Beach auto accident lawyer will assist you in the following ways:
- Taking the claim to court if necessary
- Negotiating with insurance agencies on your behalf
- Obtaining your medical records to use them as part of the evidence
- Getting an accident report from the police
- Interviewing witnesses
- Finding car accident professionals to testify on your behalf
- Investigating and uncovering the liable party
- Helping you file the required paperwork
Hire a Skilled West Palm Beach Auto Accident Attorney Today!
A West Palm Beach auto accident lawyer can help you defend your rights and make sure that everything is handled properly as quickly as possible following your accident. We at Fetterman & Associates know exactly what to do next and how to go after the most money possible on your behalf.
Contact us today for a quick consultation; we’re here for you all year round, day or night.