
If you’ve been involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault in Delray Beach, Florida, you might be wondering whether you need to hire a car accident lawyer. Florida law allows you to pursue compensation from the responsible party by filing a legal claim.
However, the at-fault party likely won’t willingly pay the full value of your claim. That’s why the law establishes financial liability when certain legal elements are present. Even then, you’ll need to prove the extent of your damages to recover all the compensation you’re entitled to.
You might be asking yourself, “When should I hire a car accident lawyer?” The short answer is that while many cases don’t require going to court, let alone trial, there are important reasons to hire an attorney in certain circumstances. Read on to learn more about how car accident claims work and why hiring a lawyer might be your best course of action.
The Insurance Claims Process

Most car accident cases, especially those involving motor vehicles, start as insurance claims. Florida is a “no-fault” state for auto accidents, which means your own insurance company may cover your medical expenses and certain losses, regardless of who was at fault. This coverage is provided by Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance.
However, if your injuries are severe (such as a debilitating, serious brain injury) and meet specific thresholds, you might have the option to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. A lawyer can help you evaluate your situation during a free consultation.
Remember, insurance companies are not on your side. They are businesses aiming to make a profit by collecting premiums and minimizing payouts. Because of this, be cautious when dealing with insurance companies.
They may use tactics designed to reduce or even deny your claim. Ideally, you should have a lawyer handle all communications with them.
Settlement Negotiations
If you hire a lawyer, they can send a demand letter to the insurance company outlining your damages and requesting compensation. The insurance company might deny your claim or respond with an offer that is much less than what you deserve.
This begins the settlement negotiation process between your attorney and the insurer. These negotiations often result in a fair agreement, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes, the insurance company won’t make an adequate offer or won’t accept liability at all.
Reasons To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
The unique facts and circumstances of your case will determine whether you need to hire a car accident lawyer. Two primary reasons to consider hiring an attorney are if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement or if there is a dispute over who was at fault.
When your lawyer files a lawsuit and takes your case to court, they can gather more information through a process called pretrial discovery. This allows them to obtain documents, records, and other evidence from the other party that can strengthen your case.
Even after a lawsuit is filed, settlement negotiations can continue throughout the legal process. Filing a lawsuit doesn’t necessarily mean your case will go all the way to trial. A trial happens when a settlement can’t be reached even after all the pre-trial steps have been completed.
Certain cases involve complex issues, such as severe injuries or disputes over liability. If these issues can’t be resolved out of court, hiring a lawyer may be necessary — or at least in your best interest — to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
What Compensation Can You Recover by Filing a Car Accident Claim?
By filing a car accident claim in Delray Beach, you can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover your financial losses related to the accident, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages/diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages compensate you for more subjective losses, including:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
In rare cases, you might also be eligible for punitive damages if the at-fault party’s actions were especially reckless or intentional. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
How Can a Lawyer Help With Your Case?
A car accident lawyer’s main goal is to help you recover as much compensation as possible for you. Some of the ways they can assist you include:
- Investigating the Accident: gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reconstructing the accident scene to establish what happened
- Collecting and Preserving Evidence: obtaining police reports, medical records, and other documentation to support your claim
- Documenting All Your Damages: calculating the full extent of your economic and non-economic losses
- Handling Communications With Insurance Companies: dealing with adjusters and preventing you from saying anything that might harm your case
- Responding to Any Allegations of Fault: defending you against claims that you were responsible for the accident
- Negotiating on Your Behalf: working to secure a fair settlement that covers all your damages
- Filing a Lawsuit: taking legal action if the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement
Having an experienced lawyer by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Insurance companies and other parties are more likely to take your claim seriously when they know you have legal representation.
Contact Our Experienced Delray Beach Car Accident Attorneys for Legal Help
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Delray Beach, Florida, you may be entitled to compensation. Although your case might not go to trial, hiring a lawyer can benefit you in many instances. Call The Injury Law Firm, PA today at (561) 800-4357 to schedule your free consultation.