Injured in an Accident? How a Palm Beach Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

personal injury

Personal Injuries do not just impact you physically, but they can affect your entire life. Some injuries may prevent you from going back to work or living out your daily life like you used to. You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve been injured in an accident or workplace incident. A personal injury lawyer in Palm Beach can help fight for this right.

Accidents are traumatic, and if you’re dealing with the repercussions of one, you may find it challenging to navigate the legal landscape. A Palm Beach personal injury lawyer, like our experts here at Adolphe Law will step in and support you.

Preventable injuries numbered over 200,000 instances in the US in 2020, an increase from the previous year. So, while not everyone will have a severe accident in their lifetime, it is still a possibility. So, you need to know what to do—here are 4 ways a personal injury lawyer can help you after being injured in an accident:

Is Personal Injury Protection Required in Florida

1. Explain the process to you

Navigating the legal system is confusing. Your Palm Beach personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the system by explaining the process and what your next steps are.

This will remove the confusion and stress around your case. You can just follow the expert direction of your personal injury lawyer instead of having to figure it out yourself.

2. Gather evidence for your case

Your personal injury lawyer has two key goals:

  • Prove your innocence
  • Prove the fault of the other party

They achieve this by gathering important evidence about the case. They know what questions to ask and what information to look for to piece together a clear picture of exactly what happened.

3. Offer support and direction

Besides practical legal support, your personal injury lawyer can also be a much-needed personal support during this trying time. If you’ve been injured in an accident, you’re dealing with a lot. At Adolphe Law, we’ve worked with many people through their challenging times and always treat everyone with compassion and empathy. In doing so, we’re able to support our clients and bring them the strength and knowledge to get through this.

4. Help you reach a settlement

Some cases will be settled out of court, others in court. Your personal injury lawyer Palm Beach will work on your behalf to get you the fair compensation you deserve in a way that you are comfortable with.

For example, settling outside of court may be less money, but also takes less time. Some clients may prefer this, while others want to take it to court and get the maximum amount they can.

There are many factors to consider about going to trial, and your Palm Beach personal injury lawyer will know the best direction and advise you appropriately. Our experienced lawyers at Adolphe Law draw on years of experience to know what the best path forward is.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t wait—contact us at Adolphe Law and we’ll connect you to a top Palm Beach, FL personal injury lawyer to fight on your behalf. 

What Do I Do If I am In a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Given the nature of the accident, it’s hard to have an accurate number of how many hit-and-run accidents there are in the USA. One report from the AAA Foundation estimated there to be over 737,000 hit-and-run accidents in 2015. This is a shocking number, and sad that it is still so frequent.

Because hit-and-run accidents still happen, you might wonder: What do I do if I’m in a hit-and-run accident? If you’re unfortunately in this place, there are four steps to follow:

Hit-and-Run Accident Personal Injury Lawyer Near You

1. Call the police

The first step is to always call the police. Do this as soon as you’re able or get someone nearby you to help out. The police will be able to help you file a police report that will help record the details of what happened and support your case.

2. Make a report

After calling the police, they will help you make a report about the hit-and-run accident. Here you will record everything you remember about what happened and the case of the details.

A report can help your personal injury lawyer or accident attorney compile all the data for your case and ensure you receive compensation and coverage.

3. Check for traffic cameras or storefront cameras

While you’re filling out the report, check and see if there are any nearby traffic or storefront cameras. Ideally, a camera has captured what happened and the license plate of the person who caused the accident.

You can tell the police officer about the cameras and record them on your report. Even if you are not sure there is a camera, report any potential camera locations to be investigated further.

4. Adolphe will look at your insurance to see if you are covered

The last step is to contact your personal injury or accident attorney to see if your insurance will cover you. The type of insurance you want in this case is Uninsured Motorist Insurance.

Essentially, this insurance will protect you if you were in an accident where the other party caused it and left the scene. It also covers you if the other driver does not have an insured vehicle. Your accident attorney will be able to see if your insurance is covered.

If you have been in a hit-and-run accident, follow these four simple steps. Knowing this information will help you stay calm under a stressful situation and manage it in the best way possible. When you’re in doubt, contact us at Adolphe Law Group, and one of our experienced accident attorneys will be able to give you more information.

We hope you’re never in a hit-and-run, but if you are, these are the four steps to follow. Adolphe Law Group is here to stand by you and fight for you. Contact us for any questions or more information about what we can do. 

How a Product Liability Attorney Can Help with Defective Product Accidents

Product Liability

When you buy a product from the store, you expect it to be safe to use. You don’t expect the instructions to be erroneous, creating a liability, or an electronic device to explode when you turn it on.

But sometimes, these things happen when the it is defective. And, if they do, they can cause serious injury. That’s when it’s time to see a product liability attorney in Lake Worth to see if you have a case against the manufacturer.

Here’s what you need to know about how a product liability attorney, like Adolphe Law Group, can help.

What is a Defective Product Accident?

defective product

An accident is when there’s an injury, illness, or another negative impact that doesn’t work like it’s supposed to.

When it is defective, it’s typically because of negligence on the part of the manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer. If the injury or accident occurred because the consumer misused it (i.e., they didn’t follow instructions), it’s not defective – instead, it’s a case of user error.

There are three types of defective products:

  • Negligent design: The inventors did not think through safety concerns.
  • Negligent manufacturing: Those who made the it made mistakes.
  • Failure to warn: The manufacturer did not include a reasonable warning on the product.

Common Injuries from Defective Products

There can be a wide variety of injuries. Some common ones include:

  • Cuts or lacerations from sharp or broken pieces
  • Choking from small pieces of children’s toys that break off
  • Burns from overheated electric products
  • Illness or injury from dangerous drugs or chemicals (i.e., for cleaning)
  • Head injuries from something that breaks (i.e., a ladder) while standing on it

When Should You See a Product Liability Attorney?

If you’ve been injured, you may have a legal case. For you to have a case, though, it must be proven that you used the item correctly and followed any instructions or warnings.

If you did that and were still injured, you should contact a liability attorney in Lake Worth.

Here’s what to do:

  • Take photos and make notes of your injury, the product, and what happened
  • Seek medical attention if needed
  • Get legal advice from an attorney and follow their directions

You may be awarded tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation if your case is successful. If you were hurt by a truly defective product and negligent manufacturer, you deserve to be compensated for your hardship.

Another outcome of a successful case is that the company may have to complete a product recall. This is when a company has to remove it in circulation and let people know there is an issue with them. It can potentially prevent others from being injured like you were.

At Adolphe Law Group, we’ve worked with many clients who were injured. It is our goal to always stand by your side and fight for you. So, don’t hesitate to contact us if you believe you have a case to be made.

Can I Receive a Ticket for Not Wearing my Seatbelt in Florida?

Can I Receive a Ticket for Not Wearing my Seatbelt in Florida

Many of you get in the car and drive every day. And when you do, are you buckling up regularly? Not only is wearing a seatbelt the best safety measure in your car, but it’s the law!

Many people wonder if you can get a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt in Florida. The simple answer? Yes. Wearing a seatbelt in a motorized vehicle is the law in Florida and can result in a ticket, except in a few specific cases.

At Adolphe Law, our Auto accident attorneys in Lake Worth, Florida, have worked with a number of clients who have been in accidents and injured because of a lack of seatbelts. We don’t want that to happen to you! So, buckle up—both because it’s the law and because it’s the best way to keep yourself safe.

Here’s more about the laws around wearing a seatbelt in Florida and how you can avoid contacting an accident attorney in Lake Worth by buckling up.

Wearing a Seatbelt: The Law

Under Florida law (section 316.614 of the Florida Statutes), all drivers, front seat passengers, or passengers under the age of 18 are required to wear a seatbelt. Children are also permitted to be in a booster seat or other child safety restraints.

There are a few exceptions to this law. Those who do not need to wear a seatbelt include:

·   A person with a certified medical condition who cannot wear one.

·   School buses purchased prior to 2000

·   Farm equipment

·   Trucks of more than 26,000 pounds

·   Employees of a newspaper delivery service

These are just exceptions and apply to select cases only. In general, it is illegal not to wear a seatbelt while in a moving vehicle in Florida. This means that you can receive a ticket for not wearing one, as it is against the law.

Wearing a Seatbelt: The Importance

Besides being illegal, wearing a seatbelt is important to keep you safe! Every time you’re in a vehicle, there is some level of inherent risk. These are the best way to mitigate this risk and stay safe.

In the event of a crash, it will prevent you from being ejected from the vehicle or thrown against other passengers. If you’re the driver, it’ll keep you behind the wheel so you can control the car.

The FLHSMV (Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles) reports that wearing a seatbelt reduces your risk of being killed or injured in a motor vehicle crash by almost 50%. So, it’s worth buckling up!

However, if you are in a car crash and receive injuries, you may need to speak with an accident attorney in Lake Worth, Florida. Our Adolphe Law Group team of personal injury lawyers and auto accident attorneys is here to fight on your behalf and help achieve justice. Contact us today to begin the conversation with an accident attorney in Lake Worth.

What to do in a Fender Bender?

Fender Bender

Adolphe Law Group Wants You To Know

You’ve gotten into a fender bender—yikes. A fender bender is a rear-end collision and is quite common. In fact, data shows that 1.7 million rear-end collisions occur each year and cost $871 billion!

But while they’re fairly common, it doesn’t mean that this is not something to be taken seriously. Since fender benders don’t typically cause serious injuries, many people think: is it okay to just exchange contact and insurance information?

The short answer is no. Sharing just your contact and insurance information is not enough. At Adolphe Law Group, our Florida personal injury lawyers have worked with so many clients who have been involved in accidents where the other party is dishonest or unwilling to settle. Therefore, documentation and hard proof of what happened are necessary.

So, if just exchanging your contact information isn’t enough, what should you do in a fender bender? As professional auto accident attorneys at Adolphe Law Group, we recommend the following steps for fender bender:

What to Do in a Fender Bender (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’re in a fender bender, follow these 5 essential steps:

1.Stop the car and pull over

In most states, it’s against the law to leave after there was an accident, so make sure you get out of the way and turn your hazard lights on.

2.Call the police so they can file a report

This information may be essential in court later on or for your insurance claim. Another reason you should call the police is so they can get emergency care if needed and protect the accident scene.

3.Exchange information

Try not to say too much to the other party, as you don’t want any of your words to be twisted around. It is important, however, to collect each other’s personal contact information (name, address, phone, email) and driver/insurance information (license number, insurance information, make and model of the car). If there are eyewitnesses, collect their information too.

4.Call your insurance provider

Report the accident to them and use the information from the police report to back up your claim.

5.Get legal help

If things cannot be resolved through this process, you may need legal help. This is especially important if you have been injured in an accident. Call us at Adolphe Law Group to speak to one of our personal injury lawyers who can manage the details of your case.

These tips are important if you caused the accident but even more important if you did not. If you get into a fender bender and the other person insists that it’s okay just to share contact information, be very wary. Some people will not want to have to pay for damages caused by their reckless driving and give you false contact information.

To be safe, involve the authorities and get a police report completed. Then you have some hard proof of what happened should there be a need for legal action. Our personal injury lawyers at Adolphe Law Group will be able to advocate for you and get the justice you deserve.

If you want to talk to an accident attorney in Lake Worth, contact the Adolphe Law Group. We are here for you and will fight on your behalf!

When You Need a Product Liability Attorney

defective product

We’ve all been there before—you buy a new product, appliance, or piece of technology, and it breaks after a few days. Maybe you’ve even had something dramatic happen, like your new vacuum catching on fire! There have been some famous product liability cases in the US that were the result of serious and harmful product defects.

These things are not only inconvenient but can be unsafe and harmful. And when that’s the case, you might have grounds for legal action.

Companies, manufacturers, and retailers are responsible for ensuring that consumers are safe and protected when using the product in a reasonable way. So, if there is an accident or injury, they can be held liable. Lake Worth defective product attorney, like those at Adolphe Law Firm, can help you determine when it’s time to sue.

Product Liability

Reasons to Use a Defective Product Attorney

Before jumping into the details of when to use a defective product attorney, it’s important to note the responsibility on the consumer’s side. Products have an intended use, and if you are using them differently from how they’re designed to be used—that’s on you! But if you are following its intended use and something goes wrong, it might be time to call a defective product attorney in Lake Worth.

It’s also important to note that you cannot sue over a defective product unless there’s been an injury. So, just because it doesn’t work doesn’t mean you are owed damages, though you may be entitled to other compensation such as a refund, exchange, or credit.

Almost any type of product can be defective, but the most common are vehicles, household appliances, toys, or medical devices. They can be defective for a few reasons:

  • Design defects: The problem stems from poor design.
  • Manufacturing defects: The problem is because of a mistake in the manufacturing 
  • Insufficient instructions: The product doesn’t include instructions or warnings, leading a consumer to use it incorrectly.

Any of these reasons may mean that the company is liable for an injury or accident caused by the defective product. Examples of common injuries could be electrical burns, cuts, bruises, or chemical inhalation.

Your defective product attorney will walk you through your potential case. But before you contact them, here are two other important things to note:

  • You don’t need to own the product to sue the company responsible. Even if you’ve borrowed a product and been hurt, you may be eligible for compensation.
  • Potential parties to sue to include anyone in the chain of distribution: manufacturer, retailer, wholesaler, distributor, or consultant.

Product Liability Attorneys in Florida

If you’ve been injured by a defective product, make sure to keep the product in order to show its defects. You should also record as much evidence of both your injury and the defective process to help build your case. Your product liability attorney in Lake Worth will be able to help build your case and determine if the company or manufacturer is liable for your injury. Our experienced team holds manufacturers accountable for the harm caused by faulty products. Whether it’s a defective design, manufacturing flaw, or inadequate warning, we are dedicated to protecting your rights in product liability claims.

If you’re not sure where to start, contact us at Adolphe Law Group. Our defective product attorneys in Lake Worth can walk you step-by-step through the process. Don’t let a company get away with a product liability issue. If you’re hurt, call us. We fight on your behalf in product liability cases, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for defective or dangerous products.

Who is at Fault in an Accident with a Self-Driving Car?

It’s the 21st century! Self-driving cars are no longer a futuristic ideal, but a reality. With Tesla spearheading the self-driving revolution and other car manufacturers looking to quickly catch up, self-driving cars will become more popular. So, what happens if you are involved in an accident with a self-driving car? Adolphe Law Group in Lake Worth has experienced personal injury lawyers who can help with your case when you need an accident attorney.

Given that nearly 400 car crashes with partially autonomous drivers have been reported, this may become a more common scenario. If you get hit and injured in a car accident with a self-driving car, you may wonder: who’s fault is it? To answer this question, it’s best to consult with a personal injury lawyer to examine your case.

Self-Driving Cars and Personal Injury: Who’s Responsible?

Self Driving Car Accident

In general, your Lake Worth car accident attorney will help you sue one or more parties responsible for an accident with a self-driving car. Here’s who you and your personal injury lawyer can hold responsible for your injury:

  1. Car manufacturer company for a faulty part or error with the manufacturing process. This could be relevant if a part malfunctioned or was not manufactured to code.
  2. Human driver for negligence. This compares to other personal injury cases where the driver is negligent while operating a motor vehicle. The driver may have run a red light, been distracted by their phone, or driven under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  3. Human driver for failure to maintain the vehicle. Car owners are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of their cars. And, with a self-driving vehicle, there might be specific maintenance that is required to keep the vehicle working properly. If the owner did not follow the manufacturer’s instructions, they could be held liable. Self-driving cars have significantly more maintenance requirements than traditional vehicles, so this is an important consideration.
  4. Company that hired a human driver to control the car remotely. There are times when a human driver controls the car from another location. If there is an accident in this instance, the company that hired that driver may be held liable.

These are the four options of who you may be able to sue for your Lake Worth personal injury case. Based on the specific details of your case, your accident attorney will be able to help you decide the right course of action. Adolphe Law Group’s experienced auto accident attorneys will help you determine the next steps and who you should hold liable for damages and loss.

When to Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you were in an accident or hit by a self-driving car, you might wonder who’s responsible and how you can be compensated for your injuries. This is a great time to consult a personal injury lawyer in Florida who can review your case and look at who is most appropriate to sue for damages.

Your Lake Worth accident attorney is available to answer any questions you have. If you’re ready to talk to a personal injury lawyer about your accident with a self-driving car, contact us at Adolphe Law Group. Our expert accident lawyers are ready to represent and fight for you.

Proof for Your Injury Claim

If you are in a traffic accident that causes physical or mental injury to you or your loved one and believe that another person or entity caused the accident, you may be entitled to compensation. In order to receive reparation for an accident, it’s essential to know how to prove facts regarding your case. Florida law requires that the “burden of proof” be on an accident victim or those representing them. This means the victim has an obligation to prove negligence on the part of the defendant. Auto accident Attorneys at Adolphe Law Group are here to educate you and help build your case.

So what kind of proof do you need to show your Personal Injury Lawyer Florida? 

Personal Injury Lawyer in Florida
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Police Report 

A police report from the accident is a legal document that can prove wrongdoing on the defendant’s part. It may include an explanation of how the accident occurred, who was at fault, and whether any participants were cited for failing to follow the law. A copy can be obtained at the police station of the city where the accident occurred. 

Photographs 

Pictures validate testimony. Taking photos of all vehicles involved in the accident, as well as surrounding vehicles, scenery, and nearby objects, provides compelling evidence of fault, the extent of injuries, and the suffering induced due to the accident. Be sure to include photos of the injuries to your personal body and to those who may have been with you. 

Witness Testimony 

Write down the full name and contact information of everyone who witnessed the accident. If at all possible, secure written statements from eyewitnesses. These testimonies strengthen your case, helping to validate your own experience with an insurance company or a jury.

Your own testimony is important, also. It’s best to keep a journal or folder describing your experience. Write an initial account of the events that happened and what you noticed before and after the accident, including dates and times. When a new symptom appears, make a note of it in your journal. This is an excellent place to keep a list of expenses related to your accident, stay organized and be prepared to meet your accident lawyer in South Florida.

Medical Records And Bills

Keep a copy of all medical bills, paid and unpaid, that you receive for treatments after your injuries. This includes statements and receipts for an ambulance, doctors, counselors and therapy, recovery therapy, over-the-counter medications, chiropractic care, labs, hospital stays, and anything else related to the recovery of your accident. Attorneys at Adolphe Law Group in Lake Worth, Florida will use these statements to create a connection between your accident and the cost of the needed treatments.

Paystubs And Wage Loss Documents

Traffic accidents often lead to missed work and wages. Accident victims are justified in seeking compensation to replace lost income while recovering from injuries sustained in a traffic accident. Be sure to keep a record of previous pay stubs, income tax returns, and the benefits you received from your employer before the accident. 

Expert Witnesses 

If needed, injury accident attorneys at Adolphe Law Group will secure expert witnesses for your injury claim. These witnesses may include medical experts, accident reconstruction professionals, or financial experts related to injury accident cases. 

Hire the Best

Injury accidents can be devastating. The physical and emotional toll can affect your body, emotions, and mind. Let the expert lawyers at Adolphe Law Group help you on your journey to recovery.

How to Find Legal Help in a Slip and Fall Accident

Slip and Fall Accident

Slipping and falling because of a crack in the sidewalk or a spill in the grocery store is common enough. But if you’ve fallen and injured yourself, when should you be seeking legal help? 

At Adolphe Law Group, we have represented many clients in slip and fall accidents. Let’s investigate what situations warrant legal action, what a Florida personal injury lawyer will do, and how to find legal help. 

What is a slip and fall accident?

Slip and Fall Accident

A slip and fall accident is when someone has hurt themselves, typically caused by something like an irregular sidewalk or a wet floor. It can happen anywhere, in both public and private areas.

Now, someone might trip over their shoelace and take a tumble. But legally speaking, slip and fall accidents are when an environment has been neglected by the property owner and that neglect directly caused a person to fall. If they have failed to eliminate foreseeable dangers and maintain safe conditions, they could be held liable for any injury.

When should you pursue legal action for a slip and fall accident?

Not every slip or fall means that the property owner is liable. But if there’s neglect to maintain a safe environment, you may be able to pursue legal action. Here’s some examples of neglect:

  • Irregular cracks in the pavement that have been brought to the property owner’s attention but not fixed.
  • Failure to put a “caution sign” when mopping the floor in a grocery store. 
  • Newly waxed staircase with no signage or prior communication that it was happening. 

In a slip and fall accident, the burden of proof lies on the person who fell. This means it’s important to have evidence to support the case:

  • Images of your injuries to demonstrate what happened. 
  • Witness testimonies of people who observed the accident.
  • Documentation of the environment and unsafe conditions that caused your fall.

Florida statute 768.0755 states that the proprietor of a business must know about the dangerous condition for it to be negligence, so evidence also needs to prove this. Further, there is a statute of limitations in Florida on slip and fall accidents—they must be filed within four years of the incident. 

What can a Florida personal injury lawyer do?

A Florida slip and fall lawyer can consult with you and determine whether you have a viable case for your slip and fall accident. They can walk you through the process, help collect evidence, and prepare you for court. 

Further, a Florida slip and fall lawyer will be able to build your case and fight accusations of comparative negligence. This is the concept that you may be partially at fault for the accident, thus reducing the verdict.

A personal injury lawyer, most importantly, will fight for your rights! 

How to find legal help from a Florida personal injury lawyer

If you’re unsure whether you should consult a lawyer about your slip and fall accident—just go for it. Receiving legal help from a lawyer who specializes in personal injuries will help clarify your next steps.

If you need someone to talk to, contact the Adolphe Law Group today. We’ve got a team of personal injury lawyers with the experience and knowledge to fight for your rights!

Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer? Ask Adolphe Law Group

Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer? Ask Adolphe Law Group

From automobile collisions to workplace injuries, personal injury accidents can happen to anyone without warning. Certain accidents may be worse than others, and some may leave their victims with lifelong injuries, devastating hospital bills, or a variety of other complications.

When dealing with the consequences of such an accident, financial complications can often be difficult to deal with, and it is important that you protect yourself in these situations. For that reason, it is usually the best course of action to hire a professional to maneuver through the complicated legal pathways to earn financial compensation for an accident that occurs to you. This will ensure that you have a smooth experience all the way from case evaluation to settlement award.

In the event that you do end up hiring a personal injury attorney in Florida, it is important that you find the right fit for both you and your case. To do so, there are some important questions that you should ask your legal representation, and we’ve compiled a list of the ones we think are the most important.

What is the charge for services?

Like the Adolphe Law Group, most personal injury lawyers in Florida operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t have to pay unless you recover the monetary damages in your personal injury lawsuit. In this type of agreement, you won’t be required to pay any legal fees upfront. Instead, your attorney will most often take a fixed percentage of the money you’re awarded if your suit reaches a settlement. Most percentages are in the 20% – 40% range.

How long have you been practicing personal injury law?

When looking for a personal attorney, it is important to be confident in them as a professional of the law. The easiest way to do this is to know how long they have been practicing in this particular field and how many times they have experienced cases like yours. Someone that has dealt with similar situations in the past will be better at representing you and your interests in your case. It would also be good to find out the success rate they have had with similar cases and if any of them have gone to trial.

How well does your lawyer communicate?

Everyone’s personal injury claim will be different, so it’s important to establish clear communication with your lawyer about the expectations of your case. The law system is an intricate entity, and although there may be difficulties, an experienced lawyer will be able to recognize them and have a plan on how to deal with them. The attorneys at Adolphe Law Group believe that communication in your native language is the best way to navigate the process of seeking compensation for your personal injury. You will find representatives at Adolphe Law Group who speak English, Creole, and Spanish.

What happens if I lose? Will I be responsible for any case-related costs?

This question is an important consideration in choosing your attorney, as it may impact your financial livelihood. There will be certain litigation costs for every case, especially ones that go to trial. The longer your case goes on, the more costs will add up. Be sure to ask your lawyer about their policy in regard to these expenses. Some attorneys will charge you for these costs – win or lose – while others won’t. So be sure to know this before entering any agreement.

Conclusion

Dealing with a personal injury case on your own may be difficult, and you may not always earn the financial compensation you are entitled to. By hiring a personal injury lawyer, you vastly increase your chances of success and can maximize your monetary awards. By using the questions listed above, you’ll be much more prepared to find the legal representation that is right for you.