Florida Car Accident Compensation
Seek the damages you deserve with Attorney Casey D. Shomo
In the aftermath of a car accident in Palm Beach County, everyone deserves to be heard and supported. Whether you’re dealing with minor injuries or facing a long and hard recovery, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses.
At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A. in Palm Beach Gardens, we understand the importance of seeking fair compensation for your injuries and losses after a car accident. With our law firm by your side, you can navigate the complexities of the legal system and pursue the damages you deserve.
Regardless of the extent of your injuries, whether they are minor or severe, you deserve to be heard and supported during this challenging time. Mr. Shomo is committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to clients in Palm Beach County, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their rights are protected.
From medical expenses and lost wages to pain and suffering, we will work tirelessly to pursue full and fair compensation for all of your damages. With his extensive experience and dedication to his clients’ success, you can trust Mr. Shomo and his team to fight for the compensation you deserve.
How much is my car accident claim worth?
Determining how much your car accident claim is worth can be a complex process that requires careful consideration of various factors. When evaluating the value of your car accident claim, it’s essential to take into account:
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses: This includes all past and future medical bills related to your injuries, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and therapy.
- Lost Income: If your injuries have caused you to miss work or have resulted in a decreased earning capacity, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and future income.
- Property Damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other damaged property, such as personal belongings, should be included in your claim.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Emotional distress: Reimbursement for psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances.
- Loss of consortium: Damages for the negative impact on personal relationships or loss of companionship.
Determining the value of your car accident claim requires a thorough evaluation of all these factors, as well as a careful analysis of the evidence and applicable laws. Mr. Shomo can help you understand your rights and options and work to maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries and losses.
Is Florida a fault or no-fault state?
Florida operates under a No-Fault insurance system, which is designed to expedite the compensation process for those injured in car accidents regardless of who is at fault. Under this system, Florida drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, also known as No-Fault Insurance, which provides up to $10,000 in immediate medical coverage without the need to establish fault, offering a layer of financial protection and additional benefits post-accident.
Additionally, Florida drivers have the option to carry Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) insurance, which covers damages if the insured driver causes injury to someone else. This is not mandatory for all drivers but is crucial in ensuring protection against claims for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages from those you might injure in an accident.
Given the high rate of uninsured drivers in Florida—over 20%—carrying Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage is highly recommended. This coverage is invaluable in situations where you are injured due to the negligence of another driver who either lacks sufficient insurance or is entirely uninsured. UM and UIM coverage steps in to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs, safeguarding you against the financial impact of accidents caused by inadequately insured drivers.
Understanding Florida’s insurance requirements and the benefits of additional coverage options is essential for drivers looking to fully protect themselves on the road. It ensures that, in the event of an accident, you have the necessary resources to recover without the added burden of overwhelming expenses.
Can you sue with no-fault insurance?
No-fault insurance exists to discourage legal lawsuits from occurring in the aftermath of a car accident. For this reason, it’s generally challenging to sue another driver in the aftermath of your Florida auto accident. When you suffer property damage and minor injuries, it’s unlikely you’ll have the opportunity to file a personal injury lawsuit against the other party.
Severe injuries, on the other hand, are more likely to go to trial. Situations such as this happen when your damages outweigh the payout you received from the no-fault insurance. However, unless your injuries are serious, permanent, and/or scarring, the odds of your personal injury lawsuit going to trial may be slim. Speak to an injury lawyer to see what’s best for you.
While this may make no-fault insurance seem like it limits your legal options after a car accident, it does have its benefits. For example, even if you are involved in a single-car accident, you should be able to recover some insurance compensation (although a single-car accident can often involve the fault of another party, such as a manufacturer or government agency).
How long do I have to take legal action in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the incident. This means individuals have a two-year window to take legal action against the at-fault party. It is crucial to be aware of this time limit, as failing to file a lawsuit within the stated period may result in the loss of the right to seek compensation entirely.
It is advisable not to delay consulting with a personal injury attorney after a car accident, as building a strong case takes time. Initiating legal proceedings well before the statute of limitations expires ensures that there is ample time to investigate the case, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies. The sooner you begin the lawsuit process, the better.
Protect your rights with The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A.
If you have suffered injuries in a car accident in Palm Beach County, obtaining compensation is not just important – it is crucial for rebuilding your life. However, navigating the legal process can be challenging. Take immediate action by contacting the police, seeking medical attention, and informing your insurance company.
Time is a critical factor. At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A., we recognize this. Mr. Shomo and his dedicated legal team have decades of experience guiding clients to successful resolutions. For many, compensation is a desperate need. That’s why we tirelessly advocate for the outcomes our clients deserve. To learn more about how our law firm can help you, contact us today for a free consultation.