Category: Injury Blog

If you were injured in a car accident or due to negligence in Florida, hiring a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer is one of the best decisions you can make. In this article, we will explain ten reasons why you should hire a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer after being injured in a car accident in Florida.

What Is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer in Florida?

A Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer is an attorney who has received special recognition for their expertise and experience in representing clients in civil trial matters. In Florida, this certification is granted by the Florida Bar, and it is a significant accomplishment that requires passing a rigorous exam, demonstrating a high level of knowledge, and showing a significant amount of experience in civil trial law, including numerous jury trials. The process also involves a vigorous peer review by other board-certified lawyers, judges and even opposing counsel. Lawyers are evaluated on their experience, knowledge and professionalism before earning board certification in Florida. Approximately only 1% of lawyers in Florida are Board Certified in Civil Trial Law.

Why Should You Hire a Board Certified Trial Lawyer After a Florida Crash?

1. Experience in Personal Injury Law: A Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer has extensive experience in handling personal injury cases, including those resulting from car accidents. They know the ins and outs of the legal system and can help you navigate the complex process of pursuing a personal injury claim. [Visit: Injury Blog – 3 Things You Must Do After a Florida Car Accident]
2. Knowledge of Florida Laws and Regulations: A Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer who practices in Florida is familiar with the local laws and regulations that govern car accidents in the area. They can help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a victim of a car accident and can work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
3. Experience in Negotiations: A Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer has experience in negotiating with insurance companies and other parties involved in your personal injury case. They can help you get a fair settlement offer and can advise you on whether to accept or reject any offers made.
4. Trial Expertise: Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyers have extensive experience in handling cases that go to trial. They are experts in their field who are skilled in presenting evidence and arguments in court; a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer can work to ensure that you receive a fair trial if your Florida personal injury case goes to court.
5. Resources to Build a Strong Case: Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyers have the resources and networks to build a strong case on your behalf. They can hire investigators, medical experts, and other professionals to help gather evidence and build a compelling case for compensation of your personal injuries
6. Knowledge of Medical Issues: A Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer has knowledge of medical issues that may arise in a personal injury case. They can help you understand your injuries and the medical treatment you may need to recover fully as well as future medical care. They may recognize the need for an expert to evaluate your past damages and help a jury evaluate your future damages when injuries are ongoing. [Learn More Injury Blog – Who Pays Your Medical Bills After a Florida Car Accident?]
7. Contingency Fee Arrangement: Many Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you do not have to pay any upfront fees. Instead, they will be paid a percentage of any compensation you receive, making it easier for you to afford legal representation thanks to no up-front cost. [Learn More: Injury Blog – Do I Have to Pay My Personal Injury Lawyer?]
8. Reduced Stress: Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be stressful and overwhelming. Hiring a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer can help reduce your stress levels by taking on the legal burden and allowing you to focus on your recovery.
9. Maximizing Compensation: A Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer can help you maximize your compensation by identifying all potential sources of compensation and advocating for your rights throughout the legal process. Insurance companies know that Board Certified Trial Lawyers have a track record of going to trial for their clients. [Learn More: Injury Blog – What Is Your Personal Injury Case Really Worth?]
10. Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have a qualified and experienced Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer on your side can provide you with peace of mind. You can rest assured that your case is being handled by an expert who will work tirelessly to protect your rights and interests.

What Types of Negligence Cases do Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyers Handle?

Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyers handle civil cases. Civil cases are cases brought between people, entities (like businesses) or a combination of both. Negligence cases, i.e. personal injury cases, are considered civil claims in Florida, and are therefore brought in civil court. Daniel D. Britto, Esq., the Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer at Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers, is a personal injury attorney handling civil negligence cases such as:

• Car Accidents
• Semi Truck Accidents
• Rear-End Accidents
• T-Bone Accidents
• Head-On Collisions
• Highway Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Cycling Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Boating Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Premises Liability
• Slip and Falls
• Trip and Falls
• Condominium Association Negligence
• Homeowner Association Negligence
• Product Liability Claims
• Uninsured Motorist Claims
• And Others

What Types of Injuries Can Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyers Recover Money For Following an Accident?

Personal injuries are very common following an accident caused by someone’s negligence. Daniel D. Britto, Esq., the Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer at Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers, represents negligence victims in cases involving personal injuries such as:

• Broken Bones (Fractures)
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Neck Injuries
• Back Injuries
• Shoulder Injuries
• Knee Injuries
• Ankle Injuries
• Hand and Wrist Injuries
• Hospitalization
• Head Injuries
• Concussion
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Scarring and Disfigurement
• And Others

Hiring a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer after being injured in a car accident in Florida is one of the best decisions you can make. They have the experience, knowledge, and expertise necessary to help you navigate the complex legal process and to fight for the compensation you deserve. By hiring a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, you can reduce your stress levels, maximize your compensation, and achieve peace of mind knowing that you have an expert trial lawyer on your side.
To learn more about Daniel D. Britto, Esq., the Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer of Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers, visit brittoherman.com/our-lawyers/.

Who Pays Your Medical Bills After a Florida Car Accident?

Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience, and dealing with the aftermath can often be overwhelming. One of the most pressing concerns that victims face is figuring out who will pay their medical bills.

In Florida, understanding the role of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, health insurance, the responsibility of the negligent driver, and the role of uninsured motorist coverage is crucial.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with valuable insights to navigate the complex landscape of medical bill payments after a car accident.

What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance?

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is a type of coverage required for all Florida drivers. It is designed to provide immediate medical and financial assistance to policyholders, regardless of who caused the accident.

PIP insurance may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs like mileage reimbursement resulting from a car accident. It is a no-fault insurance, meaning that it pays benefits regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

However, in order to access PIP benefits you’ll have to see a doctor within the first fourteen days following an accident and receive a diagnosis of an “emergency medical condition” requiring further treatment. Failure to seek medical treatment promptly within the time period may result in you losing your PIP benefits.

In addition, PIP only pays 80% of each medial bill leaving you on the hook for the remaining 20%. It follows you as a pedestrian or cyclist, as long as a the operation of a motor vehicle caused your injury.

In summary, PIP insurance acts as a safety net for injured individuals, ensuring they receive the necessary medical care and financial support promptly. However, it is not enough to provide you a full recovery.

Why Does PIP Pay First?

Under Florida law, PIP insurance pays the first $10,000 of medical bills at 80% following a car accident. This approach is known as the “no-fault” system and is aimed at providing immediate relief to accident victims.

PIP insurance pays first because it eliminates the need for time-consuming legal battles to determine fault and ensures that medical expenses are covered promptly. However, it’s important to note that PIP coverage may not be sufficient to cover all medical costs, especially in severe injury cases. In such instances, it becomes essential to explore additional options to cover the remaining expenses.

Does My Health Insurance Pay My Medical Bills After a Florida Car Accident?

In addition to PIP insurance, your health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid may also pay for your medical bills after a car accident. However, it’s important to understand that health insurance providers may have a right of subrogation, which means they may seek reimbursement from any settlements or awards you receive from the at-fault party.

It is crucial to review your health insurance policy to determine how they handle claims related to car accidents. Consulting with an experienced Florida injury lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of health insurance and ensure you protect your rights while seeking the compensation you deserve.

What if I Have a Health Plan Through Work?

If you have a health insurance plan through your employer that is governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), you may encounter specific challenges when seeking reimbursement for medical bills after a car accident.

ERISA plans often have a right of reimbursement, meaning that they can assert a claim against any settlement or award you receive. Navigating the complexities of ERISA can be daunting, but an experienced Florida injury lawyer can guide you through the process and help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve while managing any potential reimbursements to your employer-sponsored health plan.

When Does the Negligent Driver Pay?

In cases where the negligence of another driver caused the accident and resulting injuries, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your medical bills and other damages like lost wages, pain and suffering, etc. by bringing a claim or filing a lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident. In some cases you may sue the vehicle owner or the driver’s employer if he or she was on the clock.

Recovery usually comes from the negligent driver’s insurance company. You’ll want to look to the bodily injury coverage available under the negligent driver’s policy. The bodily injury limit will dictate how much can be recovered for your injuries from the negligent driver’s insurance company.

What if the At Fault Driver Does Not Carry Bodily Injury Coverage?

Florida is one of the few states that does not require driver’s to carry bodily injury coverage. However, all Floridians have the option to purchase uninsured motorist coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage can step in to pay for your personal injuries after a car accident when the at fault driver did not purchase enough bodily injury coverage for your damages. In Florida, you absolutely must have this coverage in case you are injured in an accident.

To learn more about how uninsured motorist coverage can protect you and your family, read our blog entry here: Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Why You Need It

What Are Common Car Accident Injuries?

Injuries are common following Florida car accidents. Following a Florida car crash, you may experience injuries that include:

• fractures
• spinal cord injuries
• traumatic brain injuries
• whiplash
• sprains/strains
• knee injuries
• shoulder injuries
• psychological injuries

What Can I Recover Damages For After a Florida Car Accident?

Recoverable damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. By partnering with an experienced Florida injury lawyer, you can ensure that your rights are protected and pursue the compensation you deserve.

To learn more about how insurance companies value your injury case for settlement, read our blog entry here: What Is Your Florida Personal Injury Case Really Worth?

Understanding the complex landscape of medical bill payments after a car accident is essential to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. In Florida, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance plays a significant role in covering the initial medical expenses, but additional avenues such as health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid may also be involved. If you have an employer-sponsored health plan governed by ERISA, special considerations come into play.

However, in cases where the negligence of another driver caused the accident, hiring a skilled Florida injury lawyer is crucial to recover the compensation you are entitled to by law. By taking the necessary steps and seeking professional guidance, you can navigate this challenging process with confidence.

Call [phone_number dsk_contact=’true’/] to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer at Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers!

For more information on how personal injury lawyers get paid, read our blog entry here: Do I Have to Pay My Personal Injury Lawyer?

Florida law allows personal injury lawyers to take cases on a contingency fee. A contingency fee agreement provides a tremendous benefit to clients who cannot afford exorbitant hourly legal fees and upfront retainers.

Under a contingency fee, a client is not billed by the hour and pays no upfront fees or costs. Instead, attorney fees and costs are paid only if the attorney recovers a settlement or wins a judgment in your favor at trial.

Costs of litigation such as filing lawsuits, hiring experts, taking depositions, and other costs are paid by the lawyer as the case moves along. Like the attorney fee, those costs are only recovered by the law firm if the attorney recovers a settlement or wins a judgment in your favor at trial. They are paid back out of the successful recovery.

In the event of a successful recovery, such as a settlement in your car accident or personal injury case, the fees under a contingency fee agreement are paid to the attorney as a percentage of the total recovery. If there is no recovery, a contingency fee client generally owes the attorney nothing.

Contingency fee agreements are common in automobile accident, slip and fall, trip and fall, premises liability and other personal injury cases in Florida and other states. They provide a great public service by allowing the population access to lawyers at no out-of-pocket or hourly cost. After an accident people often have mounting medical bills and may be unable to work. For these people, the financial strain of paying an attorney upfront is not an option and contingency fees can be used to get back on track after a major injury.

How Much Can My Lawyer Charge Under a Contingency Fee?

The Florida Bar sets the rules for contingency fee agreements. A contingency fee agreement, whether used in a personal injury case or other type of case, must be in writing and signed by the client and all lawyers or law firms who will share in the fee.

The Florida Bar also publishes the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct, which set forth the percentage a lawyer, such as a personal injury lawyer representing a car accident victim, may charge under a contingency fee agreement as follows:

• 33 & 1/3rd percent of any recovery up to $1 million if you and your lawyer settle your case before the filing of an answer or demand for appointment of arbitrators or if you settle before the time for filing the answer or demanding appointment of arbitrators expires,
• 40 percent of any recovery up to $1 million if you settle or win your case at any point after the filing of an answer or demand for appointment of arbitrators or after the time expires for filing and answer or demanding arbitration through the entry of judgment.
• In addition to the above fee, your lawyer may charge up to 30 percent of any additional recovery between $1 million and $2 million either by settlement or trial verdict.
• In addition to the above fees, your lawyer may charge up to 20 percent of any additional recovery above $2 milion either by settlement or trial verdict.

At times, the person you are suing may admit that they are liable but may disagree with you on the amount of damages that they owe you. If a defendant admits liability when it files its answer to the complaint and only requests a trial on damages, the lawyer may charge up to 33 & 1/3rd percent of any recovery up to $1 million, 20 percent of any recovery between $1 and $2 million, and 15 percent of any recovery over $2 million.

If after the trial or settlement your case is appealed or your attorney has to seek post-judgment relief or file an action to help you collect your judgment, an additional 5 percent of the recovery may be added to the fee.

Why is the contingency fee lower if the negligent driver admits they were at fault for the car crash?

This is because there is less work to be done by the lawyer. Proving both negligence AND your damages is a tall task that can require accident reconstruction experts, vehicle computer downloads, and numerous depositions of the parties, police officers, fire rescue and eye witnesses. When a negligent driver admits they caused the crash, this work does not need to be performed.

To recap, if you are injured in an accident caused by someone’s negligence and have to hire a personal injury lawyer, your lawyer should:

• Use a contingency fee agreement
• Require no money up front
• Pay your costs for you as your case progresses
• Recover an attorney fee and the costs only if you win a pre-trial settlement or judgment at trial

In a personal injury case where a contingency fee is used, you generally owe nothing unless you win. This allows you to focus on things like your car repairs, your medical treatment, getting back to work and the host of other problems that come with a serious personal injury due to someone else’s negligence.

What are the benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer on a contingency fee?

Secure Your Justice and Peace of Mind: 3 Compelling Reasons to Hire a Contingency Fee Lawyer after a Car Accident.

1. No Upfront Costs: Relief from Financial BurdenPersonal injury accidents can lead to unexpected medical expenses, property damage, and other financial burdens. Hiring a contingent fee lawyer means you won’t have to worry about upfront costs. These lawyers work on a “no win, no fee” basis, meaning they only receive payment if they successfully secure compensation for you. By eliminating the need for upfront payment, a contingent fee lawyer provides immediate financial relief and allows you to focus on your recovery.
2. Expertise in Personal Injury Law: Navigating ComplexitiesCar accidents involving personal injury often involve complex legal aspects, such as determining negligence, assessing damages, and dealing with insurance companies. Hiring a contingent fee lawyer specialized in personal injury cases ensures you have a legal expert by your side who understands the intricacies of such cases. They have the knowledge and experience to build a strong case on your behalf, gather relevant evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
3. Motivated to Maximize Your Compensation: Alignment of InterestsContingent fee lawyers have a vested interest in maximizing your compensation. Since their payment is contingent upon winning your case, they are highly motivated to secure the highest possible settlement or court verdict. This alignment of interests ensures that your lawyer will go the extra mile to build a compelling case, gather supporting evidence, consult with expert witnesses, and negotiate aggressively on your behalf. With a contingent fee lawyer, you can be confident that your interests are prioritized, increasing the likelihood of obtaining fair and just compensation.

Hiring a contingent fee lawyer after a car accident ensures financial relief, legal expertise in personal injury law, and alignment of interests to maximize your compensation. With legal assistance, you can navigate the complexities of your case while focusing on your recovery and securing the justice and peace of mind you deserve.

If you need a contingency fee lawyer for your auto accident or personal injury case call the award-winning attorneys of Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers at [phone_number dsk_contact=’true’/] or browse brittoherman.com to learn more.

After Florida car accident you want to get your car repaired quickly and without any added stress. Here are the steps you can take to get back on the road as soon as possible following a Florida car accident.

First, you will have to decide whether to repair the damaged car under the at-fault driver’s automobile insurance policy “property damage” coverage OR under your own automobile insurance policy “collision” coverage following a Florida car accident.

Most car crash victims wish to proceed under the at-fault driver’s property damage insurance coverage following a crash rather than make a claim under their own auto policy’s collision coverage. However, the at-fault driver’s property damage coverage will not always pay for repairs following a Florida car accident.

In fact, Florida law only requires car owners to carry $10,000.00 in minimum property damage coverage and many drivers buy the minimum coverage for various reasons.

Even worse, some Florida drivers are uninsured and have no property damage coverage at all despite the legal requirement to carry at least $10,000.00 in property damage coverage.

Therefore, if your elect to proceed under the at-fault driver’s policy you will need to next determine if there is enough property damage coverage for your car repairs.

Is There Enough Property Damage Coverage to Pay for My Repairs?

If the at-fault driver’s property damage coverage limit is less than the cost of your repairs, you may want to repair your car through your own collision coverage (if you purchased that coverage) after a Florida car accident.

For example, if your repair costs are $12,000 and the at-fault driver’s property damage limits are only $10,000 you may want to proceed with repairs under your own car insurance policy to avoid paying the repair shop out of pocket for the difference.

Likewise, if other vehicles were also damaged in a crash caused by one driver with a low property damage limit, there may not be enough property damage insurance to cover everyone’s repairs.

For example, if the negligent driver caused significant damage to two or more vehicles, there may not be enough property damage coverage for all the necessary repairs depending on the applicable property damage limit. Again, you may wish to proceed under your own collision coverage to avoid extra out of pocket costs in a limited coverage, multiple vehicle crash scenario.

Property damage coverage is not just limited to car repairs, it can pay for the repair or replacement cost of all physical property damaged in a Florida crash including light poles, traffic signs, landscaping, walls/barriers or other physical property such as personal items inside your car (computers, tools, etc) damaged in a Florida crash.

Keep in mind that there may not be enough property damage insurance coverage for your car repairs if your crash involved damages to multiple types of property that when added together exceed the property damage coverage limit.

Is There a Dispute about Who Caused the Accident?

Additionally, if there is a dispute about who caused the car accident you may not be able to convince the other driver’s insurance company to accept responsibility and pay for your repairs. Again, you may wish to proceed under your own collision coverage in a disputed liability Florida car accident.

What If There Is Plenty of Coverage and the at-fault Driver Accepts 100% Fault?

If there is enough property damage coverage on the at-fault driver’s policy to pay for all the repairs and the insurance company accepts 100% liability (fault for the crash) on behalf of their insured driver, you will likely be able to proceed with your car repairs through the at-fault driver’s insurance company following a Florida car accident.

You’ll likely have the right to take the vehicle to the repair shop of your choice and have reasonable and necessary repairs covered along with a rental car for the reasonable period of repair (up to the coverage limit of course) when proceeding with car repairs under the negligent driver’s property damage insurance.

What If There Is Not Enough Property Damage Coverage or the at-fault Insurance Company Refuses to Accept 100% Fault?

If there is not enough property damage coverage on the at-fault driver’s policy to pay for your car repairs or the insurance company refuses to accept 100% liability (fault for the crash) on behalf of their insured driver, you may wish to proceed under your own collision coverage for car repairs.

Collision coverage is a type of insurance coverage that you purchase on your car insurance policy in case of a Florida car accident. Collision coverage is an optional car insurance coverage meaning it is not required under Florida law. Collision coverage pays for your car repairs regardless of who caused the accident or how many cars were involved.

If you financed or leased your car in Florida, collision coverage is often required by the loan company or car dealership even though it is not required by law. Otherwise, many drivers decide not to purchase collision coverage in order to save money on their policy since it is not required by law. Declining collision coverage is usually a huge mistake, especially given all of the issues that arise when making a property damage claim against the other driver’s automobile insurance policy.

If you failed to purchase collision coverage on your Florida car insurance policy, you’ll be stuck with whatever you can recover from the at-fault party’s insurance company or the at-fault party themselves (including the negligent driver and the vehicle owner).

What Is a Collision Deductible?

If you did purchase collision coverage, you may have selected a deductible to lower your policy payment. A deductible is the amount of money you are required to pay towards car repairs following a Florida car accident before your insurance company will begin paying. The car insurance company pays only for reasonable and necessary repairs that exceed the deductible you selected.

Common collision deductibles on Florida car insurance policies are $250, $500, or $1000. If the cost of your repairs falls under your deductible, you will be responsible to pay for the repairs. Keep this in mind when determining whether to proceed under your collision coverage or the at fault driver’s property damage coverage.

If you do not have collision coverage or your repairs do not exceed your deductible, you may wish to proceed with your car repairs under the at-fault driver’s property damage coverage.

How Do I Start the Repair Process Once I Decide Which Insurance Company to Use?

Once you decide which insurance to use for repairs, you’ll want to contact the necessary insurance company to begin the repair process. For many people, this is the point at which they contact a Florida car accident lawyer.

However, if you wish to handle your own repair claim you should make sure you discuss only your property damage and repairs with the insurance company. Never discuss your injuries or how the accident occurred without first speaking to an experienced Florida car accident lawyer.

Once the appropriate insurance company has been contacted they will send someone out to inspect the vehicle (or have you submit damage photographs) so that they can prepare an estimate outlining the repair costs. Once the repair estimate is complete, you’ll take your vehicle to a body shop to begin repairs.

What Happens If the Body Shop Finds Additional Vehicle Damage that Needs Repairs?

Often a body shop will find additional damage when they take the car apart to begin repairs. If additional repairs are needed beyond what the insurance company initially estimated, your body shop should obtain insurance company approval before performing the additional repairs. This is called a “supplement” and happens regularly enough that a good body shop will know how to handle it without much work on your end.

Typical repairs can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. One major factor is whether parts need to be ordered. Another is whether a supplement was needed as they can take up to a week or more for the insurance company to approve. We regularly see car repairs take up to thirty days at Florida body shops.

What If My Car Is Declared a Total Loss and Cannot Be Repaired?

Of course, your car may not be repairable at all after a Florida car accident. Instead, the insurance company may declare your vehicle to be a total loss. A vehicle is considered a total loss when the cost to repair the vehicle exceeds the value of the vehicle.

For example, if your car was worth $25,000 but now needs $30,000 in repairs it will likely be declared a total loss since the repair costs exceed the car’s value.

In a total loss scenario, you’ll want to consult online resources like Kelly Blue Book, Auto Trader, NADA Guides and others to make sure you are receiving a fair offer from the insurance company after a Florida car accident. You’ll also want to ask the insurance company for their appraisal or valuation report to make sure they are comparing your vehicle with similar vehicles and aren’t missing any features or information about your vehicle that would increase their appraisal. You may wish to obtain your own total loss appraisal if you do not agree with the insurance company’s total loss appraisal.

Who Pays for My Car Repairs after a Florida Car Accident?

In summary, after a Florida car crash first decide whether to proceed under the at-fault property damage coverage or your own collision coverage. Next, begin the repair process with your chosen insurance company by calling to open a claim following a crash. They’ll assign an appraiser and prepare an estimate. Next, you’ll take your car to a body shop to begin repairs. If the body shop finds additional damages, they should request insurance company approval before completing the additional repairs. Generally, the repair process can take up to thirty days or more.

Of course, we always recommend consulting with a Florida personal injury lawyer prior to speaking with any insurance companies about your Florida car crash. If you need help after a Florida car accident, contact the experienced Florida law firm of Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers at [phone_number dsk_contact=’true’/] for a free consultation.

Injured in a Florida car crash? We can help. Click here to learn more about our lawyers and click here to learn more about our results. We have a winning track record and the experience needed to help you after a Florida car accident.

If were injured in a Jupiter car accident, you may wish to hire a local lawyer from the Jupiter community to represent you. A local Jupiter personal injury lawyer may offer several advantages, including familiarity with local laws and court procedures, knowledge of the community, and experience handling car accident cases like yours. Let’s explore the reasons why hiring a Jupiter car accident lawyer can help you navigate your case and seek monetary compensation for your injuries and damages after a Jupiter car accident.

Jupiter Car Accidents Statistics

Jupiter is a beautiful coastal town in South Florida that is known for its scenic beaches, beautiful parks, and outdoor activities. However, like any other city, Jupiter has its fair share of car accidents.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV), there were 5,769 car accidents in Palm Beach County in 2020, resulting in 4,242 injuries and 127 fatalities.

Jupiter, being one of the major cities in Palm Beach County, has a significant number of car accidents every year. In 2019, there were 1,233 car accidents in Jupiter, according to the FHSMV. Of these, 648 resulted in injuries, and 11 were fatal.

The majority of these accidents occurred on major roadways, such as US-1, Indiantown Road, and Military Trail. According to the FHSMV, the following intersections in Jupiter had the highest number of crashes in 2020:

Indiantown Road and Military Trail – 68 crashes

Indiantown Road and Central Boulevard – 58 crashes

Indiantown Road and Alternate A1A – 46 crashes

Indiantown Road and Jupiter Lakes Boulevard – 43 crashes

Indiantown Road and Pennock Lane – 37 crashes

These statistics show that Indiantown Road in Jupiter, Florida is a particularly dangerous roadway with several intersections experiencing a high number of crashes. It is crucial for drivers to be extra cautious when driving through these Jupiter, Florida intersections and to obey all traffic laws to avoid car accidents in Jupiter, Florida. These statistics show that car accidents are a prevalent issue in Jupiter, and anyone can be a victim.

If you have been in a car accident on Indiantown Road at one of these intersections in Jupiter, Florida, it may be beneficial to contact a local Jupiter car accident lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process and seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

Why Hire a Jupiter Personal Injury Lawyer?

If you have been in a car accident in Jupiter, there are many reasons why it helps to hire a local Jupiter lawyer or law firm specializing in personal injury law.

Knowledge of the Local Community

A local Jupiter personal injury lawyer knows the community and can offer valuable insight into how local laws and court procedures work. Jupiter car accident lawyers are familiar with the local judges and can anticipate how they will rule on procedural and substantive matters in a particular case. This knowledge can be invaluable when negotiating a personal injury settlement or presenting a case in court. Jupiter car accident lawyers may have relationships in the community that can help them with investigating and gathering evidence on your personal injury case.

Knowledge of the Roadways and Intersections

A local Jupiter personal injury lawyer is familiar with the roadways and intersections where accidents are most likely to occur. They know the traffic patterns, road conditions, and the history of accidents in the area. This knowledge can help them investigate the accident thoroughly and build a strong case for compensation. A local Jupiter lawyer may have the ability to get to the accident scene sooner for inspection, and may have local contacts within the community that enable them to gather information about your Jupiter car crash quickly.

Quality of Work

A local Jupiter personal injury lawyer has a reputation to uphold in the community. They know that their success depends on the satisfaction of their clients. Check to see if your lawyer has received any awards or acknowledgement from respected local publications. Talk to the friends, family and leaders in your community to learn about the local personal injury lawyers in Jupiter, Florida, and who might be the best fit for your car accident case.

Location, Location, Location

Finding a personal injury lawyer near you can be important for your case. Throughout the pre-suit and litigation of your Jupiter personal injury case, you may need to go to your lawyers office for various meetings as well as to pick up, drop off or sign paperwork. Hiring a local Jupiter personal injury lawyer will save you the time and hassle of traveling to another city or county to meet with your lawyer.

Hiring a Jupiter Car Accident Lawyer: What to Look for

When hiring a Jupiter car accident lawyer, there are several things to look for:

Look for a lawyer who has experience handling car accident cases in Jupiter. They should have a proven track record of success in negotiating settlements and litigating cases in court. Insurance companies know what lawyers have experience with litigation and trial, and which lawyers do not. They take your lawyer’s experience into account when negotiating settlements and litigating cases in court.

Check to see if the lawyer has the necessary credentials and certifications to practice law in Florida. They should be licensed by the Florida Bar Association and have a good standing with the organization. You may want to also ensure that you Jupiter personal injury lawyer is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer. This additional designation is granted by the Florida Bar and indicates that your lawyer has superior trial experience and skills to those who are not Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyers in Jupiter, Florida.

Look for a Jupiter lawyer who has a good reputation in the community. Check your Jupiter personal injury lawyer’s online reviews and ask for referrals from friends and family in your community. Review the personal injury lawyer’s website, their past results, and their social media pages. Ask the lawyers directly about their experience handling Jupiter car accident cases. Learning about your personal injury lawyer’s reputation in the local community can help you understand whether you are hiring a personal injury lawyer with an exceptional track record.

If you have been injured in a Jupiter car accident, it can be extremely beneficial to hire a local lawyer who understands the community and the laws that govern it. A local lawyer may find it important to be accessible and attentive to your needs, as they are nearby and invested in the community. Don’t underestimate the benefits of hiring a local Jupiter personal injury lawyer after a Jupiter car accident. Our local Jupiter personal injury lawyers have the skills, knowledge and experience to navigate the legal system and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

Our Jupiter Injury Lawyers

At Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers, our office is centrally located on Indiantown Road in Jupiter, Florida. Our founding partners, Daniel Britto, Esq. and Michael Herman, Esq., not only own a Jupiter personal injury law firm, but they also live in Jupiter and are raising their respective families in Jupiter. Jupiter is our community, and we are here to help our Jupiter neighbors.

Our priority is and will always be the safety and security of the Jupiter community and its residents, and we represent our Jupiter neighbors in all types of personal injury cases including Jupiter car accidents, Jupiter trucking accidents, Jupiter motorcycle accidents, Jupiter cycling accidents, Jupiter pedestrian accidents, Jupiter slip and falls, Jupiter trip and falls, and other Jupiter personal injury matters.

Our Jupiter personal injury lawyers have the experience, credentials, and reputation to handle your Jupiter personal injury case from the initial consultation through the close of trial. To learn more about our lawyers or for a free consultation, call [phone_number dsk_contact=’true’/], visit us on the web at brittoherman.com, or stop by our local Jupiter office at Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers, 1001 W Indiantown Rd Suite 101, Jupiter, FL 33458

As Florida personal injury lawyers, one of the first questions we ask our new car accident clients is whether or not they purchased uninsured motorist coverage on their automobile insurance policy.

In Florida, uninsured motorist coverage is an optional add-on to your car insurance policy that provides important protection to you and your family in the event you are in a car accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

Uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish and other damages and expenses caused by a car accident that was not your fault.

Here are SIX REASONS why Florida residents should always buy uninsured motorist coverage as an option on your car insurance policy:

1. High Number of Uninsured Motorists: According to a 2021 study by the Insurance Research Council, Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured motorists in the country, with an estimated 20.4% of drivers on the road without insurance. In the event of an accident caused by an uninsured driver, uninsured motorist coverage can help protect you from having to pay out-of-pocket for damages and injuries.

2. Hit-and-Run Accidents: In the event of a hit-and-run accident, where the at-fault driver cannot be identified or located, uninsured motorist coverage can provide protection for your injuries and damages.

3. Drivers Without Bodily Injury Coverage: Shockingly, Florida law does not require car owners to purchase bodily injury coverage on their car insurance policies. Florida car owners are generally required by law to purchase only property damage and PIP coverage. This means that throughout Florida, a negligent driver who causes an accident may be 100% compliant with Florida insurance laws, but they have no bodily injury coverage for your medical bills, lost wages and other expenses following an accident.

4. Underinsured Drivers: Even if the at-fault driver purchased the optional bodily injury coverage, their auto policy may have low coverage limits that do not provide enough money to fully compensate you for your injuries and damages. Uninsured motorist coverage can help make up the difference between what the at-fault driver’s policy covers and the total amount of injuries and damages sustained in the accident.

5. Limited PIP Coverage: Florida is a no-fault state, which means that your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance will cover your medical expenses and lost wages up to a certain amount, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. However, PIP coverage is limited and may not cover all of your expenses. Uninsured motorist coverage can provide additional protection if your expenses exceed your PIP coverage.

6. Health Insurance Falls Short: You may think that you do not need uninsured motorist coverage if you have health insurance. Unfortunately, health insurance only covers some of your past medical bills, and your health insurance company often decides which bills it will and will not pay. You may have co-pays or a large deductible to meet before payments are made at all. You may see a doctor that is out-of-network in the course of your care and be responsible for the entire bill. Health insurance does not cover non-treatment related items like lost wages in the past and future, out-of-pocket expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish and other damages you experience. Unlike health insurance, uninsured motorist coverage does provide the ability to recover for these common damages following a Florida car accident.

When purchasing uninsured motorist coverage in Florida, it is also important to know that you can stack your uninsured motorist coverage to gain additional benefits. Stacked uninsured motorist coverage multiplies your uninsured motorist coverage limits by the number of vehicles listed on that policy, while unstacked coverage does not. Stacked uninsured motorist coverage also follows you when occupying other vehicles you own but list on a different policy, while unstacked coverage only covers you when occupying vehicles listed on that particular policy.

With the high number of uninsured and underinsured motorists on the road, the potential for accidents with hit-and-run drivers, lack of Florida laws requiring bodily injury coverage, and the limitations of PIP and health insurance coverage, uninsured motorist coverage can provide additional protection and peace of mind for you and your family and help alleviate the financial burden caused by a serious car accident.

Our Jupiter personal injury lawyers have experience navigating the intricacies of uninsured motorist coverage. If you were injured in a Florida car accident and want to learn more about how uninsured motorist coverage may impact your case, contact Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers at [phone_number dsk_contact=’true’/] for a free initial consultation with one of our lawyers.

Getting in a car accident can be so overwhelming, and sometimes you don’t know where to start. Should you get your car repaired? See a doctor? Call your insurance company? The best way to get initial clarity on an automobile accident is to get a full and complete copy of the Long Form Traffic Crash Report. Here is how you do it.

After a car accident in Florida, police generally take everyone’s information and give the drivers and any passengers involved a Driver Exchange of Information at the scene or in the hospital. This document lists the driver’s automobile insurance information, along with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the drivers and vehicle owners involved. However, this document is not the full crash report.

[To learn what to do after a car crash, check out our blog here: Three Things You Must Do After a Florida Car Accident]

Within 10 days of a completed investigation police should generate a full report called a Long Form Traffic Crash Report as required by Florida Statute 316.066. The Long Form Traffic Crash Report contains much more detail, such as a typed description of the crash, a list of any citations issued, identities of witnesses, and other important information like weather conditions and reasons for distracted driving.

Copies of these more detailed police reports can be obtained for a small fee online through flhsmv.gov by inputting the last name of an involved party and the car accident date at the online portal. However, only the people involved in the car crash, their lawyers, and other statutorily exempt persons may obtain copies of Long Form Traffic Crash Reports in the first 60 days after the date a report is filed. After 60 days, the police report becomes available for purchase by the general public. At that point, anyone can obtain a copy by requesting the report and paying a fee.

[To learn about how uninsured motorist coverage can protect you and your family after a car wreck, read our blog entry here: Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Why You Need It]

A person involved in a crash can also get a copy of their Long Form Traffic Crash Report in person by going directly to the police station in the jurisdiction where a crash occurred and asking for the records department. Florida Statute 316.066 requires a person involved in a crash to present a driver’s license and fill out a form in most instances. Just ask for the records department upon arrival at the corresponding police agency.

The BEST WAY to get a copy of a police report after a Florida car accident is simply to hire an experienced injury attorney who can obtain a copy at no up front cost to you.

At Britto Herman, our experienced car accident lawyers will quickly provide you a copy of your crash by e-mail or text message once we take your case at no upfront cost to you.

[For information on how personal injury lawyers are paid for working on your injury case, read our blog entry here: Do I Have to Pay My Personal Injury Lawyer?]

Obtaining crash reports as soon as they are available is just one of the many ways we use our experience to aggressively fight for your rights after a car accident in Florida.

We will also contact the car insurance companies for the parties involved in the crash, send out letters of representation and gather evidence related to the crash. Our trial lawyers have a proven track record of winning jury verdicts in car accident cases.

[To learn more about how insurance companies value your injury case for settlement, read our blog entry here: What Is Your Florida Personal Injury Case Really Worth?]

If you have been involved in a car accident and need to talk to an experienced trial lawyer, call Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers now at [phone_number dsk_contact=’true’/]. Our office is in Jupiter on Indiantown Road, but we handle car accident and injury cases throughout the State of Florida.

1. Call the police to the scene and ask them to make a report. Without a formal record of the accident, you may have trouble making an insurance claim for vehicle damage or injuries later. The police report also serves many other purposes. It will contain the contact information and insurance information for everyone involved in the crash, which helps you if you need to make a claim for property damage or injuries later. The report will contain a narrative report about how the accident happened and diagram of the accident, along with a finding of which driver was at fault. If any tickets are issued, such as for careless driving or running a red light, they may be listed in the report. You can usually obtain a copy of the police report within 5-7 days after a crash. In Florida, police reports of accidents are known as “Long Form Traffic Crash Reports” and can be obtained online for a small fee by anyone involved in the crash or their lawyer.

2. Take photographs of the vehicle damage AND scene. Photographs can be a great tool for documenting an accident scene and may help you prove your property damage or injury case later. Be sure to take photographs from multiple angles and of the vehicles at final rest in case there is any dispute about who caused the accident later. There is no such thing as having too many photographs of vehicle damage or the crash scene. If you are injured and unable to take photographs, call a friend or family member to come to the scene and take photographs for you. Photographs of vehicle damage and the accident scene may end up being the most compelling evidence in your entire case.

3. HIRE AN ATTORNEY – It seems obvious, but hiring an attorney is the most important decision you can make after a car accident. An experienced car accident attorney gives you the best chance of recovery against the insurance companies who back negligent drivers. Immediately hiring an attorney after a car accident can help protect your legal rights. An attorney can perform tasks on your behalf such as notifying your insurance company of the car crash. Delay in reporting the crash could possibly give your insurance company grounds to deny you insurance coverage for the accident. Once a claim has been opened with all the insurance companies involved, your attorney can begin investigating your accident by obtaining witness statements, damage photographs, black box downloads, and other evidence regarding the crash.

There are many things you must do to protect your legal rights after a car accident, and this list is just a start. Hiring an attorney is the best way to make sure the insurance companies and their attorneys do not take advantage of you and underpay your property damage or injury claim. From making sure your car is repaired quickly to getting you money for emergency medical treatment, an experienced attorney can help you navigate the fallout after a car accident.

The injury lawyers at Britto & Herman know the steps that need to be taken following a car accident, and we act fast. For a free consultation to discuss your recent car accident call [phone_number dsk_contact=’true’/]

Think you have “full coverage” on your auto policy?

Think again. Florida law only requires car owners to carry property damage coverage and PIP coverage. Property damage coverage helps to replace or repair other vehicles and private property damaged caused by an insured in a car accident. PIP coverage can be used to pay a portion of medical bills and sometimes lost wages after a car accident. Many times automobile insurance agents will say that you are buying “full coverage” when you are really only buying the minimum coverage required by Florida law. This leaves you without important coverage you need to protect you and your family from negligent Florida drivers.

Other important types of automobile insurance coverage that can be purchased but are not required by Florida law, can include:

• Collision Coverage – repairs or replaces your own car after a car accident;
• Comprehensive Coverage – repairs or replaces your own car after non-automobile accident related damage, ie. broken windshield or fallen tree;
• Bodily Injury Coverage – pays damages to others who are injured in a car accident caused by an insured driver; and
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage.

Uninsured motorist coverage is arguably the most important type of automobile insurance coverage you can buy for your family. In Florida, uninsured motorist coverage protects you and your resident relatives when and if injured in a car accident caused by another driver who does not carry adequate bodily injury coverage. Many Floridians are surprised to learn that Florida has no law requiring drivers to carry bodily injury coverage for people they hurt with negligent driving. Often times, negligent drivers who cause accidents in Florida have little to no bodily injury coverage, and as a result innocent, injured people are left without any recovery. For this reason, uninsured motorist coverage can come to the rescue if you purchased it on your policy prior to the accident.

Not purchasing uninsured motorist coverage on your automobile insurance policy can be a HUGE mistake. Protect yourself and your family by saying yes to uninsured motorist coverage when you buy your policy.

Uninsured motorist coverage can be stacked or unstacked. The first question we ask our auto accident clients is whether they stacked their uninsured motorist coverage.

Why should you stack uninsured motorist coverage on your policy?

1. Have multiple cars on the same policy? Stacked coverage multiplies the limits you selected by the number of cars listed on your policy. That means your $100,000 in coverage becomes $200,000 if you have two cars on the same policy, and so on ($300,000.00 for 3 cars, etc.).

2. Are you an insured on multiple automobile insurance policies for different cars you own? Stacked coverage will protect you if injured by a negligent driver when you driving your other car. Unstacked coverage will not follow you you when injured in a car you insure on a separate automobile insurance policy.

3. Own a motorcycle? Same thing. Your stacked coverage on your car’s policy will protect you if you are injured by another driver’s negligence while on your motorcycle. Unstacked coverage will leave you with nothing.

In Florida, you may only buy as much uninsured motorist coverage as you buy in bodily injury coverage for others. This is good public policy that encourages drivers to protect others first if they wish to protect themselves from negligent drivers with uninsured motorist coverage. While purchasing uninsured motorist coverage will increase your insurance premium, it is the best way to protect you and your family after a car accident.

Your insurance agent is required by law to offer you uninsured motorist coverage if you purchased bodily injury coverage on your policy. You are required to sign an uninsured motorist selection/rejection form stating whether you decline or accept uninsured motorist coverage, along with stating the limits you are selecting and your stacked or unstacked coverage selection. The form is required to have use specific language in specific size type so that it is readily observable. When these rules are not closely followed by automobile insurance companies and their insurance agents, or when they cannot produce a signed form at all, our injury lawyers routinely procure uninsured motorist coverage to protect our clients.

For a free policy review to learn whether or not you have uninsured motorist coverage, or if you were injured in a car accident with an uninsured motorist, please call the injury lawyers at Britto & Herman now! [phone_number dsk_contact=’true’/]

In Florida, injury victims can recover compensatory damages from the person who negligently causes an accident. Compensatory damages are meant to compensate injury victims for different losses that are common after accidents such as:

• bodily injuries;
• medical bills and expenses;
• pain and suffering;
• mental anguish;
• loss of the capacity for the enjoyment of life;
• inconvenience;
• disability, disfigurement, scarring;
• lost wages, lost earning capacity.

Florida law allows injury victims to recover money for damages in the past and damages in the future. Future damages might include the inability to work in the future and the cost of medical care and surgeries in the future. Florida law allows future damages to be multiplied by an injury victim’s life expectancy, and lawyers in Florida routinely look to admit the Social Security Administration Actuarial Tables to determine the number of years they can ask a jury to multiply by a yearly future damages amount in order to come up with an injury victim’s full future damages claim. Past damages, on the other hand, can include the lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering already incurred by an injury victim by the time he or she gets to trial by jury.

In Florida, injury victims’ damages are classified as economic damages or non-economic damages.

Economic damages have a clear dollar value, usually because there is a bill or monetary figure associated with them. Examples of economic damages include medical bills and lost wages.

Non-economic damages include things that are harder to put a dollar value on such as pain and suffering and mental anguish. Injury victims have a constitutional right to have their economic and non-economic damages decided by a fair and just jury of their peers. Juries hear testimony regarding a person’s physical limitations and the emotional effects of an injury from the injury victim and their friends or family members. They hear about painful medical procedures the injury victim endured, the amount of the medical bills and the circumstances of the accident. The evidence helps a jury determine how much to assign for non-economic damages.

Florida law makes recovering non-economic damages after a car accident especially hard. Florida Statute 627.737 states that:

“(2) In any action of tort brought against the owner, registrant, operator, or occupant of a motor vehicle with respect to which security has been provided as required by ss. 627.730-627.7405, or against any person or organization legally responsible for her or his acts or omissions, a plaintiff may recover damages in tort for pain, suffering, mental anguish, and inconvenience because of bodily injury, sickness, or disease arising out of the ownership, maintenance, operation, or use of such motor vehicle only in the event that the injury or disease consists in whole or in part of: (a) Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function. (b) Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, other than scarring or disfigurement. (c) Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement. (d) Death.”

This specific law does not apply to non-auto accident cases involving injury such as slip-and-falls, dog bites and negligent security cases. However, permanent injuries are still generally valued higher than injuries that completely resolve with no lasting effects due to the possibility of recovering future damages for permanent injuries in all cases.

Determining the proper value for any injury case requires years of experience and knowledge of prior jury verdicts. At Britto & Herman, our injury lawyers understand that to win, the insurance company needs to see you as an individual and not as a number.

How much your injury case is worth can only be determined after an experienced lawyer carefully evaluates all the factors involved in your case. This means carefully considering all of the factors that are personal to you when evaluating what your injury case is really worth.

Injured in a car accident or slip, trip and fall and want to know what your injury case is really worth? Call the lawyers at Britto & Herman today for a free case evaluation. Our injury lawyers are available 24/7.