Boca Raton Car Accident Lawyer
Over $300 Million Recovered for Our Clients Since 1994
The Boca Raton car accident attorneys at Zimmerman & Frachtman have handled hundreds of motor vehicle accident claims in Florida – including everything from fender benders to serious collisions resulting in hospitalization and death.
If you have been involved in a car crash in South Florida, our auto accident attorneys are here to help you through tough times and assist you in seeking maximum compensation for your injuries.
We handle all types of motor vehicle accident claims, including those that involve:
Learn How Our Firm Can Help After a Crash:
Call (954) 504-6577 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation with our Boca Raton car accident attorney.
Choose a Car Accident Law Firm Backed by Results
At Zimmerman & Frachtman, we have recovered over $300 million on behalf of our clients over the last 30 years, including millions of dollars in compensation for car crash victims across South Florida.
Just a few of our results include:
- $4 million settlement: Truck accident claim
- $1.95 million settlement: Auto accident claim
- $1.8 million settlement: Truck accident claim
- $1.391 million verdict: Auto accident claim
- $1.2 million settlement: Auto accident claim
- $1 million settlement: Auto accident claim
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Boca Raton
Car accidents result from a number of preventable causes. The most common include:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Poorly maintained vehicles
- Poorly maintained roads
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous road design
- Road construction
Understanding these causes is critical for prevention. For instance, distracted driving isn’t limited to texting. It includes eating, adjusting the radio, or even interacting with passengers. Similarly, speed limits are set based on extensive research about road safety, and speeding greatly increases the risk and severity of accidents. Awareness of such factors can significantly contribute to road safety, and our team is dedicated to educating the community as part of our commitment to reducing accidents.
What Damages Are Available in Car Accident Injury Claims?
If you have been injured in a car accident that someone else caused, you have a legal right to pursue compensation for your losses. Damages are categorized as either "economic" or "non-economic."
- Economic damages are those which are objective and easily quantifiable, such as vehicle repair costs, medical bills, physical therapy bills, lost wages, etc.
- Non-economic damages are subjective in nature, but which still represent legitimate losses. These may include pain and suffering, emotional trauma, loss of consortium, etc.
Other potential damages include punitive damages in claims involving gross negligence, serving as a punishment and deterrent for particularly reckless behavior. It's important for victims to thoroughly document every aspect of their hardship, as a comprehensive record can greatly aid in the pursuit of fair compensation. Our attorneys guide clients through this process, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
How Does Florida’s No-Fault Law Affect My Claim?
Because Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state, all accident claims will be submitted to the drivers’ own insurance providers, regardless of who is at fault for the crash. This lures many injured drivers into a false sense of security, believing that their own insurance policy will cover all their losses without having to prove fault or liability.
Nothing could be further from the truth!
Most Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policies only cover the bare minimum of losses related to your claim, which can leave you with thousands of dollars worth of expenses that you may not be able to pay. However, Florida does allow compensation to be recovered outside the no-fault system where the injuries or other losses (death of a loved one) exceed the policy limits of PIP coverage.
According to Fla. Stat. Ann. section 627.737, the injuries must meet the following threshold:
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function.
- Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, other than scarring or disfigurement.
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement.
- Death.
Car accident claims in Florida are best handled by an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of no-fault insurance laws. Call our Boca Raton car accident lawyers at Zimmerman & Frachtman today to schedule a free evaluation of your claim.
In addition to understanding PIP, it's crucial to comprehend how uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can come into play. This coverage can protect against drivers who lack sufficient insurance to cover your losses. Discussing your coverage options with our team can provide clarity in protecting yourself before an accident even occurs.
Talk to a Lawyer About Your Claim for Free
The only way to know for sure what your car accident claim is worth is to discuss the particulars of your accident with a car accident attorney in Boca Raton. Our team at Zimmerman & Frachtman is standing by to review your auto accident claim and help you understand your legal options.
We have a track record of successful outcomes with auto accident claims and can offer you the top-quality guidance that comes from many years of combined experience. Rest assured that when you entrust your claim to our firm, we will fight to maximize the value of your claim and get you the most compensation possible for your losses.
Were you seriously injured in a crash? Work with a proven car accident lawyer in Boca Raton. Contact our firm today at (954) 504-6577 for a FREE consultation.
Serving the entire state of Florida. We will take charge of your case and get you the compensation you justly deserve.
Our Distinguished Team
When Your Benefits Matter, It Matters Who You Hire
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents
What Steps Should I Take Immediately After a Car Accident?
Taking the proper steps after a car accident can significantly impact your well-being and any future legal proceedings. Firstly, ensure health and safety by checking yourself and passengers for injuries and calling emergency services immediately, regardless of the accident's perceived severity. Once the authorities are on the scene, provide your account of the incident without speculating or admitting fault—stick to facts. Collect contact and insurance information from other involved parties, and if safe, document the scene through photographs and notes, including vehicle positions, damages, and relevant weather conditions. Witness information can also be invaluable, so gather their details if possible.
In the aftermath, it's crucial to seek medical attention, even if injuries are not immediately apparent. Some injuries manifest hours or days later, and having a medical record is vital for health and legal reasons. Lastly, before contacting insurance companies, it's prudent to consult with a car accident lawyer to understand your rights and options. With comprehensive guidance, you can ensure the protection of your interests and pursue necessary compensation appropriately. Zimmerman & Frachtman offers consultations to help you navigate these initial steps effectively.
Can I Pursue a Claim if the Other Driver Was Uninsured?
Being involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver can complicate the process of recovering damages. In Florida, this scenario underscores the importance of uninsured motorist (UM) coverage as part of your auto insurance policy. UM coverage can compensate for available damages when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. Reviewing your policy and understanding these options is crucial, as they directly affect your ability to secure compensation.
If you were not at fault in an accident with an uninsured driver and don't have UM coverage, recovering compensation might be challenging yet not impossible. You could consider pursuing a civil lawsuit against the uninsured driver, although this approach requires the driver to have sufficient assets to make the legal pursuit worthwhile. Zimmerman & Frachtman offers in-depth consultations to explore available options and determine the most strategic approach based on your unique circumstances.
What if the Insurance Adjuster Offers Me a Settlement?
Receiving a settlement offer from an insurance adjuster soon after an accident might seem convenient, but these initial offers often fall short of covering all your associated expenses. Insurance companies typically aim to resolve claims quickly and may not account for long-term medical treatment or other lingering costs. Accepting an initial settlement may prevent you from pursuing additional compensation in the future.
It's critical to evaluate any offer thoroughly and consider future expenses, such as continuous medical care or loss of earnings, before making a decision. Consulting a car accident attorney can provide clarity on the fairness of the offer relative to your claim's value. Zimmerman & Frachtman helps negotiate on behalf of clients, ensuring that settlement offers truly meet their needs and future necessities. Our priority is to safeguard your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Florida?
The statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Florida is generally four years from the date of the accident. However, certain circumstances can alter this timeline, so it's crucial to initiate legal action promptly. Missing this deadline typically bars you from pursuing compensation, even if you've suffered significant losses.
Given the potential impact on your financial recovery, it's advisable to consult a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Early consultation allows for thorough preparation and gathering of evidence while details are fresh. Additionally, timely action can mitigate any potential hurdles that might arise, such as difficulties with witness testimonies or obtaining official records. Zimmerman & Frachtman is committed to guiding clients efficiently through the legal process, safeguarding against procedural pitfalls, and optimizing claims within the allowable timeframe.
Is It Necessary to Report Every Car Accident?
In Florida, not every car accident requires a formal report to law enforcement. However, reporting is mandatory when the accident involves injury, death, or apparent vehicle damage exceeding $500. Other situations also necessitate a report, such as accidents involving an intoxicated driver or damage to state property. It's generally wise to report accidents meeting these criteria to ensure legal protections are in place.
Even in cases where a report is not mandatory, documenting the accident with law enforcement can be beneficial for record retention and potential future claims. Reports can protect you from potential disputes if they arise later, whether related to injuries or property damage. Zimmerman & Frachtman encourages clients to understand the legal requirements of reporting accidents, ensuring they stay informed and make decisions that best protect their interests.
-
Aggressive, Experienced, and Compassionate Counsel
-
Client Centered Approach
-
Spanish-Speaking Services
-
Access to Call or Text Your Attorney Anytime
-
Work Directly With Your Attorney
Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (954) 504-6577.