Injuries From Car Accidents in West Palm Beach
Car accident injuries widely vary in extent and severity, but below are the common types that warrant further compensation.
Brain and Head Injuries
Frequently seen after a car accident, and are often caused by the head hitting the steering wheel or side window. Brain injuries can range from a mild concussion to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), resulting in permanent cognitive impairment. TBIs occur when a sudden, violent blow or jolt to the head causes damage due to the brain colliding with the skull. Car accidents may also lead to skull fractures, broken bones, or facial lacerations and bruises, potentially causing lifetime or long-lasting damage.
Neck and Back Injuries
Whiplash is the most common form of neck injury among those affected by automobile accidents, especially those involved in rear-end collisions. This is due to the sudden jolt of the neck in a back and forth motion. Serious cases can result in a cervical spine fracture, whereas milder cases have symptoms that may disappear in a few days or weeks. Other neck or back injuries that regularly occur in a collision are herniated discs and spinal cord injuries.
Chest and Abdominal Injuries
The most common cause of chest or abdominal injuries is a seatbelt or coming into contact with the steering wheel. A broken sternum or ribs, internal organ damage, or severe contusions can all result from the impact of a car crash.
Leg and Knee Injuries
The impact of a car accident can also affect the legs and knees when they hit the dashboard, resulting in bruises, scrapes, sprains, and broken bones.
Psychological Injuries
Emotional distress and other psychological conditions, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety, may also manifest after a severe crash. No matter how minor an injury may seem, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Not only will the documentation be vital when pursuing an injury claim, but existing injuries can worsen with time, or new injuries may surface. After an accident, be on the lookout for the following delayed injury symptoms you should not ignore:
- Stomach pain (e.g., internal damage or bleeding)
- Dizziness or headaches (e.g., whiplash, traumatic brain injury, blood clots)
- Shoulder or neck pain (e.g., herniated disc, spinal cord injury, whiplash)
- Back pain (e.g., spinal cord injury, whiplash, pinched nerve)
- Tingling or numbness (e.g., herniated disc, pinched nerve)
Following a crash, your body goes into survival mode and furiously pumps adrenaline. As a result, you may not be feeling the true extent of your injuries but will begin to as the shock wears off, which is typically within 48 hours.
How Can a West Palm Beach Car Accident Attorney Help?
You do not have to take on a car insurance claim or injury lawsuit alone. You have the right to hire a plaintiff’s attorney to represent you and your family during the claims process. While an experienced personal injury lawyer in West Palm Beach can help you with any type of car accident claim, it is especially important to be represented by a lawyer for a case involving serious or catastrophic injuries. They can take care of tasks such as:
- Investigating car accidents
- Collect evidence such as an accident report from a police officer
- Determining the responsible party
- Handling a personal injury protection insurance claim
- Communication with the at-fault parties and their insurance companies.
- Gathering medical records, pay stubs, W-2s, and any other documentation related to your losses.
- Obtaining testimony from relevant experts on your behalf.
- Negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance companies.
- File any legal documents and litigate your case in court if necessary.
Your car accident attorney in West Palm Beach County can handle the full legal process while you focus on car accident recovery. When it comes to compensation for car accident claims, insurance companies follow Florida’s rule of pure comparative negligence when determining the number of damages you’re entitled to recover. Under this standard, your financial recovery will be limited by your fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 and found 30% responsible for your car accident, you will only receive 70% or $70,000. To avoid a situation where your compensation is unfairly reduced, you need an experienced lawyer on your side. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses that will attempt to place the blame to limit their liability. Hiring a motor vehicle accident attorney who can build a strong case on your behalf can help minimize the amount of fault attributed to your actions in the car accident. Schedule your free case evaluation with an auto accident lawyer to make sure they have an accurate assessment of your claim’s value and will not be intimidated by insurance adjusters or their attorneys to settle for less and receive full compensation. Call today to discuss your personal injury claim.
Compensation for Car Accident Victims in Florida
There are many reasons for personal injury cases and to file a car accident lawsuit in West Palm Beach, FL. Holding a dangerous driver responsible can institute safety changes in your community on a larger scale, potentially saving others from the same fate you suffered. Holding a wrongdoer accountable can also give you and your family the justice you deserve. One of the main reasons people file car accident lawsuits in Florida, however, is for maximum financial compensation for their related losses. A successful third-party insurance claim or lawsuit in Florida could result in compensation not only for your physical injuries and medical bills but also your:
- Property damage repairs
- Lost income (past and future)
- Disability costs and lost capacity to earn
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Punitive damages
Although a third-party car accident claim requires you to prove that the other driver was at fault, it allows you to recover greater financial compensation than with a no-fault first-party insurance claim. While nothing can reverse your serious injuries losses or wrongful death our West Palm Beach car accident attorneys know that a successful settlement or judgment award could help you significantly in paying for related bills. The money you receive from one or more defendants could give your family financial security and the ability to pay for medical expenses and other costs related to a car crash.
If you are curious about your legal rights and how much your auto accident case is worth, contact LaBovick Law Group. Our auto accident attorneys can determine the value of your case during a free consultation in West Palm Beach today. We can also answer your other legal questions after a serious car accident, such as whether or not you have grounds to file a lawsuit against a negligent driver and how long you have to file, if so. Find out how our West Palm Beach accident attorneys can help you and your family. Take legal action. Request a free consultation online or by calling our local law firm at (561) 623-3681 any time.