Accidents are a part of life, and they sometimes feel inevitable. The truth is that accidents do not happen out of nowhere, and someone is almost always responsible. If you are injured in an accident, a lawyer can help you sue those responsible for your damages.

Whether you live in Pompano Beach or you are visiting on vacation, accidents can happen. If you are hurt, call for emergency help, document the accident as best you can, and get names and contact information from people who were at the accident or otherwise involved. When you are ready, call an attorney to discuss damages and compensation.

Call our personal injury attorneys at the Graves Injury Law Firm at (305) 614-2767 to ask for a free, private case review to begin.

What Should You Do Following an Accident Involving Personal Injuries?

The immediate aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming and confusing. Whatever you do, remain calm, call for help, and try to preserve information about the accident and your injuries.

Call 911

Your number one priority is to get emergency medical care. Depending on the nature of the accident, you may need emergency personnel to come to your rescue. This is especially important if you are injured on a boat or in the water.

Once you have received the treatment you need, our personal injury lawyers should request copies of your medical records. These records are evidence of your injuries and damages in a lawsuit.

Exchange Information at the Accident Scene

If you are able, talk to other people at the accident scene while you wait for help. This is common in car accidents, but it might be more difficult in accidents on the water, where you must swim to safety.

We need names and contact information about everyone involved in the accident. This way, we can file lawsuits or insurance claims more quickly and contact people to provide witness testimony.

Talk to an Attorney About Potential Claims

Call a lawyer to discuss the accident, your injuries, and what kind of legal action may be necessary. Your medical bills alone are likely expensive, and you may have other damages that are yet to be accounted for. A lawyer can help you take appropriate action to get financial compensation as quickly as possible.

How Can You Get Compensation for Personal Injuries in Pompano Beach?

You likely have several legal options, and your lawyer should advise you of all your options and which ones are best for your case.

Filing Insurance Claims

Insurance can help people after all sorts of accidents, if you have a policy that covers your specific situation. For example, drivers often file insurance claims after car accidents, and boating insurance is very common on Pompano Beach.

However, you do not necessarily need an insurance policy yourself. For example, if you were injured on a tour boat or charter boat while on vacation, you may take advantage of the boat company’s insurance.

Accepting Private Settlements

You also have the option to accept a private settlement from the defendant. Many defendants would rather pay the victim’s damages than take the case to court, where they might still lose and must pay anyway.

Settlements must be negotiated, and you and your lawyer must be prepared to leverage your evidence for the biggest settlement possible while also being ready to compromise if necessary.

Filing Lawsuits

Of course, you may sue for your damages after being injured. Be sure to speak to your attorney about how the accident happened, as you might face restrictions on lawsuits depending on how you were hurt.

For example, Florida’s no-fault insurance laws require that car accident victims prove they have certain types of serious injuries before being allowed to sue. If such restrictions exist in your case, your lawyer can help you jump these legal hurdles.

What Damages Should You Include in Your Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Your damages reflect your injuries, painful experiences, and the various costs associated with your accident. Damages are unique in each case, but below are commonly claimed damages worth discussing with your lawyer.

Medical Expenses

Perhaps the largest part of many plaintiffs’ claims for damages stems from medical treatment. Even minor injuries may require expensive treatment, and more severe injuries may lead to astronomical medical bills.

Property Damage

You may have lost some property in the accident. In a car or boating accident, you may claim the value of the damaged vehicle or vessel. You can also claim the value of personal items in the car or on the boat that were lost or destroyed.

Lost Income

For many, injuries are serious enough to keep them from returning to work. The longer you are unable to work, the more income or wages you may lose. Talk to your lawyer about how to claim your lost income and future lost income if your injuries are expected to keep you from working for the foreseeable future.

Pain and Suffering

You should also claim non-economic damages related to your physical and mental pain and suffering. Accidents can be traumatic, injuries may be excruciatingly painful, and you may live with long-term or permanent injuries that force you to change how you live your life.

While these experiences might not come with a price tag, they are still worth considerable compensation.

FAQs About Personal Injury Cases in Pompano Beach

Can You Sue Someone Who Caused an Accident in Pompano Beach?

Often, yes. The defendant might be a driver in another car, someone negligently operating a boat, or even the owner of the property where the accident occurred. There may be more than one defendant, and your lawyer can review the facts to determine who should be included in your lawsuit.

In car accidents and some work-related accidents, you cannot actually sue the at-fault party, but there may be other claims available (e.g., car insurance or Workers’ Compensation).

How Much Money is a Personal Injury Lawsuit Worth?

Personal injury cases may be worth a significant sum, depending on your injuries and damages. It is common for plaintiffs to claim several thousand dollars in damages. Some more serious accidents may be worth tens of thousands of dollars or even over six figures.

When Should You Call an Attorney About Your Accident and Personal Injuries?

In Florida, plaintiffs must file personal injury lawsuits no later than 2 years after the accident occurred. If you wait any longer, you risk being time-barred from filing the case.

Ask Our Pompano Beach Personal Injury Attorneys for Help with Your Claims

Call our personal injury attorneys at the Graves Injury Law Firm at (305) 614-2767 for a free, private case review.