Car Accident Lawyers West Palm Beach
A car accident can be a traumatic event that derails your life. While you can never go back in time and stop the accident from happening, there are things you can do to improve your future following serious injuries. One of these is to seek help from a West Palm Beach car accident attorney as soon as possible.
One of the West Palm Beach car accident lawyers at Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa will review your claim for free. During this review, they will:
- Ask you questions about the car crash
- Ask about all the injuries and losses you have incurred
- Ask if you collected any evidence about the crash
- Explain your legal rights, the laws that may apply to your case, and how we will build your case
This review is also a great opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about our lawyers and law firm. We are prepared to address any concern you may have and answer all the questions you have about your case as well. If you believe that we are the right firm to take on your case, one of our West Palm Beach car accident attorneys will be assigned to your case. They will:
- Explain the entire personal injury recovery process and provide you with regular updates on your case
- Compile evidence that will support your claim and prove your right to recover the damages you are seeking
- Identify whom to hold liable for your losses based on a thorough investigation
- Account for all your losses and calculate the overall value of your claim
- Speak on your behalf with the liable party, their lawyers, insurance company, and other relevant parties
- Fight tirelessly to secure the best possible results for your case, even if it means taking your case to trial
You can leave all the legal matters to us and rest easy knowing that your case is in the capable hands of our experienced legal team. You also don’t have to concern yourself about being taken advantage of by unscrupulous insurance companies who are not the least bit concerned about the damages you have suffered.
The legal team of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa, Attorneys at Law, represents the rights of car crash victims in West Palm Beach. We know how difficult the aftermath of a crash can be, and we are ready to make the injury claim process easier for you. Reach out to our Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney, Jonathan Levy, for a free case evaluation today.
★★★★★
From the first conversation I had with Attorney Levy, I knew I was in good hands. The firm made a stressful and scary time very calm. I always felt as though I matter. Every step was always explained to me and communication was consistent and immediate. I was so happy not to worry about how to handle everything in relation to my case and am thrilled with the outcome!
See More Reviews$3.5 million settlement
as a result of an on-the-job motor vehicle accident resulting in catastrophic brain injury to the client.
$2.75 million settlement
in a serious motor vehicle accident causing significant damage to the client’s chest and back.
$1.25 Million Recovery
for a man who was rear ended on I-95 in St. Lucie County after an accident.
Dangerous Roads and Intersections in West Palm Beach
Even if you are the safest driver, you cannot control the actions of others. Driver negligence is the leading cause of collisions, and you can expect many drivers to make mistakes or bad decisions daily. While you might not be able to avoid a crash, you can be aware of higher-risk areas around West Palm Beach. These include:
- North Congress Ave and 45th St
- North Jog Rd and Okeechobee Blvd
- North Robbins Dr and Palm Beach Lakes Blvd
- Palm Beach Lakes Blvd and Village Blvd
- Okeechobee Blvd and Wabasso Dr
- Palm Beach Lakes Blvd and Executive Center Dr
- Okeechobee Blvd and the southbound exit for I-95
- Southern Blvd and Lyons Rd
- Okeechobee Blvd and Haverhill Rd
Many of these intersections are in busy parts of town, with shops, hotels, restaurants, beach access, and other amenities that draw residents and tourists alike. In congested areas, people can become confused or impatient and, as a result, drive in a negligent manner that leads them to crash.
Our West Palm Beach car accident lawyers know the risks of West Palm Beach, and we are ready to help should you suffer injuries in a collision.
Act Quickly to Protect Your Legal Rights Following a West Palm Beach Car Accident
Florida law gives you a limited time to file a claim and hold the liable party accountable for your car accident-related damages. This is called the statute of limitations. In Florida, you have four years, beginning from the accident’s date, to file a claim seeking compensation for an action based on someone else’s negligence.
If you try filing your claim after the statute of limitations has passed, the court may dismiss your case. If this occurs, you will have lost your legal right to pursue a legal remedy for your injuries, regardless of how serious they may be and how strong your case is unless a rare exception exists in your situation that allows for an extension of the filing deadline.
Due to all the legal deadlines in a personal injury case and because evidence is usually more difficult to recover later, among other factors, you need to move quickly after a car crash to ensure that you assert and protect your right to fair compensation under the law. Reach out to the West Palm Beach car accident attorneys of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa to discuss your specific situation.
★★★★★
I really appreciate the consistency & help from this firm. The staff was very helpful. They put the clients first & have your back to get you the best results. Thank you again guys.
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Managing Shareholder
“My goal is to always provide uncompromising and aggressive representation so that our clients receive full compensation for their injuries. I understand that large or small, each claim deserves the highest quality representation. It’s their life that I am entrusted with, and I take that responsibility very seriously,” Mr. Simon stated.
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Managing Shareholder
This passionate lawyer has dedicated his career to handling cases involving catastrophic medical malpractice, products liability, and vehicle collisions. It is his dedication to pursuing what is right and due, that has built him an extraordinary reputation in trial litigation.
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Shareholder
Luis Sosa was born in Ciego de Ávila Cuba and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida. Ever since he can remember, he has had a passion for law and the American justice system. Today, he is a proud attorney of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa. Every day he fights for the injured and protects their interests against insurance companies that try to prevent fair and just recoveries. He is bi-lingual and speaks fluent Spanish.
Learn More »Types of Car Accidents
No two car accidents are the same. There are different ways that cars can crash or collide, and the type of collision can determine the types of injuries that result. Common accidents that our firm sees include:
- Rear-end - This is likely the most common type of collision, and it happens when one car hits the back of another. While these are minimized as “fender-benders,” they can cause serious injuries.
- T-bones - These accidents often happen at intersections, and the front of one car hits the side of another.
- Rollovers - Usually, only one car rolls, but another driver might be the cause of the rollover.
- Head-on - There are few things as terrifying - or as dangerous - as having the front of another car slam into the front of yours.
Common Injuries from Car Accidents in West Palm Beach
The above accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. Some people walk away from a serious crash without even a scratch, while others sustain:
This type of injury while not as severe as most can still be painful and long-lasting. Sprains, strains, bruising, and other damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments (soft tissue injuries) are very common in car accidents.
Car accidents are a leading cause of TBI’s and are caused by blunt force trauma to the head.
Spinal cord injuries from the impact of a car accident can be quite severe resulting in partial or total paralysis. Short term or permanent disability could be possible depending on the severity of the injury.
If a fire is caused by a car accident the occupant’s driver and passengers’ skin can come into contact with extremely hot surfaces, steam, or chemicals. Multiple surgeries and skin grafts may be needed depending on the severity of the burns.
When a crash forces the body into an object such as a steering wheel or dashboard, or the body is hit by flying debris in the car, serious internal organ damage can occur. This can cause Internal bleeding and requires immediate emergency medical treatment.
Broken backs, necks, wrists, legs, arms, ankles & pelvises are all very common injuries in car accidents. Severity ranges from simple fractures that require a cast, to serious breaks or compound fractures that could require multiple surgeries.
Facial injuries caused by Shattered flying glass, impact with a steering wheel, dashboard, windshield, airbag, side window, car seat or any hard surface can cause lasting scars that could require surgery to correct.
An arm, leg, finger, toe, or other appendages can be severed in a crash or damaged severely enough to require surgical amputation. This type of injury can have permanent disabling effects on the victim.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can happen for many different reasons, many of which involve driver error, but not all. One of the following might have caused your accident:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Aggressive driving or road rage
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Running red lights
- Dangerous road hazards
- Faulty vehicle parts
It is important to determine the cause of your crash, as this identifies who should be responsible for the accident and your injuries.
PIP in Florida
Florida has different laws when it comes to auto insurance claims than most states, as initial claims happen on a no-fault basis. Every driver should know that they must carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage, and this policy should cover medical expenses and other car accident losses regardless of who was to blame for the accident.
While dealing with your own policy might seem easier than proving fault, PIP policies are limited, and many people have losses that far exceed PIP policy limits. If your injuries are serious enough, the law allows you to file a fault-based claim against a negligent driver to recover the full compensation you need.
You might think you don’t need a lawyer to file a claim with your own PIP insurance. However, your insurer is a business like any other, and it will try to limit your settlement whenever possible. You should consult with a car accident attorney for assistance with your PIP claim.
Filing a Car Accident Claim
After a car accident, you must get medical treatment within 14 days for your injuries to be eligible for PIP coverage. Never delay in getting a diagnosis of your injuries, and then promptly call a car accident lawyer in West Palm Beach.
Your lawyer will prepare the claim and all supporting information. You will need to prove that your injuries stemmed from the car accident for a PIP claim. If you need to file a fault-based claim, you will need to prove both your injuries and liability for the crash. Your attorney handles every step of this process.
Florida Car Accident Statistics
Frequently asked Questions about Florida Car Accidents
What is the average settlement for a car accident in West Palm Beach Florida?
Every car crash claim is different, and the amount of compensation you may be able to recover depends on several factors. Some of these factors include the severity of your injuries, whether you lose income from missing work, whether you were partially at fault for your accident, and your prognosis. Generally, the more severe the accident and your injuries, the more compensation you can recover. In addition, cases involving long-term medical issues or permanent disabilities tend to be worth much more than cases in which victims will make a full recovery.
How do you file a claim against an insurance company for a car accident in FL?
The insurance claims process starts by filing a PIP claim, and if you have serious injuries, you can follow up with an at-fault claim against a negligent party. If you have a car accident lawyer in West Palm Beach, the good news is that they handle the claims process for you, including preparing and filing your claim. This allows you to focus on your medical treatment and physical recovery.
What steps should you take immediately after a car accident in West Palm Beach?
There are certain steps to take after a car accident in order to protect your legal rights. Some of the most important of these include:
- Seek medical attention and follow your physician’s advice.
- Do not provide a recorded statement to the insurance company.
- Do not accept a settlement offer.
- Be careful with what you post on social media.
- Call a lawyer as soon as you can.
After an accident, it’s important to be aware of the fact that the insurance company’s goal is to settle your case for as little as possible. They will happily take advantage of the fact that you may not know what your case is worth in order to get you to take less compensation than you deserve. For this reason, you should be sure to consult with an attorney before accepting a settlement offer.
Why should I choose Rosenthal to represent me?
You have many options when it comes to choosing a car accident attorney in West Palm Beach, but our firm has been dedicated to helping injured victims - as well as the community - in WPB for more than 35 years. We know how the courts work and how to seek maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
If you want representation you can trust for your car accident claim, you should look no further than Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa.
I want to thank this firm for everything they have done to help me through this process, I could not have done it without them. Every step of the way they were by my side making sure I got the utmost care and therapy for my injuries. I will recommend you all to whomever crosses my path in need of a solid firm to stand behind them. Thank you all again for all the hard work from day 1 Making this process seamless and straightforward.
See More ReviewsWhat happens after a car accident that is not your fault in Florida?
Under Florida law, people who are injured by the negligence of others can usually recover compensation for their accident-related losses. That said, victims need to take action in order to recover the compensation to which they are entitled.
In most cases, the process of obtaining compensation starts by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. The insurance company will then either concede liability or deny your claim. In the event that they concede liability, they will likely make a settlement offer that will serve as the starting point for negotiations. If they deny your claim, you will need to file a lawsuit in order to pursue compensation. You will also need to go to court in the event that the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer.
How long do you have to contact a lawyer after an accident in Florida?
Florida has a four-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims. This means that if you fail to file your claim within four years, you will likely not be able to recover compensation for your accident-related losses.
That said, it’s highly advisable to contact a West Palm Beach car accident attorney as soon as you can after a crash. Preparing and filing a personal injury claim is a complicated process, and giving your lawyer as much time as possible is in your best interest. Also, once you are represented, the insurance company may only communicate with your lawyer, which will protect you from saying something that may hurt your case. Finally, if you wait to start your claim, you may lose access to evidence that you need to win your case.
Should I accept a settlement offer from an insurance company?
After a car accident, your insurance company - or an at-fault driver’s insurance company - might offer you a settlement much quicker than you expected. While accepting this settlement and moving on with your life might seem like an easy solution, it often hurts you more than helps you.
Initial settlement offers are usually much lower than you need to cover your losses. Insurers know you are in a hurry to receive payment, and they are hoping you have not yet spoken with an attorney.
Once you accept a low settlement, you cannot go back and request more, so it is never wise to accept anything at all without first having a West Palm Beach car accident attorney review the offer and your losses.
Do you always need a lawyer for a car accident claim in West Palm Beach?
There is no rule requiring you to have legal representation for a car accident claim. That said, hiring a lawyer is always the wise choice. While you are dealing with your injuries, your attorney can handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies. This helps to make sure you do not accidentally say something that can jeopardize your claim or accept less than you deserve.
Insurance companies know they cannot use the same tricks and tactics on experienced car accident attorneys. This helps to protect your rights and relieve stress and uncertainty from your shoulders.
Can I afford to hire a car accident attorney?
One of the main reasons people avoid hiring a lawyer is fear of the cost. When you are facing medical bills and other losses from a crash, you might assume there is no way you can afford to hire a lawyer to help you.
This is a common misconception. In reality, car accident attorneys usually work on a contingency fee basis, which allows anyone to hire an injury lawyer without paying money up front. With a contingency fee, you will:
- Have access to a free case evaluation and consultation
- Be able to hire a lawyer without paying a large retainer or hourly fees
- Have your case-related expenses covered up front by the law firm, so you do not have to pay them out of pocket
- Not have to pay anything if our attorneys do not successfully obtain compensation for you
- Only pay legal fees if we win your case, and these fees come from your settlement or award - never your bank account
This arrangement means that anyone can afford to hire a car accident attorney.
Will my car accident case go to court?
Many people associate lawyers with going to court. However, the large majority of car crash claims settle out of court. Many get resolved through direct negotiations with insurance companies, and they do not even require litigation at all. If insurance companies are not playing fair, your attorney might file a lawsuit in civil court, but this still does not mean you will need to go to court yourself. Most car accident lawsuits reach a settlement before the trial date.
Our attorneys can review your circumstances and advise whether your case will likely settle out of court.
Learn More From Our West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyers Today
Our lawyers at Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa, Attorneys at Law represent car accident victims throughout the insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit process. If you would like us to evaluate your rights at no cost, you should never hesitate to contact our office to speak with a member of our team.