Boca Raton car accident lawyer

Have you been injured after being involved in an auto collision or car crash in Boca Raton? The aftermath of an auto accident can feel unbearable, leaving you with unfortunate injuries, a lack of mental clarity, and a heap of unexpected bills. You may be unsure about your rights and how to navigate the complex legal system.

At Lytal Reiter Ivey Smith & Fronrath, we understand the challenges you face. A highly-qualified Boca Raton car accident lawyer is ready and waiting to help you through every step of the process. Our Boca Raton injury attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you recover the compensation you rightfully deserve. Don’t go through this alone. Call us today for a free consultation with a skilled auto accident attorney in Boca Raton to learn more about how we can help you.

How Can Lytal Reiter Ivey Smith & Fronrath Help You?

Here’s what sets Lytal Reiter apart when dealing with your Boca Raton car accident:

Protecting Your Rights

After an accident, insurance companies often try to downplay your injuries or offer a lowball settlement. We aggressively protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Don’t Pay Unless You Win

We understand the financial burden an accident can create. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and our fees come only if we win your case.

We Pursue Maximum Compensation

Our team has a proven track record of obtaining maximum compensation for our clients. We understand the full scope of damages you may be entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and future medical needs.

Why Do I Need a Boca Raton Car Accident Lawyer?

Many people believe they can handle a car accident claim on their own. However, navigating the legal system can be complex, and insurance companies often try to take advantage of unrepresented individuals. Here’s how a Boca Raton auto accident lawyer from Lytal Reiter Ivey Smith & Fronrath can make a difference:

Case Preparation

Our attorneys have extensive experience investigating car accidents and gathering evidence. We will work meticulously to build a strong case for maximum compensation.

Settlement Negotiations

Insurance companies are notorious for offering lowball settlements. Our skilled negotiators will fight to safeguard your rights based on the severity of your injuries and other damages.

Trial Preparation & Representation

If necessary, we will prepare your case for trial and aggressively represent you in court to ensure your rights are upheld.

Learn More: Why Should I Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer?

When Should I Get a Lawyer for My Auto Accident?

You shouldn’t navigate a car accident claim alone. Here are some situations where getting a Boca Raton auto accident attorney from Lytal Reiter Ivey Smith & Fronrath is crucial:

Serious Injuries:

If you’ve sustained severe injuries like broken bones, head trauma, or permanent disabilities, an experienced attorney can go after the maximum compensation you rightfully deserve for medical care, lost wages, and future medical needs.

Complex Fault

Determining fault in car accidents can be intricate. If the cause is unclear, there are multiple parties involved, or the insurance company disputes liability, a lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.

Denial or Lowball Offer

Insurance companies often deny claims or offer settlements that significantly undervalue your losses. A car accident lawyer can negotiate aggressively to get you the compensation you’re entitled to.

Wrongful Death

If you tragically lost a loved one in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, a wrongful death lawsuit can help recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional pain and suffering.

Learn More: I’m Not Sure I Need an Attorney

What Should You Do After a Car Accident?

The immediate aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. Here are crucial steps to take to protect yourself and your legal rights:

• Move to Safety: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location off the road to avoid further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights.
• Check for Injuries: Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately and request medical attention.
• Call the Police: Even if the accident seems minor, always call the police to file an accident report. This document serves as a crucial record of the incident.
• Tell Your Side of the Story Accurately: Briefly explain the accident to the responding officer. Be truthful and stick to the facts. Don’t admit fault or discuss past accidents.
• Gather Evidence: If you are able, take pictures of the accident scene, your vehicle damage, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Note down the names and contact information of any witnesses.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and report the accident. However, avoid discussing the details of the accident beyond the basic facts.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, visit your doctor or urgent care to document any injuries. Prompt medical attention is crucial for your health and strengthens your case.
• Meet with a Boca Raton Car Accident Attorney: Schedule a consultation with a skilled car accident attorney at Lytal Reiter. We’ll assess your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through the entire process.

Learn More: What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

What is the Average Settlement Amount for a Car Accident in Boca Raton?

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for car accident settlements. The amount you receive depends on several factors, including:

• Severity of Injuries: The extent and permanence of your injuries significantly impact the settlement value. More severe injuries generally lead to higher settlements.
• Medical Bills: The cost of past and future medical care associated with your injuries is a major factor.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for wages lost due to the accident and future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.
• Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your damaged vehicle.
• Pain and Suffering: This is compensation for any emotional or physical suffering and pain that you experience due to injuries sustained in the accident.
• Shared Fault: If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced proportionally.

While there’s no average, car accident settlements in Florida typically range from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to hundreds of thousands or even millions for severe, life-altering injuries. At Lytal Reiter Ivey Smith & Fronrath, we are always ready to discuss your specific case and provide a more personalized estimate of your potential settlement.

Learn More: Do You Have to Accept an Insurance Settlement?

What Type of Damages Can I Claim After My Car Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages, categorized into economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate you for the financial losses you’ve incurred due to the accident. These typically include:

• Medical Expenses: Covers past and future medical bills associated with your injuries, including doctor visits, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, and therapy.
• Lost Wages: Recovers wages you lost due to missing work because of your injuries. This may also include future lost income if your injuries limit your earning capacity.
• Property Damage: This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Reimbursement for accident-related expenses like transportation costs, medical equipment rentals, or home modifications needed due to your injuries.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate you for the pain, suffering, and other intangible losses you experience due to the accident. These damages can be more subjective to determine but are still crucial for full recovery.

• Pain and Suffering: Compensates you for the physical and emotional pain you’ve endured due to your injuries. This includes any physical discomfort, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, or loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: If your injuries affect your marital relationship, your spouse may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, intimacy, and support they experience.
• Loss of Capacity: Compensates you for the loss of your ability to perform daily activities due to your injuries.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation for the emotional distress and potential limitations caused by visible scarring or disfigurement resulting from the accident.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are rarely awarded in car accident cases. They are usually awarded in order to punish the at-fault driver for their reckless or careless behavior conduct and discourage similar conduct in the future.

Learn More: Common Questions About Bringing a Case for Damages After a Car Accident

How is Liability Determined in a Car Accident Case?

In Florida, car accident lawsuits are based on the concept of negligence. This means that to recover compensation, you must prove the other driver was negligent and their negligence caused your accident and injuries. Here’s a breakdown of the four key elements of negligence:

• Duty of Care: All drivers have a legal duty to act with reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others on the road. This includes obeying traffic laws, driving at a safe speed for conditions, and maintaining control of your vehicle.
• Breach of Duty of Care: This occurs when a driver fails to uphold their duty of care. Examples include speeding, distracted driving, running a red light, driving under the influence, or failing to yield the right of way.
• Injury Suffered: You must have sustained a physical injury as a result of the accident. This can range from minor cuts and bruises to serious injuries like broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord damage.
• Proof the Injury Came From Breach: You’ll need evidence to link your injuries directly to the other driver’s negligence. This may include medical records, witness statements, and accident scene photos.

What if I was Partially at Fault for the Accident?

Florida follows a comparative negligence law. This means that even if you were partially to blame for the accident, you can still recover compensation, but your damages award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would be entitled to recover $80,000.

Determining fault in a car accident can be complex, especially if there are disputed facts. Our Boca Raton car accident attorneys can investigate the accident scene, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure a fair assessment of fault.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Florida is two years from the date of the accident for injury claims and four years from the date for damages to property, per Florida statute 95.11. However, it’s important to act quickly. Evidence can fade over time, and witnesses may become harder to locate. Additionally, insurance companies may be less cooperative the longer you wait to file a claim.

We recommend contacting a car accident attorney in Boca Raton as soon as possible after your accident. This will allow them to start investigating your claim right away and ensure you meet all deadlines.

Learn More: How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?

What Happens if Insurance Denies My Claim?

Unfortunately, insurance companies are not always eager to pay out claims. They may deny your claim entirely, offer a lowball settlement, or find reasons to delay processing your claim.

If your car accident claim is denied, don’t give up. An experienced Boca Raton car accident lawyer can review your case, identify the reasons for the denial, and fight for your rights and interests. We have a proven track record of successfully negotiating with insurance companies and taking cases to trial when necessary.

Can an Attorney Help Me File My Initial Claim?

Absolutely. While you can technically file an initial claim yourself with the at-fault party’s insurance company, having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side is highly beneficial. Here’s why:

• Understanding Your Rights: Florida’s comparative negligence laws can be complex. An attorney can explain your legal rights and ensure your claim is filed correctly to maximize your potential recovery.
• Gathering Evidence: Building a strong case requires comprehensive evidence collection, including police reports, medical records, witness testimonies, and accident scene photos. We know where to find this evidence and how to present it effectively.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts. Our Boca Raton car accident lawyers have extensive experience negotiating with insurance adjusters to secure your rightful compensation.
• Protecting Your Interests: Filing a claim yourself can put you at risk of saying something inadvertently that could jeopardize your case. We handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process.

What is PIP and How Will it Affect My Car Accident Claim?

Florida is a no-fault insurance state. This means that regardless of who caused the accident, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage will initially cover your medical expenses and lost wages up to a certain limit. PIP coverage amounts vary depending on your policy but typically range from $10,000 to $30,000.

Here’s how PIP can impact your car accident claim:

Exhausting PIP Benefits

If your medical expenses exceed your PIP coverage limits, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company to recover additional compensation.

Reimbursing PIP

If your PIP insurance company pays for your medical bills, they may have a lien on your final settlement or court award. This means they will be entitled to reimbursement for the amount they paid on your behalf. An experienced attorney can help ensure this reimbursement is handled correctly.

Exceptions to No-Fault

Florida’s no-fault system has exceptions. You may be able to file a claim against the at-fault party directly if your injuries meet certain thresholds, such as permanent scarring, disfigurement, or permanent limitation of a major bodily function.

Our Boca Raton car accident lawyers can assess your specific situation and determine the best course of action for pursuing maximum compensation.

Boca Raton Car Accident Statistics

Unfortunately, car accidents are a common occurrence in Boca Raton. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), here are some statistics for Boca Raton car accidents in 2022:

• Total Crashes: 5,241
• Injury Crashes: 3,107
• Fatal Crashes: 38
• People Injured: 3,842
• People Killed: 42

These statistics highlight the importance of safe driving practices and the need for strong legal representation following a car accident.

Learn More: 3 Most Dangerous Intersections in Boca Raton

What are the Most Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Boca Raton?

Boca Raton’s bustling tourist industry and high concentration of residents on the road contribute to a higher risk of accidents. Here are some of the leading causes of car crashes in our area:

• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is a major concern across Florida, and Boca Raton is no exception. Texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or even daydreaming can take a driver’s focus away from the road in a split second, leading to a devastating accident.
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit is a reckless behavior that significantly increases the severity of an accident. Speeding drivers have less reaction time and make it harder for other drivers to anticipate their movements.
• Reckless Driving: This involves a variety of dangerous behaviors, such as running red lights and weaving in and out of traffic. These actions demonstrate a willful disregard for the safety of others on the road.
• Texting and Driving: Texting combines three types of distractions – cognitive, visual, and manual. This makes texting one of the most dangerous distractions for drivers.
• Unfavorable Road Conditions: Poor weather, potholes, inadequate lighting, and unclear signage can all contribute to accidents. If your accident resulted from a poorly maintained road, you may have a claim against the government entity responsible for its upkeep.
• Failure to Yield Right of Way: Failing to yield the right of way at intersections, stop signs, or yield signs is a common cause of accidents, particularly broadside collisions.

Learn More: Distracted Driving in Florida is on the Rise

What are the Most Common Injuries Suffered From Car Accidents?

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some immediately apparent and others that develop over time. Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in Boca Raton car accidents:

• Broken Bones: The force of a collision can cause fractures in any bone in the body. The severity of a broken bone depends on the location and type of fracture.
• Whiplash: Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck caused by the sudden back-and-forth movement of the head and neck. Symptoms may not appear immediately and can include pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A TBI can range from a mild concussion to a life-threatening injury. Symptoms of a TBI can include headaches, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, and changes in mood or behavior.
• Spinal Cord Injury: Spinal cord injuries are some of the most catastrophic car accident injuries. They lead to complete or partial paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the damage.

Why Choose Lytal Reiter Ivey Smith & Fronrath for Your Boca Raton Car Accident Case?

At Lytal Reiter Ivey Smith & Fronrath, we are committed to protecting the rights of auto accident victims in Boca Raton and throughout South Florida. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Experienced and Knowledgeable: Our team has extensive experience handling car accident cases of all types and complexities.
• Proven Track Record: We have a successful history of securing maximum compensation for our clients.
• Personalized Attention: We understand the unique challenges you face after an accident. We will provide personalized attention and guidance throughout the legal process.
• No Recovery, No Fee: This means that you will only pay any attorney fees if we secure compensation for you.

Learn More: How Much Can You Ask for in a Car Accident Lawsuit?