Florida Car Accident Compensation
Seek the damages you deserve with Attorney Casey D. Shomo
In the aftermath of a car accident in Palm Beach Gardens, everyone deserves to be heard and supported. Whether you're dealing with minor injuries or facing a long and hard recovery, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses.
At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A. in Palm Beach Gardens, we understand the importance of seeking fair compensation for your injuries and losses after a car accident. With our law firm by your side, you can navigate the complexities of the legal system and pursue the damages you deserve.
Regardless of the extent of your injuries, whether they are minor or severe, you deserve to be heard and supported during this challenging time. Mr. Shomo is committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to clients in Palm Beach Gardens, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their rights are protected.
From medical expenses and lost wages to pain and suffering, we will work tirelessly to pursue full and fair compensation for all of your damages. With his extensive experience and dedication to his clients' success, you can trust Mr. Shomo and his team to fight for the compensation you deserve.
“When your world is flipped upside down in an instant and you’re not sure where to turn, this team can help! I am eternally grateful for Attorney Shomo and his staff. They showed up for me and my family in the most difficult time in our life and worked diligently to bring some sort of light to our situation when I didn’t think it was possible. Even under the circumstances of my sisters and I being in 3 different states at the time of our father’s untimely death, Casey and his team worked tirelessly, overturned every stone, and accommodated us all individually for the best result possible. ‘Thankful’ is an understatement.”
- Amanda M., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Average Google Rating: 5/5 stars, 45 reviews
Florida Car Accident Compensation FAQs
- Is Florida a fault or no-fault state?
- Can you sue with no-fault insurance?
- What types of losses can be included in a car accident compensation claim in Palm Beach Gardens?
- How do serious injuries like spinal cord damage or brain trauma affect car accident compensation in Palm Beach Gardens?
- How much is my car accident claim worth?
- What if the driver who caused the crash in Palm Beach Gardens had little or no insurance and I still need help with expenses?
- How do insurance companies try to limit compensation after a serious crash in Palm Beach Gardens?
- Can surviving family members file for compensation after a fatal car accident in Palm Beach Gardens?
- Why do people who work with a Palm Beach Gardens car accident lawyer often recover more compensation than those who file alone?
- How long do I have to take legal action in Florida?
Is Florida a fault or no-fault state?
Florida operates under a No-Fault insurance system, which is designed to expedite the compensation process for those injured in car accidents regardless of who is at fault. Under this system, Florida drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, also known as No-Fault Insurance, which provides up to $10,000 in immediate medical coverage without the need to establish fault, offering a layer of financial protection and additional benefits post-accident.
Additionally, Florida drivers have the option to carry Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) insurance, which covers damages if the insured driver causes injury to someone else. This is not mandatory for all drivers but is crucial in ensuring protection against claims for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages from those you might injure in an accident.
Given the high rate of uninsured drivers in Florida—over 20%—carrying Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage is highly recommended. This coverage is invaluable in situations where you are injured due to the negligence of another driver who either lacks sufficient insurance or is entirely uninsured. UM and UIM coverage steps in to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs, safeguarding you against the financial impact of accidents caused by inadequately insured drivers.
Understanding Florida's insurance requirements and the benefits of additional coverage options is essential for drivers looking to fully protect themselves on the road. It ensures that, in the event of an accident, you have the necessary resources to recover without the added burden of overwhelming expenses.
Can you sue with no-fault insurance?
No-fault insurance exists to discourage legal lawsuits from occurring in the aftermath of a car accident. For this reason, it is generally challenging to sue another driver in the aftermath of your Florida auto accident. When you suffer property damage and minor injuries, it is unlikely you will have the opportunity to file a personal injury lawsuit against the other party.
Severe injuries, on the other hand, are more likely to go to trial. Situations such as this happen when your damages outweigh the payout you received from the no-fault insurance. However, unless your injuries are serious, permanent, and/or scarring, the odds of your personal injury lawsuit going to trial may be slim. Speak to an injury lawyer to see what is best for you.
While this may make no-fault insurance seem like it limits your legal options after a car accident, it does have its benefits. For example, even if you are involved in a single-car accident, you should be able to recover some insurance compensation (although a single-car accident can often involve the fault of another party, such as a manufacturer or government agency).
What types of losses can be included in a car accident compensation claim in Palm Beach Gardens?
Car accident compensation in Florida goes far beyond just emergency room bills. When the injuries are serious or life-changing, the losses can extend into nearly every part of a person's life. A strong legal claim should reflect the full scope of that impact, and account for damages such as:
- Medical expenses and future treatment: Covers hospital care, physical therapy, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity: Includes time missed from work and future limitations in your ability to earn a living.
- Pain and suffering: Accounts for chronic pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage: Includes damage to your vehicle and any personal belongings lost in the crash.
- Out-of-pocket costs: Travel to appointments, mobility aids, home health care, and other crash-related expenses.
- Loss of consortium or companionship: Applies in wrongful death or severe injury cases affecting family relationships.
These categories are not always obvious, and insurance companies rarely offer compensation for all of them unless a lawyer builds the claim properly from the start.
How do serious injuries like spinal cord damage or brain trauma affect car accident compensation in Palm Beach Gardens?
Injury severity is one of the most important factors in how compensation is calculated. When a crash on I-95, Military Trail, or PGA Boulevard causes permanent damage, the long-term costs can reach into millions of dollars over a lifetime. These cases demand deeper investigation, stronger evidence, and specialized experts. Factors that an attorney considers include:
- Lifetime medical care: Severe injuries often require ongoing treatment, home modifications, or assistive devices.
- Loss of independence: Paralysis or cognitive impairment can result in permanent lifestyle changes that increase damages.
- Higher future wage loss: Younger victims or skilled professionals may face decades of lost income.
- Specialized expert testimony: Neurologists, life care planners, and vocational experts are often needed to fully support the claim.
- Increased insurance pushback: The higher the stakes, the more aggressively the insurance company will fight to limit payout.
A lawyer with experience in catastrophic injury litigation can protect the full value of these claims and ensure the long-term consequences are not underestimated.
How much is my car accident claim worth?
Determining how much your car accident claim is worth can be a complex process that requires careful consideration of various factors. When evaluating the value of your car accident claim, it is essential to take into account:
Economic damages
- Medical expenses: This includes all past and future medical bills related to your injuries, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and therapy.
- Lost income: If your injuries have caused you to miss work or have resulted in a decreased earning capacity, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and future income.
- Property damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other damaged property, such as personal belongings, should be included in your claim.
Non-economic damages
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Emotional distress: Reimbursement for psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances.
- Loss of consortium: Damages for the negative impact on personal relationships or loss of companionship.
Determining the value of your car accident claim requires a thorough evaluation of all these factors, as well as a careful analysis of the evidence and applicable laws. Mr. Shomo can help you understand your rights and options and work to maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries and losses.
What if the driver who caused the crash in Palm Beach Gardens had little or no insurance and I still need help with expenses?
If the at-fault driver in your crash was uninsured or carried only the minimum coverage, your damages may go far beyond what their policy can pay. This is common on roads like Okeechobee Boulevard and Military Trail, where traffic is heavy and coverage varies widely. In these cases, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. A lawyer can identify all potential sources of recovery, including third-party liability, and negotiate directly with your own insurance company if they try to reduce or delay your claim.
How do insurance companies try to limit compensation after a serious crash in Palm Beach Gardens?
After a serious accident, insurance companies focus immediately on minimizing what they might have to pay. Even when liability seems clear, insurers use strategies designed to reduce the value of your claim or push for an early settlement before you understand your rights. These strategies include:
- Quick settlement offers: Designed to close the case before the full impact of the injury is known.
- Recorded statements: Used to find contradictions or downplay injuries.
- Medical disputes: Insurers may question treatment, delay authorizations, or claim injuries were preexisting.
- Comparative fault tactics: Attempts to assign blame to you to reduce the payout.
- Undervaluing pain and suffering: Non-economic damages are often ignored or minimized without legal pressure.
A lawyer can intercept these tactics, push back with evidence, and make sure your claim reflects the full extent of your losses.
Can surviving family members file for compensation after a fatal car accident in Palm Beach Gardens?
Yes. Florida law allows surviving spouses, children, and certain other relatives to pursue a wrongful death claim when a loved one is killed due to negligence. Fatal crashes on I-95, the Beeline Highway, and other high-speed corridors in Palm Beach Gardens often involve complex liability issues and serious financial consequences for grieving families. A wrongful death claim can help cover funeral costs, lost income, and the loss of companionship, but these cases are time-sensitive and require legal guidance to move forward properly.
Why do people who work with a Palm Beach Gardens car accident lawyer often recover more compensation than those who file alone?
Insurance companies are not neutral. They are focused on paying as little as possible, especially in high-stakes cases involving serious injury or death. People who handle claims alone often underestimate the value of long-term injuries or accept early settlement offers without understanding their future medical needs. A lawyer builds the case with medical records, expert input, and a full damages analysis that reflects everything from therapy to lost earning potential. This often results in significantly higher compensation, especially in cases involving complex crashes on roads like PGA Boulevard, Northlake Boulevard, or US-1.
How long do I have to take legal action in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the incident. This means individuals have a two-year window to take legal action against the at-fault party. It is crucial to be aware of this time limit, as failing to file a lawsuit within the stated period may result in the loss of the right to seek compensation entirely.
It is advisable not to delay consulting with a personal injury attorney after a car accident, as building a strong case takes time. Initiating legal proceedings well before the statute of limitations expires ensures that there is ample time to investigate the case, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies. The sooner you begin the lawsuit process, the better.
Protect your rights with The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A.
If you have suffered injuries in a car accident in Palm Beach Gardens, obtaining compensation is not just important – it is crucial for rebuilding your life. However, navigating the legal process can be challenging. Take immediate action by contacting the police, seeking medical attention, and informing your insurance company.
Time is a critical factor. At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A., we recognize this. Mr. Shomo and his dedicated legal team have decades of experience guiding clients to successful resolutions. For many, compensation is a desperate need. That’s why we tirelessly advocate for the outcomes our clients deserve. To learn more about how our law firm can help you, contact us today for a free consultation.