The aftermath of a rear-end crash in West Palm Beach can be more confusing than it has to be, particularly if the insurance carrier doesn’t offer an adequate settlement. At GOLDLAW, we are here to help if you need a West Palm Beach car accident lawyer by your side. Our team understands the complications associated with these claims, and we know the tactics insurance carriers can use to limit your payout. Let us stand by your side and stand up for your rights starting today. Contact us today.
Choose GOLDLAW After a Rear-End Crash in West Palm Beach
- At GOLDLAW, a track record of success securing significant settlements and jury verdicts for auto accident victims throughout Florida, so we understand what it takes to help maneuver around no-fault laws.
- We believe in providing a personalized approach to our cases. We want to get to know you so we can focus on providing the results needed to help get you back on track and moving forward.
- We’ve built an extended network of trusted professionals that we can call on to help with determining liability, calculating damages, and understanding the full extent of your injuries.
What Will No-Fault Insurance Cover After a Rear-End Crash?
In Florida, the no-fault insurance system requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage. This type of insurance is designed to pay for a significant portion of your medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. PIP insurance typically covers:
- Medical expenses. Up to 80% of your medical costs, including hospital bills, surgery, rehabilitation, and medication.
- Lost wages. Up to 60% of your lost income if your injuries prevent you from working.
- Death benefits. In the unfortunate event of a death in the accident, PIP can provide death benefits to the deceased’s family.
However, PIP insurance has limits, and it may not cover all of your monetary losses, especially if your injuries are severe. This is where additional legal action may be necessary to recover full compensation.
When Can You File a Lawsuit?
Under Florida’s no-fault insurance laws, you can only step outside the no-fault process to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if you meet certain requirements established under the law. These thresholds include:
- Permanent injury. This includes significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, as well as incidents of significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, or death.
- Severe injuries. If your medical bills exceed the monetary limits of the available PIP coverage, you may also be able to file a lawsuit to recover the additional costs.
Why a Rear-End Accident Claim in West Palm Beach Can Get Complicated
Rear-end collisions might seem straightforward, but several factors can complicate these claims:
- Disputed liability. While rear-end collisions are often presumed to be the fault of the rear driver, there can be exceptions. The other driver might argue that you stopped suddenly or that there were other mitigating circumstances.
- Multiple parties. In some cases, multiple vehicles are involved in the collision, leading to complex liability issues and multiple insurance companies.
- Insurance tactics. Insurance companies often use various tactics to limit their payouts, including downplaying the severity of your injuries or arguing that some of your injuries were pre-existing.
How Much Compensation Is Typically Available
The amount of compensation you can recover after a rear-end collision depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life. Compensation may cover:
- Medical expenses. This includes both current and future medical costs related to the accident.
- Lost wages. Compensation for the income you have lost due to your inability to work.
- Pain and suffering. Non-economic damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage. Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and any other damaged property.
- Punitive damages. In cases of egregious negligence, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
How Soon Do You Need to File Your Claim
In Florida, the limit set by law for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a rear-end collision is generally two years from the day the crash happened. However, it is crucial to act quickly to preserve evidence and witness testimonies. Additionally, filing an insurance claim promptly is essential to ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
How Can an Attorney Help With Your Claim?
Navigating the aftermath of a rear-end crash in Florida can be overwhelming, particularly when dealing with injuries, medical bills, and uncooperative insurance companies. An experienced personal injury lawyer in West Palm Beach can provide assistance with your claim by:
- Investigating the accident. A thorough investigation to gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage, to establish liability.
- Negotiating with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters often attempt to minimize payouts. An attorney can negotiate you.
- Calculating damages. Accurately calculating the full extent of your monetary losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering, is crucial for securing appropriate compensation.
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary. If the insurance company fails to offer an adequate settlement, your attorney can file a civil personal injury lawsuit and represent you in court.
- Providing legal guidance. Throughout the process, your attorney will offer expert legal advice about your claim and your recovery.
Contingency Fee Arrangement – What That Means
We handle these types of claims on a contingency fee basis. This means that injury victims and their families do not pay any upfront fees or hourly rates. We only collect fees if we win the case and if you recover compensation for your losses. If we don’t win, you won’t owe any legal fees.
Contact a Rear-End Collision Attorney in West Palm Beach
If you or a loved one have sustained an injury caused by a rear-end collision, the team at the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. (GOLDLAW) wants to help you today. Let us work to recover the compensation you are entitled to, either through an insurance settlement or as a result of a personal injury lawsuit against the other party. When you need a West Palm Beach rear-end collision lawyer, you can reach us for a free consultation of your claim by filling out our contact form or calling us today.
