GOLDLAW – West Palm Beach Personal Injury Lawyers, Car Accident, Slip & Fall – Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb

Category: Personal Injury Blog

  • Highway Trucking Accidents More Frequent and Fatal in Florida

    Data released by Florida Dept. of Highway Safety shows injuries and fatalities from trucking accidents skew 3X higher than national average

    For Immediate Release – 10/14/13 (WEST PALM BEACH, FL) – For many in South Florida, Interstate 95 is a busy, sprawling pipeline for work-week commuters and other motorists. It’s also the lifeline for enormous, 10,000-pound plus commercial freight liners and trailers, and the rest of us need to share the road. But just how safe is this space-sharing arrangement for Florida drivers?

    According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, while only about 2% of all commercial vehicle accidents in the U.S. result in a fatality, nearly 20% result in a fatality, incapacity, or serious injury. Of all highway and surface street trucking accidents, about 75% result in little or no injury, thanks at least in part to “underride guards”, and the fact that many accidents are low-speed collisions in which the truck strikes another vehicle.

    Sadly, however, the risk of a fatality occurring as a result of a commercial vehicle collision nationwide more than doubles when a passenger vehicle strikes the tractor or trailer from the rear (Source: http://1.usa.gov/19AGddN).

    In Florida, however, those numbers are far more alarming. According to the Traffic Crash Statistics Report for 2010, commissioned by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, while fatalities in overall state-wide vehicle accidents are down from the year before by 4.6%, fatalities resulting from a trucking accident skew higher than the national average at 2.75%, while 59% of accidents involving a truck and trailer resulted in bodily injury or fatality (Source: http://bit.ly/1geYPaH – page 31).

    Data on trucking accidents

    *Data compiled from a 2006 FMCSA report; source link in this document
    **Data compiled from a 2010 FLHSMV report; source link in this document

    Large, commercial vehicle accidents can be terrifying. An August 2013 Palm Beach County-area crash involving a tractor trailer and a Palm Tran bus in which 11 passengers were injured suggests sharing the road with these behemoth machines isn’t as safe as we might think (Source: ).

    And the truck drivers themselves can be dangerous and unpredictable. There have been at least two cases in the last two weeks in which a truck driver has struck, hit, injured, or killed motorists who were pulled over on the side of an interstate, and then fled the scene.

    These massive collisions occur all over the U.S. A few weeks ago, two colliding tractor-trailers lead to a 41-car pileup in Virginia (Source: ).

    One group of researchers has been quietly releasing national data spanning the last two decades on this very subject of whether commercial trucking vehicle accidents are more or less likely to result in injury, incapacity, or fatality.

    According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in a study appropriated by the Department of Transportation, an estimated 400,000 trucks are involved in motor vehicle accidents each year. That compares to figures released in an earlier 2006 study by the same researchers that shows only about 120,000 were recorded between April 2001 and December 2003 (Source: http://1.usa.gov/1aETwKm).

    The FMCSA was organized by the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act in 1999 to study and determine the effects, and causes, of commercial motor vehicle accidents in the U.S.
    Underride guards (steel support bars affixed to the back of a tractor trailer) can help reduce the risk of injury to drivers of passenger vehicles when the passenger vehicle rear-ends the tractor trailer squarely (at no angle), so that the force is distributed across the width of the passenger vehicle’s front chassis.

    But for eight of the biggest tractor trailer manufacturers for the American market, which account for more than 80% of the trucks on our roads, a recent study found that when a passenger vehicle strikes the guard on any other angle other than head-on (for example, if a driver were to swerve and hit the corner of the trailer’s guard just before impact), even at a low rate of speed (35 MPH), all but one failed safety crash tests designed to ensure the passengers would be unharmed. Here is a video from the authors of that IIHS study. (Source: ).

    VerdictSearch, a research firm that publishes the annual Top Florida Verdicts and Settlements, released its 2012 report this summer. In it, one of Craig Goldenfarb’s motor vehicle accident cases is listed as the 3rd largest settlement for 2012.

    Seven out of eight of the top motor vehicle accident cases settled and documented in Top Florida Verdicts 2012, including Mr. Goldenfarb’s case, involved a commercial trucking company as the defendant.

    Mr. Goldenfarb’s case involved Stuart Jay Mackinnon, a man traveling to work on Indiantown Road, who was suddenly cut-off by a large semi-tractor driver. The collision caused Mr. Mackinnon to undergo multiple surgeries, and Mr. Goldenfarb and his team worked diligently to secure a $2,010,000 settlement.

    “Tractor trailer accidents are particularly devastating not just because the mass of the vehicle is often five times that of a passenger vehicle, or more”, Mr. Goldenfarb says of interstate trucking dangers, “but these days we have to factor unpredictable, variable elements that include time of day, speed, and distracted, or even intoxicated, truck drivers. The dangers have been brought to light recently by the sad case of Vincent Matthews and Mariah King, both victims of a deadly hit-and-run collision involving a truck driver and his vehicle in Port St. Lucie.” Mr. Goldenfarb’s case analysis on this incident is here.

    Mr. Goldenfarb points to data compiled and released by FMCSA for large trucking accidents between 1996 and 2001 that shows 2.8% of accidents that occurred in Michigan during that time were attributed to truck drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs (Source: http://1.usa.gov/17pqj3S).

    What can drivers do to protect themselves when sharing the road with large commercial trucks?

    1. Stay Attentive: being aware of your surroundings while on I-95 is critical to avoiding any collision. Avoid a trucker’s “blind spots” on either side of the rear trailer. If at all possible, don’t pass a truck on its passenger side, and avoid “lingering” when passing.
    2. Keep Clear: respecting the tractor trailer’s space is important. Heed the “stay back 50 feet” warnings. In severe rain, fog, or wind, pay special attention and watch out for slow or lane-changing trailers.
    3. Avoid A Rear-Ender: Often, commercial vehicle accidents involve the driver of a tractor trailer rear-ending a passenger vehicle. In slow or stopped traffic, and on busy highways or streets, try to avoid being the vehicle directly in front of a large semi. Stay in the left lane to allow yourself room to swerve out of the path of danger in an emergency.
    4. Pull Off As Far As Possible: If you must pull over, pull as far as possible from the road on the whichever shoulder of the interstate is wider. Engage your emergency lights, even during daylight hours. Be careful if you have to be on the side of the vehicle that is closest to the road – ideally, you will have pulled off on the opposite side.

    The Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. is a West Palm Beach personal injury firm specializing in personal injury, nursing home abuse, heart attacks in public places (AED law), and medical and legal malpractice.

    Interview Mr. Goldenfarb about the Matthews/King case, or on the general dangers of sharing the road with truck drivers on Interstate I-95.

    Media Contact and Inquiries: Tom Copeland, Marketing Director for The Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A., (561) 727-3140 or TCopeland@800GOLDLAW.com.

  • Why Is Tailgating So Dangerous?

    Tailgating occurs when a driver follows the car in front of him too closely and decreases the amount of reaction time that a driver has to react. When the driver cannot avoid hitting the vehicle in front of him tailgating can cause a serious car accident. According to some researchers, tailgating contributes to more than one-third of highway accidents.

    How Much Distance Should There Be Between Cars?

    In most cases, the Two Second Rule allows enough following distance. When the car in front of you passes a sign, you should be able to count “One Mississippi, Two Mississippi” before you pass the sign. However, if the road is wet and rainy, you should allow four second between your own car and the vehicle in front of you. In the rare case that we have ice on our Florida roads, allow at least ten seconds.

    Of course, counting seconds while driving is distracting. A good rule is to allow ten feet of space for every ten miles per hour that you are driving. If you are driving 30 miles per hour, allow 30 feet between vehicles. Large trucks and motorcycles require longer stopping distances, so add extra space when following these vehicles.

    If an impatient driver is so close to your bumper that you can’t see his headlights, what should you do? Remain calm. Don’t be tempted to tap your breaks in an attempt to get the driver to back off and don’t exceed the speed limit in an attempt to outrun the tailgater. These behaviors may cause an accident. Instead, wave the other driver in front of you or try to gradually slow down and pull over.

    Call Our Office If You’ve Been Injured in a West Palm Beach Tailgating Accident

    If you’ve been injured in a West Palm Beach car accident that was caused by a driver who was tailgating, contact the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. Our West Palm Beach auto accident lawyers can help you protect your claim and get the fair compensation you deserve.

  • When Car Accidents Cause Knee Injuries

    When we think of what happens to the body during a West Palm Beach car accident, we picture the head slamming forward and back causing traumatic brain injury, neck injury and spinal cord injury. However, the lower body is also affected by the force of a car crash. In many cases, the impact of the crash sends the victim sliding forward and under the steering wheel, slamming his or her knees on the dash board. In other accidents, the knee is ben or twisted in an unnatural way. Often car crashes cause serious damage to the cartilage and bones that create the knee joint. In fact, car accidents are one of the most common causes of knee injuries.

    West Palm Beach car crash knee injuries can range from minor tears and bruises to dislocations, fractures and ruptures.

    Common knee injuries include:

    1. ACL Tear – The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is the ligament that holds the knee in place. ACL tears may be painless at first, but over time they can cause significant pain and disability.
    2. PCL Tear – The PCL, or posterior cruciate ligament, is the ligament in back of the knee that keeps the knee stable. Damage to the PCL can result in severe pain, instability of the knee, and trouble walking.
    3. Torn Meniscus – The meniscus is the cartilage in the knee joint that pads and prevents friction between the leg bones. If this is damaged, the knee may stick or “pop”.
    4. MCL Tear – The MCL, medial collateral ligament, keeps the knee flexible. If it is torn, the accident victim may have difficulty walking and performing every day activities.

    Knee injuries are painful and often require long recovery times. West Palm Beach car accident victims with knee injuries may be unable to work for an extended period of time. If you have sustained a knee injury in a Florida car crash, you may be concerned about how to pay your medical bills and other expenses.

    West Palm Beach auto accident lawyer Craig Goldenfarb helps victims of South Florida car accidents to get the compensation they are entitled to. If you have sustained a knee injury in a Florida car crash, you may be eligible for compensation for your hospital and doctor’s bills, physical therapy, rehabilitation, medication, lost income and lost earning capacity, pain and suffering and diminished quality of life.

  • Visitors Falling in a Nursing Home: Responding to the Crisis

    West Palm Beach, FL area nursing homes can be dangerous places for residents as well as visitors. Falling in a Florida nursing home can lead to massive medical complications, ranging from simple but annoying (e.g., sprained ankle or hip) to catastrophic (e.g., uncontrolled bleeding, traumatic brain injury, spinal damage, etc…).

    South Florida is a popular spot for retirees, thanks to the beautiful weather, community spirit and resources for seniors. Unfortunately, many West Palm Beach area nursing homes are poorly managed, understaffed and poorly maintained. Visitors to a property can get hurt in any number of ways: they can slip and fall on wet floors; trip over cords, garbage, or debris; or even suffer an accident when a cane or walker collapses at an inopportune moment.

    When Visitors Fall in a Nursing Home, Is the Nursing Home Liable?

    Liability in a Florida slip and fall case depends very specifically on the details of the accident. If you acted in a knowingly careless or negligent fashion, the nursing home can essentially argue that you brought the accident upon yourself. Examples of such cases may include:

    • You went into an “employee’s only” area without permission.
    • You went for a joy ride in a nursing home golf cart and then tipped the cart over.
    • You drank alcohol or took massive amounts of prescription painkillers and wandered around the premises.

    In other cases, the nursing home clearly bears significant responsibility for what happened. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to know whether the nursing home was liable or not. Even if you believe the home was in the wrong, you still need to provide compelling evidence and build a powerful case to obtain a settlement or judgment in your favor.

    Fortunately, the Florida slip and fall lawyers at the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb have powerful processes and procedures to help accident victims like you protect your rights. Connect with our compassionate, thorough, knowledgeable team at the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb.

  • Truck Accidents In Florida

    Earlier this week, a tractor-trailer overturned a stopped traffic on I-95. There are five types of big rig accidents that are common on Palm Beach County highways. Rollovers are just one.

    Five types of Palm Beach County Trucking Accidents:

    1. Rollover accidents
    2. Head-on accidents
    3. Jackknife accidents
    4. Underride accidents
    5. Override accidents

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    1. Rollover accidents – Most people are familiar with rollover crashes. Truck rollovers generally occur because of high speeds, shifting cargo, driver inexperience, improper maintenance or dangerous road conditions.
    2. Head-on accidents – A head-on truck crash occurs when one vehicle leaves its lane and crashes into on-coming traffic.
    3. Jackknife accidents – Jackknife truck wrecks occur when a truck driver suddenly brakes and the cab of the truck moves back to a position parallel with the trailer. When this happens, the driver will not be able to control his vehicle. Jackknife accidents often result in a rollovers.
    4. Underride accidents – In underrride accidents a smaller vehicle ends up crashed underneath the larger truck. This type of crash can occur when a driver is following a truck and the truck abruptly stops. If the driver cannot brake in time, his vehicle can get caught under the body of a tractor trailer. As the smaller car crashes into the semi-truck, anything coming into contact with the truck sustains serious damage – especially the occupants of the car. These types of accidents have a high fatality rate.
    5. Override accidents – Override accidents are similar to underride accidents, but the truck runs over the smaller vehicle. These deadly accidents often occur when a truck driver fails to check his blind spots for smaller vehicles. Because the bottom of a truck tends to hit a passenger car at eye level, victims who survive these types of accidents often sustain serious head injuries.

    Eighteen-wheelers are far larger than the standard passenger vehicle. When a truck and car collide in a West Palm Beach trucking accident, it is the occupants of the passenger vehicle that are most likely to sustain serious injuries.

    Unfortunately, even with the truck driver is at fault, the trucking companies will do their best to avoid paying damages. If you have been injured in a Palm Beach County large truck accident and want to ensure that you are treated fairly, you need an experienced Florida personal injury attorney on your side.

    Craig Goldenfarb, an accident attorney in West Palm Beach, fights for the rights of Florida injury victims. To discuss your claim with an accident attorney in West Palm Beach, contact the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb.

  • Tire Failure: Are You At Risk For A Traffic Accident?

    Learn the early warning signs of tire failure.

    Every year about 400 people lose their lives in traffic accidents caused by tire failure.

    Your tires are the part of your car that physically touch the ground and are a significant part of how your vehicle responds to steering and to braking. The condition of your tires can affect your car’s overall highway safety.

    Causes of tire failure:

    • Improper tire inflation
    • Too much weight
    • Tire damage
    • Inadequate tire maintenance
    • Defective tires

    How can you be sure that your tires are in safe condition and will perform reliably? West Palm Beach auto accident lawyer Craig Goldenfarb suggests performing regular tire checks.

    Fast and easy tire check:

    1. Check your tire’s inflation. It is normal for tires to slowly lose air through the rubber and through the interfaces with the wheel as well as through seasonal temperature changes. It is estimated that almost half tof all cars on the road have one or more underinflated tires. An underinflated tire can affect your vehicle control and can lead to premature tire blowouts. See our article, “Checking Your Tire Pressure May Save Your Life: Learn More”, for tire inflation maintenance tips.

    2. Visually inspect your tires. Look for the following signs of tire damage:

    • Cracking or cuts in the sidewalls.
    • Bulges or blisters.

    If you see any of these signs of damage, your tires may be dangerous. Have them professionally inspected immediately.

    3. Check your tire’s tread. Look for uneven tread wear or excessively worn tread. Most new tires have tread-wear indicator bars that run across the tread at 1/16-inch, the minimum allowable tread depth. When the tread has worn down to these bars, it is time to replace your tires.

    If you don’t have inexpensive tread-wear indicator bars, you can check your tires’ tread using a tread wear gauge or a penny.

    Penny Test for Tread Wear

    Place a penny with Lincoln’s head facing down into several tread grooves across the tire. If part of Lincoln’s head is always covered by the tread, you have more than 1/16″ of tread depth remaining. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tires need replacing.

    4. Watch for excessive vibration. Tire vibration can be a sign of internal tire damage or it can indicate that a wheel is misaligned, unbalanced, or bent. If your car is vibrating, take it to a mechanic as soon as possible.

    Were you injured in a Florida tire failure car crash?

    If you have been injured in a Palm Beach County car accident caused by dangerous tires the tire company or tire store may be liable for your injuries. A West Palm Beach auto accident lawyer may be able to help. An attorney will be able to determine the cause of your tire failure car accident and identify the liable party. Contact the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb.

  • Sneaky Tricks Used By Insurance Adjusters

    An insurance adjuster works for an insurance company. No matter how nice, helpful, or even trustworthy the adjuster may seem, the job of an insurance adjuster is to settle an accident claim for as little as possible. An insurance adjuster, therefore, is loyal to the insurance company. The adjuster will act in the best interest of the insurance company regardless of whether it is fair to you. It is important to be alert of the various tactics that may be used to achieve this goal.

    Be Careful Of What You Say
    An adjuster will often use the “nice guy” act to acquire information from you that will help the adjuster settle the claim for a small amount. The insurance adjuster may use the following techniques to gather information:

    • Keep a record of what you said: An adjuster will make a written record of everything you say about the accident, how you feel, and whether you received medical treatment.
    • Request a recorded statement: An injury victim does not have to make a recorded statement, but some insurance companies may request one as a condition of settling a claim.
    • Request access to past records: An adjuster may ask you to sign a release that will allow the insurance company access to past records. An insurance company might try to use these records against you even if they are not relevant to the case.

    Don’t Settle Before the Full Extent of Your Injuries Becomes Known

    Another tactic used by insurance adjusters is to rush into settlement. While it may seem appealing to settle quickly, the injuries sustained may be latent and may require long-term treatment not accounted for in the settlement. When a person agrees to a settlement early on before the full extent of the injuries are known, the injured person is responsible for paying for the medical treatment, even if the settlement is inadequate.

    Don’t Let the Insurance Company’s Delay Make You Desperate

    Insurance adjusters will not stop at just using your own statements and history to diminish the worth of your case. Sometimes adjusters use delay tactics. This is effective because a delay in a settlement means that the insurance company benefits by keeping the money longer. Insurance companies also use this tactic because it creates desperation, and therefore, it may force you to settle for less than a fair amount.

    Talk to an Attorney First

    Before speaking with an insurance adjuster, it is important to talk to a personal injury attorney. An attorney can give you crucial information about the value of your case, about what to say to the insurance adjuster, and about what is a fair settlement.

  • Slip and Fall Accidents in Retail Stores

    A person can slip or trip and fall anywhere; but when it occurs in a store, the store may be responsible for the accident. Under Florida law, if you sustain an injury in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, you may be able to recover compensation from the store or the property owner under the legal theory of premises liability.

    When You Slip and Fall in a Store

    A customer in a retail store is categorized as an invitee. An invitee is a person who enters the property for a business purpose. The store, consequently, has a duty under the law to use reasonable care to prevent accidents. This means that the store must routinely inspect areas accessible to the public for dangerous conditions. When someone sustains an injury because of a dangerous condition, the store may be held liable for the following reasons: if the store was responsible for the dangerous condition, if the store was aware of the dangerous condition and failed to correct it, or if the store should have been aware of the dangerous condition.

    Florida Law Allows Recovery Even When You Are Partly At Fault

    Although property owners and possessors owe a duty to use reasonable care to protect you from harm, Florida law also imposes a duty on customers. Customers must also use reasonable care for their own safety. This, however, does not mean that it will bar you from recovering damages if you were partly to blame. Even if you bear some fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover under Florida’s comparative fault system. This means that your damages are reduced according to your percentage of fault. If, for example, you were 50 percent at fault for the accident, you would receive $50,000 of a $100,000 award.

    When to Call an Attorney

    Every slip and fall case is different. If you sustained a slip and fall injury in a Florida store, you may be entitled to compensation. If you think that the accident was partly your fault, do not be discouraged. You still may be able to recover compensation. Contact Craig Goldenfarb, a West Palm Beach slip and fall attorney, to learn more about your rights.

  • Safe Swimming: A Guide To Pool Safety

    Summer is coming to Florida. Swimming pools are a great way to keep cool despite the heat and humidity, but swimming pools can be dangerous. West Palm Beach drowning lawyer Craig Goldenfarb has prepared this list of safety tips to help you and your family enjoy the pool and stay safe.

    First the facts:

    According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 3500 people are killed in drowning accidents every year. About 400 (11%) of these accidents occur in Florida, making Florida the top state for drowning deaths.

    Florida is also the top state for near-drowning accidents. About 566 people a year are injured in Florida swimming pool accidents. The most common types of injuries which occur in swimming pool accidents include:

    • Near drowning
    • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
    • Injury to the spinal cord
    • Disembowelment
    • Injuries to the limbs
    • Death

    Some facts regarding swimming pool accidents in the U.S.:

    • According to CDC data, over one quarter of drowning victims are children. Sixty percent of near-drowning victims are children.
    • Children between the ages of one and four are most likely to be involved in Florida swimming pool accidents.
    • Approximately one-fifth of children who are admitted to hospitals after near-drowning accidents sustain serious long-term brain damage.
    • The lifelong cost of treating the injuries sustained by a swimming pool accident drowning victim can cost more than $4 million.
    • Florida’s drowning rate is twice the rate for the rest of the United States.
    • Negligence and defective pool parts are the two most common causes of West Palm Beach swimming pool accidents.

    Florida swimming pool safety tips:

    Most young children who become victims of swimming pool accidents are injured while at home. In most cases, the child had been out of sight for fewer than five minutes, and was in the care of one or both parents when the drowning occurred. Don’t assume your child is safe; it is worth the time and cost to take steps to prevent Florida swimming pool accidents.

    West Palm Beach drowning lawyer Craig Goldenfarb suggests taking the following safety precautions:

    • Install a pool fence which completely secures the swimming pool area. The fence should be, at minimum, 4 feet high with self-closing and self-latching gates which open outward. The latches should be out of the reach of children.
    • Install automated door locks and/or alarms so children cannot access the pool area without an adult.
    • Install a powered safety pool cover or other type of motor-powered barrier that will prevent accidental falls into the pool.
    • Remove any flotation devices, balls, or other toys from the pool area when not in use so children aren’t tempted to enter the area.
    • If the pool is above ground, remove all ladders/steps when the pool is not being used.
    • Make sure that the pump’s shut off switch is clearly marked.
    • Check all of the pool’s drains. Never attempt to use a pool with a broken drain.
    • Use a pool drain cover with a dome-shaped design.
    • Consider the installation of a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS), which will automatically shutoff when any type of blockage is detected.
    • Get your pool inspected every year; all drains and other pool parts should be checked for integrity and safety at the beginning of the swimming season.
    • Make sure there is an adult present whenever children are swimming. Do not rely on flotation devices.
    • Take a CPR class. These are available through the Palm Beach Red Cross, 561-833-7711.

    If you have lost a loved one to a West Palm Beach drowning accident, we are very sorry for your loss. If your loss occurred because another person failed to prevent the accident or because of a defective pool part, you may be able to file a Florida drowning lawsuit. We know compensation can’t erase your loss, but it can help you get the accountability you need.

    If your child was injured in a near-drowning, a Florida drowning lawsuit can help you get compensation for their medical care and disability. To learn more, pleasecontact the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. today to schedule a confidential, no-cost consultation with a West Palm Beach drowning lawyer.

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  • Representing Yourself In A Car Accident Claim

    If you were in a West Palm Beach car accident, you may be considering representing yourself in order to save money. If you decide to represent yourself in your Florida accident injury claim, here are some tips from a car accident attorney in West Palm Beach.

    • Know the law. Florida is a no-fault state, so if your injuries are minor, you will be seeking compensation from your own insurance company. If your injuries are serious, you have the right to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation from the driver who is at fault.
    • Be able to prove that the other driver was negligent and that his negligence caused your injuries. This means that you have to prove that the driver acted with less care than is required by law.
    • Know the damages that you are entitled to. Florida law allows you to seek compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, disfigurement, disability and more. You need to know what damages apply to your claim and how much compensation to ask for.
    • Know the value of your claim. If you ask for too little, you could end up in debt. If you ask for too much, the insurance company or jury will see you as greedy and reject your claim. Knowing the value of your claim will help you determine if you should accept a settlement or file a lawsuit.
    • Know the statute of limitations. In Florida, you have four years from the date of injury to file a car crash injury claim.

    Representing yourself may be a good idea if you sustained no serious injuries and your property damage adds up to less than $1,000. However, if your car has sustained heavy damage, you are seriously injured, or there is a question about fault, you may be better off hiring a Florida car accident attorney.

    Worried about the cost? Craig Goldenfarb, a car accident attorney in West Palm Beach, offers a free initial consultation. He also accepts Florida motor vehicle injury cases on a contingency basis. This means you don’t pay attorney fees until he gets results for you. If you lose, you owe nothing. Still not certain? Studies have found that personal injury victims who hire an attorney receive settlements that are significantly larger than those received by accident victims who represent themselves – even after attorney’s fees.

    If you’d like to discuss your claim with a car accident lawyer in West Palm Beach, contact the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb.