If you’ve been injured in an accident in Boynton Beach, it’s normal to have questions about your rights, the legal process, and what to expect when pursuing a personal injury claim. Below are some frequently asked questions to help you better understand your options.
What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim arises when someone suffers harm due to another party’s negligence, carelessness, or intentional actions. Common examples include car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries. The injured party (plaintiff) may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
What Is Negligence and How Do I Prove It?
To establish negligence, you must typically prove:
- Duty of Care – The at-fault party had a responsibility to act reasonably.
- Breach of Duty – They failed to uphold that responsibility.
- Causation – Their actions directly caused your injury.
- Damages – You suffered actual harm, such as medical expenses or emotional distress.
The following is often used to prove negligence:
- Bills
- Receipts
- Medical records
- Financial documents
- Witness statements
- Expert testimony
- Accident reports
- Photographs
- Videos
- Surveillance footage
If you can establish that negligence occurred, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses.
What Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
One of the most common questions accident victims ask is how much their case is worth. The truth is, every case is unique, and the value depends on several factors.
The following often impacts what a personal injury case is worth:
- The severity of your injuries
- The cost of medical treatment
- Insurance policy limits
- Whether you are partially at fault
- Time missed from work
- How the injury impacts your quality of life
A skilled personal injury attorney can provide a clear assessment of the full extent of your damages.
What Damages Are Available After an Accident in Boynton Beach?
If you’ve been injured in an accident, Florida law allows victims to pursue compensation for the losses they’ve suffered. Available compensation generally falls into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are the tangible, financial losses, which often include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages compensate for the more personal, intangible losses that don’t come with a dollar amount but greatly affect your life, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Mental anguish
In rare instances, punitive damages may also be available in cases involving intentional misconduct or gross negligence.
Every accident affects victims differently, and the damages you may be entitled to will depend on your unique circumstances. A clear understanding of both economic and non-economic losses can help ensure you seek the fair compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Florida?
Florida law generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to pursue compensation, so it’s important to act promptly and consult an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Most personal injury attorneys in Florida work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay upfront fees. Instead, the lawyer receives a percentage of the settlement or verdict. If you don’t win your case, you generally don’t owe attorney’s fees.
What Should I Do After an Accident?
If you’ve been injured, take these steps to protect your rights:
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Document the scene with photos or videos.
- Collect witness contact information.
- Report the incident to the proper authorities.
- Exchange insurance information
You should also contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your options and ensure your rights are protected.
Will I Have to Go to Court?
Not always. Many personal injury claims are resolved through negotiations with insurance companies. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, taking your case to court may be the best option. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process.
What if I Am Partly at Fault for the Accident?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation if you are partly at fault, as long as you are less than 51% responsible. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000.
Why Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing, an experienced attorney can:
- Investigate the accident and gather strong evidence
- Handle communications with insurance companies
- Accurately calculate the value of your claim
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Represent you in court if necessary
Legal guidance can make the process less stressful and improve your chances of a successful outcome.
Contact the Boynton Beach Personal Injury Lawyers at Green Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Understanding your rights after an accident in Boynton Beach can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face the process alone. The right legal guidance can make all the difference in protecting your future and securing fair compensation.
If you have questions about your case, contact Green Personal Injury Lawyers at (561) 362-2009 for a free consultation with a dedicated Boynton Beach personal injury attorney.