On Behalf of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa | July 26, 2023 | Car Accidents
In 2020, only two states had more car accidents than Florida. Sadly, our roadways are only getting deadlier, despite cars getting safer. Let’s look at April 3, 2023, for example, in West Palm Beach. On this day, two different fatal car crashes occurred.
The first accident happened early in the morning when a couple out for a walk stepped into the road to avoid getting soaked by a nearby sprinkler. The couple was hit by a Kia Sportage driven by a sober 67-year-old woman from West Palm Beach. Michael Bullen, 65, died on-site. His companion, Carmen Louis, 60, was seriously injured and rushed to the trauma center at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
Later that afternoon, a 2009 Honda Civic, driven by a sober 66-year-old woman and containing a 4-year-old girl and a 70-year-old woman as passengers, crashed into a semi-truck. The Civic pulled into the semi’s path, which caused the 70-year-old passenger, Patricia Williams, to perish at the scene of the accident. Paramedics performed CPR on the female passenger when they arrived, but it was too late. The truck driver, a sober 20-year-old man from Riviera Beach, was not injured. Local police closed down 45th Street for hours as they investigated, but no criminal charges have been filed.
Unfortunately, these are only two examples of the many traffic fatalities that happen in Palm Beach. If you lost a close family member in a crash, speak with a West Palm Beach car accident lawyer today.
Car Accidents Are Too Common in Florida
According to the Federal Highway Administration, in a recent year, there were 3,738 auto collision fatalities in the Sunshine State. This is up from 2,938 five years ago. Cars are getting safer and safer; yet more Floridians are dying on the road.
Almost half of the car crashes in Florida result in injuries, some of them fatal. In 2022, there were approximately 200,000 car accidents in Florida, with about 80,000 injuries. Palm Beach County, in particular, is the 5th-worst county for auto accidents in Florida (behind Miami-Dade, Broward, Hillsborough, and Orange).
If You’re Involved in a Serious Car Accident in West Palm Beach
After a car accident, you might not know what to do. You might be overwhelmed by the traumatic event that just happened. While a legal claim might not be at the forefront of your mind, you should take steps to protect yourself and your rights to possible compensation.
First, always seek medical attention right away. You need a prompt diagnosis of your injuries. If your symptoms arise days later, see a doctor immediately once you believe something might be wrong. Never delay or try to tough it out.
Then, always consult with a car accident attorney who can advise you of your rights. You want to start this process sooner rather than later.
Contact a West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer Today
For more helpful guidance and a legal evaluation, contact Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa’s offices today. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, our knowledge and experience can help guide you to getting the maximum financial settlement possible. Let’s talk about your situation and review your options. Call us at 561-478-2500 or use our web contact form.