Car Accident Attorneys in Boca Raton, FL

The state of Florida enacted primary seat belt laws in 2009 for two main reasons. First, anyone operating a vehicle can end up in a collision at any time. Even those who have perfect driving records and always follow the rules of the road must wear a seat belt at all times because there is no guarantee that the motorists in traffic around them are as safety conscious as they are.

Second, in the event that a crash does occur, proper seat belt usage can reduce the severity of any injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, safety restraints reduce the risk of serious injury by 50 percent and the risk of death by 45 percent.

Although these statistics are reassuring for those who abide by the state’s seat belt laws, the only way to reduce the risk of serious injury or death by 100 percent is by staying off the roads entirely. Sadly, all it takes is one drunk, distracted, or speeding motorist to lose control in traffic and cause a devastating wreck.

If you were hurt in a collision with a reckless driver, contact the Boca Raton car accident attorneys at Donaldson & Weston. During a free consultation, we will evaluate the circumstances of your crash to determine how best to proceed with your claim.

From the moment you enter our office, you will receive the compassionate, personalized, and attentive counsel that you deserve. Call 561-299-3999 to schedule a free consultation with one of our seasoned injury lawyers.

Although Florida has a “no-fault” system when it comes to insurance claims following motor-vehicle collisions, accident victims may sue the parties liable for their injuries in certain scenarios. For example, if you sustained a permanent injury in the crash, you can bring a claim against the other motorist for healthcare expenses, lost income, home modifications, vehicle repairs, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment in life.

To recover compensation for such damages, though, you must prove that the other party was actually at fault. Although an experienced attorney will be able to handle most of the logistics when building your claim, including interviewing witnesses and obtaining medical records, gathering evidence of liability typically begins at the scene. That means compiling certain kinds of proof may be up to you. Important information to collect or take note of immediately following the incident includes:

• Photographs of the scene;


• The names and phone numbers of any eyewitnesses;


• The names and badge numbers of any responding officers;


• The date, time, and weather conditions;


• The flow of traffic near the scene;


• Critical information from the other motorists involved; and


• The presence of any dash cams or surveillance cameras.

Even if you overlooked one of the above steps, you may still be able to recover compensation for your losses. The lawyers at Donaldson & Weston will evaluate your case for free to determine if your case has merit.

After getting hurt in a car accident, your health should be your top priority. Failing to seek medical care not only could allow your injury to worsen but also might jeopardize your personal injury claim.

Once your health has stabilized, the smartest step you can take to protect your case is to speak with an attorney. A seasoned personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence, identify all liable parties, calculate your damages, and negotiate with the opposing party on your behalf. Your attorney can also explain the mistakes you must avoid to give your case the best possible chance of success.

Below are just a few common errors that can derail a car accident claim:

• Postponing medical care;


• Ignoring your doctor’s orders;


• Posting about the accident or your injuries on social media;


• Accepting fault;


• Providing a recorded statement to the insurance company; and


• Accepting a low settlement early in the proceedings that won’t fully cover your damages.

In most car accident claims, the injured party doesn’t actually go up against the person who caused the collision. Instead, they take on the liable party’s insurance provider. Unfortunately, major insurance companies have the resources to challenge every claim that comes their way.

Insurance adjusters are essentially professional negotiators who are tasked with finding reasons to deny or reduce the value of claims. While they may seem helpful and sympathetic, their primary goal is in direct opposition to your own.

The attorneys at Donaldson & Weston can level the playing field and make sure you are well-represented through every stage of the proceedings. We know the strategies used by insurance adjusters to protect their employer’s bottom line. We will perform a thorough investigation and gather the necessary evidence to ensure your case is as strong as possible. We’ll also use proven negotiation tactics to fight for the full compensation you deserve.

We can handle all correspondence with the opposing party so you won’t have to worry about being manipulated into making a compromising statement or accepting a low payout. You’ll be able to focus on your health with the peace of mind that comes with being represented by one of the top personal injury law firms in Florida.

If you were hurt in a car accident in Boca Raton through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation for all resulting damages. In the state of Florida, potentially recoverable damages include:

• Property damage;


• Alternative transportation;


• Healthcare expenses;


• Lost income and benefits;


• Loss of future earning capacity;


• Home care;


• Child care;


• Domestic help;


• Loss of enjoyment in life;


• Emotional distress;


• Pain and suffering; and


• Loss of consortium.

Most car accident claims do not warrant a punitive award, but there are some situations when punitive damages are warranted. If the liable motorist was a repeat drunk driving offender, for example, and was impaired at the time of the crash, punitive damages may be recoverable.