West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer

West Palm Beach Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents can occur at any point when you get behind the wheel, no matter how safe a driver you are. These incidents can leave you with serious injuries with life-altering consequences. If you have been injured or had your vehicle damaged, a West Palm Beach car accident lawyer can help you with each step of your case.

About Us

The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A. has spent decades representing the people of West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and throughout Southeast Florida in their personal injury and insurance claim cases. Our team has over thirty years of combined legal experience handling cases ranging from minor injuries to wrongful death claims. We’ve recovered millions for clients and can use our skills to fight for the results you deserve.

Overview of Car Accidents in Florida

Car accidents are a pressing public safety concern for Floridians. In 2023, the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported 395,175 statewide crashes, with 3,375 fatalities and 164,413 injury-causing accidents. In Palm Beach County, there were 26,250 incidents, with 194 deaths and 16,235 injuries. You don’t have to be driving on a busy route like Interstate 95 or Okeechobee Boulevard for disaster to strike.

What to Do After a Car Accident in West Palm Beach

The first thing you should do after an accident is check yourself and others for injuries. If you are seriously hurt, seek immediate medical attention. There are several 24/7 emergency departments around the city, with the largest ER at Good Samaritan Medical Center, located at 1309 North Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

If you and others are stable, the next step is to notify the authorities. State law requires that any accident involving property damage worth more than $500 or any injury be reported to the police by the quickest means possible. When waiting for their arrival, exchange contact information with other parties involved, including insurance and personal details.

Before leaving the accident site, collect a wide range of evidence. This includes photos and videos of your car, the crash site, surrounding areas, and other visual points of interest. Another strong piece of evidence is the contact information for any eyewitness. In the following days, request medical and police reports filed on the incident.

Once you have received medical attention and are recovering, inform your insurance provider of the incident. Avoid making any recorded statements and stick to the essential facts. Anything you say can be used against you to deny a claim. Florida is a no-fault state, so there is no need to give an opinion on what caused the accident.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

After a crash, you can be left with countless personal, financial, and health concerns that are overwhelming. Hire a car accident lawyer to help you manage the legal and insurance issues. Your West Palm Beach car accident attorney can be at your side and guide you through this trying time. An attorney at The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A. can:

• Speak with insurance companies on your behalf
• Gather valuable evidence for a claim
• Examine the incident and determine whether anyone was negligent
• File a personal injury claim, or an appeal against an insurance denial
• Negotiate on your behalf through all meetings and hearings
• Represent you during litigation, both in and out of the courtroom

FAQs

Do You Need an Attorney for a Car Accident in Florida?

Florida state law does not legally require you to have an attorney for cases related to car accidents, but hiring one can be a major benefit to your case. Your experienced legal counsel can help build your case, negotiate with your insurance provider, and handle the minutiae while you focus on rest and recovery. If you wish to seek further legal action, your lawyer can provide options.

What Is the 51 Percent Rule in Florida?

The 51 percent rule in Florida refers to a recent change to liability claims in the state. As of 2023, regulations have been shifted so that someone may only be eligible for damages if they are 50 percent or less at fault for an accident. This represents a departure from previous pure comparative negligence rules, which allowed a person to seek compensation even if they were mostly responsible for an incident.

How Much Does an Attorney Charge for a Car Accident in Florida?

How much your Florida car accident attorney charges for their legal aid depends on the complexity of your case, the parties involved, and the type of help you are seeking. An incident with minor property damage, where a client only needs assistance with insurance filings, tends to cost less than cases involving serious bodily harm and a personal injury claim. Our firm offers free consultations, during which we can provide an estimate for your final bill.

Does Someone Need to Be at Fault for a Car Accident Insurance Claim in Florida?

In Florida, you do not need a party to be responsible for a car accident to receive coverage. State law requires that anyone driving a motor vehicle with four or more wheels have at least $10,000 in personal injury protection and $10,000 in property damage liability insurance. Neither of these coverage types requires an at-fault party for payments. Review your plan to understand how its specific policies may apply to your case.

Speak With a Car Accident Attorney Today

The team at The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A., understands the many challenges you face after being involved in a car crash. We are prepared to advocate for you at each stage of your case and have the experience and skills that can make a positive difference in the proceedings.

Contact us today for an initial consultation, where we can discuss the details of your case and provide potential legal pathways forward. You may also visit our West Palm Beach office, located on South Australian Avenue, a few blocks south of the Paul G. Rogers Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, and just northwest of the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.