When most people think about car accident claims, they imagine one driver suing another for careless or reckless behavior. But not all accidents are caused by drivers. Sometimes, passengers can contribute to crashes through negligent conduct.
Injured victims in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, can pursue compensation when a passenger’s actions lead to the accident. These cases are often complex, so they require a careful legal strategy. At Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we understand the intricacies of passenger negligence cases and can help you file a personal injury claim. We are committed to protecting the rights of crash victims in Florida.
If you’ve been injured in an accident where passenger negligence played a role, contact us today at (561) 944-4000 for a free consultation. Our Palm Beach Gardens passenger negligence lawyers can explain your options.
Why Choose Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers for Your Passenger Negligence Case in Palm Beach Gardens, FL?
Passenger negligence cases can be more complicated than standard car accident claims. They involve unique questions of liability, require careful investigation, and often pit friends against each other. At Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we provide the experience, resources, and personalized representation necessary to handle these cases.
Here’s what you can expect when you hire our Palm Beach Gardens personal injury lawyers:
- Extensive Experience. With 80 years of combined experience, our attorneys know how to handle even the most complex motor vehicle accident claims.
- Proven Track Record. We’ve recovered over $500 million for our clients. We have a reputation for delivering meaningful results.
- Thorough Investigation. We dig deep into the facts, gathering evidence from police reports, eyewitnesses, and accident reconstruction experts.
- Trial-Ready Advocacy. Insurance companies know we are prepared to take cases to court. This gives us leverage when we are negotiating for you.
- Compassionate Support. We recognize these cases can involve sensitive personal relationships, and we provide guidance with empathy and discretion.
Choosing the right lawyer is crucial. With our team, we work to make sure your case receives the care, attention, and aggressive advocacy it deserves. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Palm Beach Gardens car accident lawyer.
What Is My Passenger Negligence Case Worth in Florida?
The value of a passenger negligence case depends on a variety of factors. No two accidents are alike. It follows that compensation must be tailored to the specific harms you’ve suffered.
Factors that influence case value include:
- Severity of Injuries. Catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or multiple fractures often lead to higher compensation.
- Medical Expenses. Both current and future medical costs are factored into the claim.
- Lost Wages. If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering. Florida law recognizes compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by accidents.
- Impact on Daily Life. Your ability to engage in hobbies, family activities, or daily routines may also increase case value.
- Insurance Coverage. The availability of insurance policies—such as the driver’s, the passenger’s, or your own policy—may affect recovery.
Our Palm Beach Gardens personal injury attorneys can evaluate every aspect of your claim and make sure your claim represents the full scope of your damages. We can help you pursue the maximum compensation available under Florida law.
What Damages Are Available to Victims of Passenger Negligence in Palm Beach Gardens?
Victims injured in passenger negligence accidents in Florida may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover financial losses that can be quantified, including:
- Medical bills, surgeries, and rehabilitation costs
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
- Lost wages and diminished future earning potential
- Property damage
Non-economic damages address the intangible, more personal harms that are not easily measured in dollars.
These can compensate for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of companionship
In rare cases, punitive damages may be available if the passenger’s actions were especially reckless or malicious – for example, grabbing the steering wheel while intoxicated or encouraging a driver to speed excessively. A Palm Beach Gardens car accident lawyer can evaluate your case and help you determine all the damages that may be available to you under Florida law.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Passenger Negligence Lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens?
We know that financial worries can prevent injury victims from seeking legal help. That’s why we handle our personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis.
This means:
- You pay nothing up front.
- You won’t owe attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
- Our fees will be collected as a percentage of the settlement or verdict that we obtain for you.
This fee structure ensures that you can pursue justice without adding more financial strain to your life. It also ensures that our interests are aligned with yours. Our Palm Beach Gardens car accident attorneys are dedicated to maximizing your recovery, and we only get paid when you do.
What Can Cause Passenger Negligence Accidents in Palm Beach Gardens?
Passengers can contribute to accidents in many ways.
Passenger negligence can include:
- Distracting the Driver. Talking loudly, arguing, or showing the driver something on a phone can divert attention from the road.
- Grabbing the Steering Wheel. Interfering with the driver’s control is one of the most dangerous forms of passenger negligence.
- Encouraging Reckless Driving. Pressuring the driver to speed, run red lights, or race other vehicles.
- Obstructing the Driver’s View. Leaning forward or blocking mirrors.
- Interfering with Vehicle Operation. Touching the gearshift, emergency brake, or dashboard controls.
These actions can turn an ordinary ride into a dangerous situation. When an accident occurs, innocent victims can suffer catastrophic injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File My Passenger Negligence Case in Florida?
In Florida, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. This is called the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from seeking compensation in court.
Acting quickly also allows your Palm Beach Gardens personal injury attorney enough time to preserve evidence and strengthen your case.
Contact Our Palm Beach Gardens Passenger Negligence Attorneys to Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by passenger negligence, contact Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers today. Let us put our experience and dedication to work for you. We know how to take on complex cases and can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us today to schedule a free case review with our Palm Beach Gardens passenger negligence lawyers.
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