Auto Accidents

Auto Accident Lawyers Serving Victims in All Florida Counties

At Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers, we understand the overwhelming and stressful nature of navigating the legal system following an auto accident. We know that dealing with auto accident injuries, mounting expenses, and the loss of transportation and income can be daunting. If you’ve been injured in a traffic accident in Florida that wasn’t your fault, it’s crucial to know that you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Partnering with an experienced auto accident lawyer can help you assess the various factors associated with your injury and determine a fair and appropriate compensation value.

While it may be tempting to handle the insurance claim process on your own, it is wise to consult an auto accident attorney first. Insurance companies often make significant efforts to limit their payouts, and our accident lawyers can guide you through the challenges of covering unexpected expenses in the aftermath of an auto accident.

At Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to fighting tirelessly on behalf of our clients to seek the maximum compensation they need. We will handle all communication with the insurance company, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we take care of the negotiation process on your behalf. If necessary, we are fully prepared to go to court in the pursuit of justice and your recovery.

If you have experienced an auto accident in Florida, contact us today at Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation. Our experienced Florida car accident attorneys will assess the specifics of your case and provide honest and compassionate guidance as you proceed with your claim. Our legal team operates on a contingency-fee basis.

Types of Auto Accident Cases in Florida

In Florida, auto accidents can occur in various forms, each presenting unique factors that could impact the direction of a personal injury claim.

Some of the primary types of auto accident cases include:

• Car Accidents: An experienced Florida car accident lawyer can handle your claim and help you seek appropriate compensation if your injuries and expenses were caused by someone else’s negligence. Such carelessness may include reckless driving, distracted driving, the influence of alcohol or drugs, or a number of other factors. These types of car accidents happen every day throughout Florida, and we are here to help you in each of Florida’s counties.
• Bus Accidents: An injury case involving a bus accident can differ significantly from a regular motor vehicle accident. Many times, an injured person in these cases was not a driver of a vehicle. These cases differ from car accident cases due to complexity, number of parties, and other factors.
• Trucking Accidents: Accidents involving large commercial trucks often lead to more severe injuries than are common in car accidents, due to the size and weight of these vehicles.
• Motorcycle Accidents: Riders of motorcycles are at high risk of suffering severe injuries or death due to being exposed to the outside environment, lower visibility, and several other factors.
• Rideshare Accidents: These accidents involve a driver performing rideshare services through companies such as Uber or Lyft.
• Mechanical Failure Accidents: These involve accidents caused by a mechanical failure in a vehicle, such as brake failure, tire blowout.
• Hit and Run Accidents: These cases involve a driver causing an accident and then leaving the scene without providing their information or offering assistance.
• Drunk Driving Accident: An accident caused by a drunk driver presents additional complexity, and it is important to understand that your auto accident claim is distinct and serves a different purpose from the drunk driver’s criminal case. Our Florida car accident lawyers are prepared to guide you if you or a loved one have been injured by a drunk driver.
• Distracted Driving Accidents: These accidents are caused by drivers who are not fully attentive to the road, often due to activities like texting, eating, or using a GPS device.
• T-Bone Accidents: Also known as side-impact collisions, these occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another.
• Head-On Accidents: Accidents involving a head-on collision can be especially dangerous, and are often deadly.
• Rear-End Collisions: These accidents happen when one vehicle hits another vehicle in front of it.
• Rollover Accidents: Florida car accidents in which an automobile rolls can cause severe and traumatic injuries or death.
• Multi-Vehicle Accidents: These accidents involve more than two vehicles, often occurring on busy roads or highways.

At Britto & Herman, we also help individuals who have been injured in bike accidents or pedestrian accidents, both of which often involve motor vehicles.

Each type of auto accident claim requires a specific approach to establish liability and prove damages in personal injury claims. An experienced car accident lawyer from our firm based in Jupiter, Florida can guide you through this process during your free consultation, ensuring you understand their rights and options for seeking compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage.

Claims Following Fatal Car Accidents in Florida

We can help surviving family members pursue a wrongful death claim in Florida following fatal auto accidents caused by someone else’s negligence. Wrongful death cases are coordinated with the probate process and the Personal Representative of the decedent. Discuss your questions regarding fatal accidents with an experienced auto accident attorney at Britto & Herman. Our legal team of Florida car accident lawyers serves residents in all Florida counties.

Common Injuries from Auto Accidents in Florida

Motor vehicle accidents in Florida often lead to serious injuries, many of which can be catastrophic and debilitating. Such injuries and symptoms may include the following:

• Concussion
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Headaches
• Spinal injury
• Burn injury
• Amputation
• Fractures requiring surgery
• Neck and back pain
• Shoulder pain
• Knee pain
• Fear of driving and other concerns

Your Florida car accident attorney at Britto & Herman can connect you to medical professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment. Serious injuries will often require you and your attorney to seek to recover compensation for a range of future expenses and non-economic damages.

Recognizing the Full Scope of Your Injuries after an Auto Accident

It is important to identify and document the scope of harms and losses you have suffered to address unknown injuries, prevent further deterioration of your condition, track your physical recovery, and make accurate determinations of the damages that may be available to you in an injury claim. Our Florida car accident lawyers based in Jupiter serve residents in all Florida counties. We are prepared to help you accurately identify these losses during your consultation.

Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Florida

Motor vehicle accidents in Florida happen for a variety of reasons. Some common causes of auto accidents include:

• Distracted Driving: This includes any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, or using the stereo or navigation system.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit is a common cause of accidents, as it reduces the driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a dangerous situation.
• Impaired Driving: Auto accidents often occur when drivers operate the vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication. The impaired driver’s criminal prosecution is separate from a car accident claim in which car accident victims seek a settlement with the aid of a Florida auto accident lawyer. Whereas the criminal case may punish the responsible party for their criminal acts in relation to violation of traffic laws, an injured person seeks fair compensation under personal injury law. Your attorney at Britto & Herman can guide you regarding your next steps.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Disregarding traffic signals and signs is a major cause of car accidents and crashes involving other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Your Florida car accident attorney can assess the unique details of incidents involving different varieties of auto accidents at an intersection.
• Reckless Driving: This includes a range of traffic offenses, such as changing lanes without signaling, tailgating, and other forms of aggressive driving. Car accident claims may source compensation from some combination of your own insurance company, the insurance company of the reckless driver, and/or the responsible party’s own funds.
• Mechanical Failures: Vehicle-related factors, such as brake failure or tire blowouts, can also lead to car accidents and other highway safety concerns. These could be in part due to a defective car, defective car parts, and/or neglect of maintenance by vehicle owners or their mechanics.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, like rain or fog, often contribute to Florida auto accidents by affecting visibility and road traction.

Speak with an experienced Florida auto accident attorney at Britto & Herman regarding your auto accident.

What To Do After an Auto Accident in Florida

If you’re involved in an auto accident in Florida, taking the right steps immediately following the incident can significantly affect your ability to pursue compensation for damages. Here’s what you should do:

1. Check for Injuries: First, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt or requires medical assistance, dial 911. Promptly seek medical treatment for anyone who needs it.
2. Move to Safety: If possible, move vehicles out of the road to avoid further accidents.
3. Notify Law Enforcement: It’s crucial to report the accident to the police, even if it seems minor. The police will create an accident report, which can be valuable evidence in your claim. Depending on your location, Florida highway patrol may arrive on the scene.
4. Document the Scene: Take pictures of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Also, note the time, date, and weather conditions.
5. Exchange Information: Gather information from the other driver(s) involved, including their name, contact details, driver’s license number, and insurance information.
6. Notify Insurance Companies: Florida law requires you to notify your insurance carrier, even if the accident was not your fault. Your Florida car accident lawyer will handle the communications with insurance companies beyond the initial notification.
7. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to seek medical attention, as some injuries may not show symptoms immediately. A medical record will also provide evidence of your injuries related to the accident.
8. Consult a Lawyer: Our Florida car accident lawyers at Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers can guide you through the legal process, help gather necessary evidence to show the at-fault party’s negligence, demonstrate the other driver violated Florida’s traffic laws (if applicable), and help you seek appropriate compensation.

How Personal Injury Protection Can Affect Your Case and Your Recovery Following a Florida Auto Accident

In Florida, the no-fault insurance system mandates Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage with your car insurance. PIP takes care of your medical expenses and lost wages, irrespective of fault, up to a specific limit. Therefore, some of your initial medical expenses may be covered by your own insurance coverage.

Filing an Auto Accident Claim or Lawsuit in Addition to PIP

Depending on the severity of your injuries and losses, you have the option to step outside of the PIP coverage system and file a claim seeking to recover compensation against the negligent driver responsible for the auto accident. In cases where the insurance company does not agree to a reasonable settlement, our Florida car accident lawyers are prepared to pursue a personal injury lawsuit on our client’s behalf.

What Not To Do After an Auto Accident

Common missteps to avoid after a motor vehicle accident include:

• Leaving the Accident Scene: It is against the law to leave the scene of an accident in Florida. Always ensure you stay until you have exchanged information with the other driver and reported the incident to the police. Both you and your attorney will later refer to a copy of the police report as evidence for your case.
• Accepting Responsibility: Do not admit fault at the accident scene, even if you suspect you might be responsible. Determining liability often necessitates a thorough investigation, and accepting blame prematurely could jeopardize your case.
• Failure to Report the Accident: Florida law mandates that you report car accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage. Failing to report the accident can lead to penalties and complications with your insurance claim. However, it is wise to avoid discussing further details with the insurance adjuster, as some statements could sabotage your ability to seek maximum compensation. Those discussions should be left to an experienced car accident lawyer.
• Neglecting Medical Treatment: Even if you do not immediately feel injured after the auto accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention. Delaying or neglecting medical treatment may imply that your injuries are not serious or that they were not caused by the accident. As part of your claim, our car accident lawyers will help you seek to recover compensation for medical expenses you suffer because the accident occurred.
• Public Discussions of the Accident: It is wise to refrain from discussing the accident details or your injuries on social media or with anyone other than your attorney, doctor, or insurance company.
• Signature Without Legal Advice: Avoid signing any documents related to the accident without consulting a car accident lawyer beforehand. You could inadvertently waive your rights or accept a settlement offer that does not adequately compensate you.
• Negotiation with the Other Party’s Insurance Company: The other party’s insurance company may attempt to minimize their payment to you. It is prudent to have an attorney handle these negotiations to safeguard your ability to seek fair compensation.
• Disregarding Doctor’s Recommendations: Neglecting to follow your doctor’s prescribed treatment plan may be used against you, suggesting that your injuries are not as severe as claimed, and therefore jeopardizing your case.
• Failing to Consult with a Car Accident Attorney: Experienced Florida car accident lawyers will be able to guide you through the various steps and concerns in your Florida auto accident case.

Failure to contact a Florida car accident lawyer following a car crash increases the risk that you may jeopardize your car accident settlement in your communications regarding your car accident claim with the insurance company. This mistake could sabotage your ability to seek coverage for your medical bills, vehicle expenses, and other damages in your Florida car accident claim.

Your Actions Following an Auto Accident in Florida Can Significantly Impact Your Health and Your Financial Future

Your actions immediately following your injury in a car or motor vehicle accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. It is wise to take these steps under the guidance of effective legal representation. When in doubt, consult with a legal professional to protect your rights.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident, our knowledgeable Florida car accident attorneys are prepared to help you pursue your car accident claim to seek damages for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses attributable to your car accident under Florida personal injury law. Let us guide you and seek a fair settlement on your behalf.

Assessing the Factors Affecting the Value of Your Auto Accident Case

Several factors can influence the value of car accident claims in Florida. As we have noted, different varieties of auto accidents besides car accident claims can involve additional parties or concerns, and each case is unique. However, the losses suffered in these cases generally fall into one of two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Our experienced Florida car accident lawyers will work with you to identify and categorize each of your losses you have suffered in a car crash caused by the carelessness of the at-fault party.

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to the clearly-defined financial losses associated with the accident, such as:

• Medical Expenses: These include costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and future medical care needed due to the accident. Car accident cases can involve significant long-term expenses and treatments, especially when a severe car accident involves catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, or spinal cord injuries. An experienced attorney can coordinate with medical professionals to estimate the projected medical bills and physical therapy treatment expenses you may face following a car crash or other automobile accident.
• Lost Wages: If you are unable to work due to your car accident injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income. This also may include loss of earning capacity if your ability to work in the future is affected.
• Property Damage: These damages seek to cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident. Coordinate with your Florida car accident lawyer to determine the appropriate values related to property damage for your accident claim.

Our law firm situated in Palm Beach County offers a free consultation to assess damages for claims following car crashes in all Florida counties. During this discussion, we assess details in your case that factor into these economic damages you may be able to claim. Request your free case evaluation today if you have been injured in a car accident in Florida.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more subjective and can include:

• Pain and Suffering: This encompasses the physical pain and related negative experience you have suffered due to the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your quality of life has been adversely affected — for example, if you can no longer participate in activities you once enjoyed — you may be compensated for this loss.
• Emotional Distress: This refers to the psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

In some personal injury claims involving Florida car accidents, the at-fault driver may be required to pay punitive damages, which are meant to punish and deter especially dangerous or harmful behaviors. Discuss with your car accident lawyer whether punitive damages may be applicable if you have been injured in a car accident in Florida.

At Britto & Herman, our law firm serves residents in all Florida counties. Our Florida car accident attorney team can evaluate the non-economic damages that may pertain to your car accident claim.

Understand How Significant Factors Can Affect the Value of Your Florida Auto Accident Claim

Other factors that can affect the value of a car accident case include:

• Severity of Injuries: Generally, the more severe the car accident injuries, the higher the value of the case may be.
• Fault: Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning the amount of compensation that would have been available to you can be reduced or denied depending on your percentage of fault. Your Florida car accident lawyer will review the crash report and assess other evidence to support your claim.
• Documentation: Proving the extent of your damages through medical records, receipts, and other documentation can significantly impact your case’s value.
• Statute of Limitations: In Florida, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Failing to do so within this timeframe can bar you from being able to seek compensation.

An experienced Florida car accident lawyer can help you navigate the many facets and considerations throughout your Florida car accident case. Our personal injury lawyers at Britto & Herman diligently seek appropriate car accident settlements for residents in all Florida counties.

If the other side’s insurance company will not agree to a reasonable and fair settlement, we are prepared to pursue a car accident lawsuit against the at-fault party on your behalf. Begin working with our experienced personal injury attorneys today with a free consultation.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today with Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers to Discuss Your Florida Auto Accident Case

At Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers, our priority is seeking justice for accident victims. We take pride in our proven track record of successfully representing clients in personal injury cases, which demonstrates the positive impact we’ve had on the lives of our clients in Florida over the past decade.

We are here to assist you, so let us know the unique details of your case. Reach out to us today to schedule a complimentary case evaluation with one of our experienced Florida car accident lawyers. Give us a call at (561) 835-5555(561) 835-5555, or simply fill out our online form. Our car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis when we take your case, which means we only collect legal fees if we win your case. Trust us to passionately fight on your behalf to seek the compensation and justice you need.

Time is of the essence in auto accident cases, so seek experienced legal representation as soon as possible. You can rely on Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers to offer unwavering support and guide you through the legal process, protecting your rights after your injury caused by someone else’s negligence in Florida.

The Voice for Florida Injury Victims