Wellington Car Accident Attorneys

Every time you get behind the wheel and buckle up, it’s reasonable to assume that you will reach your destination safely. But even if you follow all the rules of the road, there is no guarantee that the motorists around you will do the same.

Car accident lawyers know all too well that a devastating wreck can happen in an instant. A single misjudgment on the part of a drunk or distracted driver can have tragic consequences that change your life forever.

If you were hurt in a crash caused by someone else’s recklessness, contact Donaldson & Weston to determine the most strategic way to proceed. Our Wellington personal injury attorneys are here to help you hold all liable parties accountable for your healthcare bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.

We will conduct a thorough investigation into your accident, interview eyewitnesses, track damages, and help you pursue the maximum possible payout. Call 561-299-3999 to schedule a free case evaluation.

Florida follows a “no-fault” system when it comes to auto insurance claims, which means motorists typically turn to their own providers for compensation following a collision. If you sustain serious injuries, though, you have the right to file a third-party claim with the liable party’s insurance provider. The state defines a serious injury as one that results in:

• Significant scarring or disfigurement;


• Significant limitation of use of a limb or organ; or


• Permanent limitation of use of a limb or organ.

In order to recover compensation for the costs associated with any of the above, you must be able to prove liability. There are certain types of evidence that you can gather at the scene, and your attorney can help you compile evidence that is difficult to access.

Valuable evidence of liability might include:

• Eyewitness testimony;


• Photographs of the wreckage;


• The official police report;


• Surveillance footage;


• Dash cam recordings;


• The results of any chemical tests; and


• Statements from the other motorists and passengers involved.

Proving liability is only the first half of building a successful claim. In order to recover compensation, you must also prove that you incurred damages as a direct result of the wreck. You can do this by gathering the following kinds of evidence:

• Photographs of any visible wounds;


• Hospital bills;


• Medical records;


• Income statements;


• Testimony from loved ones;


• Statements from medical experts;


• Quotes for repairing any property damage;


• Quotes for modifying your home or vehicle to accommodate any disabilities; and


• Journal entries detailing the ways in which the injuries are affecting your everyday life.

Absolutely. Although you need to meet the “serious injury threshold” to file a claim against the at-fault party, it’s not uncommon for minor symptoms to be indicative of severe trauma. For instance, a brain injury might only show mild dizziness and nausea over the days following a crash, but the condition can progress if left untreated. Soft tissue damage and internal injuries may also display minor or latent symptoms.

As a rule of thumb, you should always visit a doctor within 72 hours of a car accident if you think you may have been injured. But of course, it’s best to undergo an evaluation on the same day of the crash to reduce the likelihood that the opposing party will dispute the cause of your injuries. If you wait too long to visit a doctor, the insurance company might argue that you shouldn’t receive compensation for 100 percent of your damages due to a failure to mitigate your healthcare costs. Depending on the circumstances, this could greatly reduce the potential value of your claim.

Your Wellington car accident attorney will want to review all available evidence and documentation related to your accident, injury, and claim. Bringing all such records to your initial consultation will help your lawyer provide you with reliable guidance, determine if you have grounds for a claim, identify any potential weaknesses in your case, and proceed with the subsequent investigation.

Below are just a few items you should bring to your first meeting with an attorney:

• Medical Records: You should come to the consultation prepared with any documentation you’ve received from your healthcare providers or the insurance company. This may include prescription records, diagnostic imaging, blood test results, and health insurance claim documentation.


• Financial Documentation: If you had to miss work to recover from your injuries, your Wellington car accident lawyer will need evidence to prove the amount of income you’ve lost. Important records may include income tax statements, paystubs, 1099s, bank statements, and contracts.


• Photos and Videos: If you took pictures of the accident scene, injuries, and/or property damage, those photos may give your lawyer a better understanding of what caused your crash, the types of damages you’ve incurred, and how to approach the investigation. Such evidence will be particularly valuable if the opposing party denies liability or argues that you were at least partially at fault for the accident.


• Supporting Documentation: Bring along the contact information of all parties involved in the wreck, eyewitnesses, and your healthcare providers. If you have copies of driver’s licenses or any other documentation related to your accident, bring them to the consultation, as well.


• Correspondence: Have you spoken to anyone involved in the crash, eyewitnesses, or the insurance company? Your attorney will want to review that correspondence to find out what was said and determine if your statements might cause complications down the road. Bring any emails, texts, social media messages, and a written description of any phone calls that have taken place.