Car Accident Attorney Palm Beach County

Car Accident Attorney Palm Beach County

Being in a car crash can turn your life upside down in seconds. From dealing with injuries and mounting medical bills to navigating confusing insurance claims, the process is rarely simple. At Hersh Kirtman, we represent those in need of a Car Accident Attorney Palm Beach County residents can trust to protect their rights and take legal burdens off their plates. We step in when things feel overwhelming and work to make sure your voice is heard, your case is taken seriously, and no critical detail falls through the cracks. 

Our focus is always on building a strong path forward, one that reflects your needs and goals—not the insurance company’s. Each case deserves close attention, a thoughtful strategy, and honest communication—because your recovery matters, and we believe in standing up for those navigating the unexpected.

Experienced Legal Representation for Car Accident Victims in Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County sees its fair share of motor vehicle collisions, ranging from minor fender-benders to serious multi-car pileups. With heavy traffic along I-95 and congested intersections throughout West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and beyond, the risk is ever-present.

We understand how devastating a crash can be—physically, emotionally, and financially. Injuries can range from whiplash and fractures to traumatic brain injuries that impact day-to-day functioning. On top of the physical pain, there’s often emotional trauma—anxiety behind the wheel, disrupted sleep, and the fear of how life may look moving forward. Then there are the financial burdens: missed work, mounting medical bills, and unexpected costs that only add to the stress.

That’s why our Car Accident Attorney takes the time to assess every detail of your case, advocate for fair compensation, and help navigate the legal steps ahead. Whether you were rear-ended at a stoplight or sideswiped on the freeway, we’ll stand with you from start to finish.

Many insurance companies may attempt to limit payouts, delay the claims process, or shift blame, which can leave injury victims feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to respond. We work to stay aware of the common challenges that arise in these situations and prepare accordingly. Our approach is rooted in thorough preparation, open communication, and a commitment to helping clients understand their legal rights every step of the way.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Palm Beach County

While every accident carries its own set of facts, there are patterns we see consistently across Palm Beach County roads. Understanding these patterns is key to identifying what went wrong and why.

Distracted Driving

Distractions remain a top cause of accidents. Whether texting, using navigation apps, adjusting the radio, or eating behind the wheel, they pull attention from the road and increase the likelihood of a crash.

Speeding and Aggressive Maneuvers

Many crashes occur because drivers fail to respect speed limits or make unsafe lane changes. Speeding not only reduces the time available to react but also increases the severity of impact.

Impaired Driving

Alcohol and drug impairment, including prescription medications, drastically affect reaction times and decision-making abilities. DUI-related crashes continue to claim lives and cause injuries across the country.

Failure to Yield or Obey Traffic Signals

Intersections are common sites for collisions. Drivers who run red lights or ignore stop signs often cause devastating T-bone or side-impact crashes.

Weather Conditions

South Florida weather can be unpredictable. Sudden downpours, fog, or slick roads can make driving hazardous, especially when combined with speeding or poor tire maintenance.

A newer concern is drowsy driving, often underreported but just as dangerous. Long work hours, shift jobs, or sleep disorders can leave drivers impaired by fatigue. A few seconds of inattention or microsleep can cause rear-end crashes or veering into oncoming lanes.

Every case requires careful investigation. We build a clearer picture of liability by identifying the exact contributing factors—whether it’s a distracted driver or an overlooked road hazard. This foundation strengthens your case and ensures the evidence supports your account of the accident.

Determining Liability in Palm Beach County Car Accidents

Under Florida’s financial responsibility laws, every motor vehicle owner or operator in the state must maintain financial responsibility for property damage liability in the amount of at least $10,000 per crash. Vehicle owners can meet this requirement by carrying a qualifying insurance policy, self-insuring, or using other approved methods. Alternatively, drivers may carry a combined policy that covers at least $30,000 in total for both property damage and bodily injury liability in a single crash.

Liability boils down to who was legally at fault. That might sound simple, but it often involves reviewing police reports, traffic camera footage, witness testimony, and expert accident reconstruction.

Florida’s comparative negligence rule can also reduce compensation based on a driver’s degree of fault, so establishing the right narrative early is vital.

Multiple parties can share liability. For instance, if a trucking company fails to maintain a vehicle that caused an accident, both the driver and the company may be held accountable. In other scenarios, government entities may be responsible for dangerous road conditions. We consider every angle and pursue all available avenues to ensure you aren’t left covering expenses you didn’t cause.

Proving Negligence After a Car Accident

To recover damages, your case must prove that the other party acted negligently. According to the American Justice Society, there are four key elements involved:

Duty of care

The other driver had a legal responsibility to act safely. Every driver on the road assumes this responsibility the moment they get behind the wheel, whether it’s obeying traffic signals, maintaining safe speeds, or staying alert to surrounding conditions.

Breach of duty

They failed to uphold that responsibility. This could include behaviors like distracted driving, speeding, ignoring stop signs, or making unsafe lane changes—actions that a reasonably careful person would have avoided.

Causation 

Their actions directly caused the accident. It must be shown that the breach of duty wasn’t just careless but was the reason for the collision and resulting harm.

Damages

You suffer measurable harm as a result, and these damages may include not only physical injuries and medical bills but also pain and suffering, lost income, property damage, and the emotional toll that follows a serious crash.

We gather evidence to support these points—medical records, photos from the scene, and more—so your case is built on a solid foundation.

It’s not unusual for the other party to deny fault or attempt to shift blame. In those cases, the quality of available evidence and witness statements can make a big difference. Our approach focuses on assembling a clear and consistent account of what happened, supported by reliable documentation and details that help establish the truth of your experience.

Types of Compensation Available to Car Accident Victims

When someone else’s negligence leads to an accident, Florida law allows victims to pursue compensation for a wide range of losses—both economic and non-economic. These may include:

• Medical expenses: Covers your hospital visits, treatments, medications, and long-term care tied to the crash.
• Lost income: Includes time missed from work and reduced future earning potential.
• Pain and suffering: Refers to the physical discomfort and its ongoing impact on your daily life.
• Emotional distress: Psychological effects such as anxiety or trauma caused by the incident.
• Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any belongings affected in the crash.

Our role is to assess both tangible and intangible losses—not just what’s documented on paper—so we can pursue a settlement that genuinely reflects the impact the accident has had on your life.

Medical bills are often just the beginning. Many individuals require physical therapy, ongoing treatment, or accommodations that affect their quality of life. In some cases, the financial impact includes the loss of career opportunities or long-term income. We take these into account to help you pursue what you’re truly owed.

Non-economic damages—such as anxiety, depression, or the emotional trauma of the crash—are also part of the equation. These experiences may not show up on receipts, but they leave a lasting mark. That’s why we include them in every demand package we prepare.

What About Punitive Damages?

According to Florida Statute § 768.72, a plaintiff in a civil case cannot pursue punitive damages unless they first present evidence that reasonably supports the basis for such a claim. The plaintiff must file a motion to amend their complaint, and the court must allow it before any discovery related to the defendant’s financial worth can proceed.

A court may only hold a defendant liable for punitive damages if the trier of fact finds clear and convincing evidence that the defendant engaged in intentional misconduct or gross negligence.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident

The decisions made in the moments after a crash can shape your legal claim. The Florida DMV accident guide outlines several requirements and suggestions:

1. Stop your vehicle: Leaving the scene can result in criminal charges. Even in minor accidents, staying at the scene and safely pulling over is not only the law—it can protect your ability to file a claim later.
2. Check for injuries: Prioritize safety and medical help. Evaluate yourself and the others involved. Some injuries may not be obvious right away, so it’s important to remain still and call for emergency assistance if needed.
3. Call law enforcement: A police report creates official documentation. Officers can take statements, issue citations, and file a report that may be vital in determining liability.
4. Exchange information: Get insurance and contact details from all involved. Write down full names, phone numbers, license plates, and insurance providers. If there are witnesses nearby, ask for their contact details, too.
5. Document the scene: Take photos of the damage, road conditions, and license plates. Capture different angles of the vehicles, injuries, and surrounding environment. Include skid marks, traffic signs, and even weather conditions if relevant.
6. Notify your insurer: But avoid giving a recorded statement right away. Let them know the facts of the incident, but speak with an attorney before making any formal or detailed statement that could affect your claim.

Taking action early can make it easier to gather the right information and avoid missteps. Consulting with a car accident attorney can also help you avoid common pitfalls during this critical time.

Try to avoid discussing fault at the scene. Even casual remarks like “I didn’t see you” or “I’m sorry” may be used against you later. Instead, focus on exchanging accurate information and cooperating with police.

It’s also smart to keep a journal in the days and weeks following your crash. Document how your injuries affect your daily life—whether it’s missing work, difficulty sleeping, or trouble with routine tasks. These firsthand accounts become valuable tools in showing the true impact of your accident.

How Our Palm Beach County Car Accident Attorneys Can Assist You

When your life is disrupted by an accident, handling the legal process shouldn’t fall on your shoulders. Our team listens closely, handles the insurance runaround, and brings clarity to the chaos.

We’ve handled cases involving:

• Hit-and-run accidents
• Uninsured or underinsured drivers
• Multi-vehicle collisions
• Drunk driving accidents

With every case, we keep communication clear, timelines realistic, and strategies focused on results. We’re not here to make promises but to take action.

For families dealing with fatal accidents, we also represent wrongful death claims. These tragic cases require sensitivity and persistence. We focus on securing justice and financial relief so families can focus on healing.

Schedule a Consultation with a Palm Beach County Car Accident Attorney

Getting answers shouldn’t be complicated. Our team is here to walk you through your options, explain your rights, and help you decide the next steps. Don’t let insurance adjusters pressure you into a quick settlement or undervalue your injuries—doing so could affect your recovery and your ability to get fair compensation.

Contact Hersh Kirtman today at 561.208.3700 and speak with a Car Accident Attorney Palm Beach County drivers trust when the road takes a wrong turn.  Let’s talk about what happened and how we can help you move forward on your terms, with clarity and confidence in the process.