Getting injured in an accident can change your life in a
moment. Whether it's a car crash, a slip and fall, or another kind of injury,
knowing how Florida's personal injury laws work can help you take the right
steps.
Filing a claim isn't always simple, so it's important to be
prepared.
Florida is home to busy cities and roads, including West
Palm Beach, a coastal city in South Florida known for its high traffic and
tourist activities. These conditions make accidents more common in the area.
That’s why it's a good idea to consult a personal injury lawyer in West Palm Beach if you're thinking about filing
a claim. They understand the local laws and can guide you through the process.
Understanding Florida Personal Injury Law
Florida’s personal injury law helps people who have been
hurt because of someone else’s carelessness. These laws allow you to get
compensation for things like medical bills, lost income, and emotional
suffering.
According to the Florida
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were over 397,000
traffic crashes in Florida in 2022 alone. Many of these accidents resulted in
injuries that led to personal injury claims. Knowing how the law works is key
to making sure you don’t miss out on the help you deserve.
What to Know About Personal Injury Law
Statute of Limitations
In Florida, you have a limited time to file a personal
injury claim. This time frame is called the statute of limitations. As of 2023,
the deadline is four years from the date of the accident. If you don’t file within this
time, you may lose your chance to recover damages.
Comparative Negligence
Florida uses a system called comparative negligence. This
means if you were partly at fault for the accident, your compensation will be
reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be
20% responsible, your total compensation will be reduced by 20%. Also, under
Florida’s updated law, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot
recover any compensation at all.
No-Fault Insurance
Florida follows a no-fault system for car accidents. This
means your own insurance will pay for your medical bills and lost wages, no
matter who caused the crash. This is called Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
and covers up to $10,000. However, if your injuries are serious, you may be
able to file a lawsuit against the other driver for additional compensation.
Contingency Fee Payment
Most personal injury lawyers
in Florida work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay upfront.
The lawyer only gets paid if you win your case. Their fee is usually a
percentage of the money you recover, often around 33% to 40%. This system
allows injury victims to get legal help even if they can’t afford to pay
out-of-pocket.
Conclusion
Filing a personal injury claim in Florida involves more than
just submitting a form. You need to understand deadlines, insurance rules, and
how fault is determined. That’s why it’s wise to consult a personal injury
lawyer if you’re in that area. They know the local laws and can fight to get
you the compensation you deserve.
Knowing your rights and acting quickly can make a big
difference in the outcome of your case.
