Car Accident Attorney in Hollywood FL

Dedicated Advocacy Focused on Securing Maximum Compensation

Being involved in a motor vehicle accident can completely upend a person’s life. Car accident cases are often complex, but Florida law simplifies things a bit with its no-fault insurance requirements. However, these policies aren’t always enough when serious injuries occur in auto accidents. And if you or a loved one suffered harm due to a third party’s negligence or wrongful acts, you may be entitled to pursue compensation outside of the no-fault system. An experienced car accident attorney in Hollywood, FL, may be able to help.

At The Law Offices of James Jean-Francois, P.A., our dedicated legal team has seen what can happen when injury victims don’t have support. Insurance adjusters often take advantage of these individuals, and in many cases, they secure far less compensation than they’re entitled to. This is made even more disheartening because it occurs when you’re trying to get your life back on track. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through this alone. Our Hollywood, FL, car accident lawyers are ready to fight for your rights.

Whether this means securing a fair settlement offer or litigating your case in court, we’re here to assist. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Is No-Fault Insurance Your Only Option?

Following a car crash in Florida, many people are surprised to learn that the insurance company of the other driver doesn’t reimburse them for their losses. That’s because Florida is a no-fault state. This means that damages resulting from motor vehicle collisions are typically covered by a person’s own insurance company. This greatly reduces the potential for a car accident lawsuit, and that was one of the primary focuses of the law’s creation. Put simply, no-fault insurance reduces the burden of personal injury cases faced by the judicial system.

However, this doesn’t mean you can’t seek additional compensation. A Hollywood car accident lawyer can help you better understand your options, but it basically comes down to the level of damages you’re entitled to. Once your losses hit a certain threshold, you’re no longer required to only file a car accident claim with your own insurer. Instead, you can go after the at-fault driver for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and a variety of other damage types. To reserve your right to seek additional compensation, make sure you don’t sign anything from the insurance company.

Crash victims should first visit a Hollywood, FL, car accident law firm to discuss their options and figure out how to best move forward. You need to seek out dedicated personal injury lawyers to assist you, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at The Law Offices of James Jean-Francois. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.

How Can You Prove Fault in Car Accidents?

If someone is able to secure compensation outside of the no-fault system, it becomes necessary to establish that a third party is responsible for the victim’s injuries. Keep in mind that “injuries” can be physical, emotional, or financial — but establishing liability will be necessary before any compensation is granted. The courts will want to see evidence of the three elements of liability. If you can show the insurance company that these elements exist, they may offer a fair settlement rather than dragging out the issue with litigation.

To establish liability, the following must be proven:

• Duty of care: It must be proven that the accused party had a duty of care. This basically means they should act in a way that doesn’t create risks for others. This is sometimes straightforward since both you and other drivers are expected to drive safely on Florida roads.
• Violation of duty: Establishing the other driver’s negligence — or liability from any third party — also entails proving that the party violated their duty of care. For instance, perhaps they were breaking traffic laws — or maybe a drunk driver got behind the wheel.
• Harm causation: Violating a duty of care certainly increases the risk of harming others. However, liability only exists when it’s proven that a person’s violation directly led to harm. In a car crash, such harm could include significant property damage, serious injuries, medical bills, and more.

Pursuing compensation following automobile accidents can be an uphill battle. Fortunately, the law typically takes the side of victims in personal injury cases. Still, this doesn’t mean proving liability will be a simple endeavor. While the at-fault party’s insurance coverage may be enough to cover your losses, this doesn’t mean adjusters will offer fair compensation from the start. Fortunately, car accident lawyers in Hollywood, FL can review your case, get witness statements, access police reports, consult accident reconstruction experts, and so much more to assist you.

Don’t risk the opportunity for substantial compensation. Let our law firm hold distracted drivers and other liable parties financially responsible for your losses.

What Issues Can Affect Your Ability to Recover Compensation?

After suffering serious harm in a Hollywood car accident, it may be immediately apparent that you’ve suffered substantial losses. Perhaps you needed extensive medical care, which occurred when you lost income due to being unable to work. Additionally, it’s possible that liability seems clear — and you believe the courts would clearly side with you. Unfortunately, some issues could affect your ability to seek compensation.

For instance, did you know there’s a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit? The Florida statute of limitations for car accident injuries is two years. This is also true for wrongful death claims. Additionally, many of our Hollywood clients are surprised to learn that they may be entitled to compensation even if they contributed to their own accident. That’s because Florida comparative negligence laws allow injury victims to seek compensation even if they’re partially liable for their own injuries.

However, sharing liability also means your compensation could be reduced. This can be devastating for those who suffer permanent impairment, spinal cord injuries, or even relatively minor injuries in car crashes. This is why you should never speak to an insurance company without first discussing your case with a car accident lawyer in Hollywood, FL. Contact The Law Offices of James Jean-Francois, P.A., today to review your options.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Hollywood, FL Today

Dealing with an insurance company, even for simple matters, can be a headache. Unfortunately, things can get far more complex when you’ve suffered serious injuries and are entitled to substantial compensation. Victims often find themselves facing growing medical bills at a time when they’re unable to work. The combination of lost wages and mounting expenses is enough to make anyone feel like they’re drowning. Fortunately, car accident victims have the right to legal representation — so make sure you find a dedicated advocate to work for you.

At The Law Offices of James Jean-Francois, P.A., we handle personal injury claims every day. We know what it takes to secure fair compensation from an insurance company. And if litigation becomes necessary, we have the experience required to prove that the at-fault driver or other liable party is responsible for your injuries in court. If your insurance coverage isn’t enough to cover your losses, you have options beyond what Florida’s no-fault laws provide. Contact us at (954) 516-1353 to schedule a free consultation.

A car accident attorney in Hollywood, FL, will review your case and help you better understand your options.