Personal Injury Guide for Victims in Tequesta, Florida

Introduction: Why Tequesta Residents Need a Focused Personal Injury Guide

Tequesta, Florida is a small village at the northern edge of Palm Beach County, bordered by the Loxahatchee River and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. While its population hovers around 6,000, traffic on U.S. Highway 1, County Road 707 (Old Dixie Highway), and local boating channels surges year-round because of commuters, seasonal tourists, and weekend boaters heading to Jupiter Inlet. Unfortunately, that increased activity means a heightened risk of auto collisions, slip-and-fall accidents in retail plazas along Tequesta Drive, and water-related injuries near Constitution Park or Coral Cove Park. If you have been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, understanding how Florida personal injury law applies specifically to Tequesta is essential. This comprehensive guide—grounded exclusively in Florida statutes, court rules, and other authoritative sources—explains your rights, deadlines, and local resources, slightly favoring injury victims while remaining strictly factual.

Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Florida

1. The Right to Seek Compensation

Under Florida common law and Fla. Stat. § 768.0415, a person injured by another’s negligent, reckless, or intentional act may pursue monetary damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Florida follows a comparative negligence model codified in Fla. Stat. § 768.81. If you are partially at fault, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovery unless you are 100% responsible.

2. Statute of Limitations

The deadline to file most personal injury lawsuits in Florida is four years from the date of the accident (Fla. Stat. § 95.11(3)(a)). Claims for wrongful death must be filed within two years (Fla. Stat. § 95.11(4)(d)). Missing these deadlines usually extinguishes your claim entirely.

3. No-Fault Insurance and PIP Benefits

Florida is a “no-fault” state for auto accidents. Under Fla. Stat. § 627.736 (Florida’s No-Fault / Personal Injury Protection law), drivers must carry $10,000 in PIP coverage. After a crash in Tequesta, you must seek initial medical treatment within 14 days to preserve PIP benefits. PIP covers 80% of reasonable medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, up to the policy limits, regardless of who caused the crash. You may sue the at-fault driver for additional damages only if you suffered a “serious injury” as defined in Fla. Stat. § 627.737(2).

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Tequesta & Florida

Motor Vehicle Collisions

• High-traffic intersections: U.S. 1 & Tequesta Drive.

• Rear-end crashes during seasonal tourism peaks.

• Boating collisions on the Intracoastal Waterway, governed by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission rules.

Premises Liability (Slip, Trip & Fall)

Florida property owners owe varying duties of care under Fla. Stat. § 768.0755. Many claims arise in grocery stores on County Line Plaza or medical offices along Riverside Drive.

Medical Malpractice

Claims against local facilities (e.g., Jupiter Medical Center across the river) require compliance with pre-suit notice under Fla. Stat. § 766.106 and expert affidavits per Fla. Stat. § 766.102.

Product Liability

Defective marine equipment, automotive parts, or household appliances sold in Palm Beach County are actionable if a defect and causation can be proven. Florida follows strict liability theories under West v. Caterpillar Tractor Co., 336 So. 2d 80 (Fla. 1976).

Dog Bites

Fla. Stat. § 767.04 imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites that occur in public places such as Constitution Park.

Florida Legal Protections & Injury Laws

Comparative Negligence Explained

Per Fla. Stat. § 768.81, a plaintiff 20% at fault in a $100,000 loss may still recover $80,000. Recent 2023 amendments shifted Florida from pure to modified comparative negligence in certain negligence actions, barring recovery when a claimant exceeds 50% fault (does not apply to medical malpractice). Always verify current statutory language.

Collateral Source Rule

Under Fla. Stat. § 768.76, courts reduce jury awards by certain collateral source payments to prevent double recovery. However, amounts owed to Medicare or private insurers may be set off only after verdict.

Damage Caps

Florida generally abolished caps on non-economic damages for medical malpractice after North Broward Hospital District v. Kalitan, 219 So. 3d 49 (Fla. 2017). Caps still exist for claims against state or local government (sovereign immunity) under Fla. Stat. § 768.28(5), limiting recovery to $200,000 per person ($300,000 per incident) absent legislative claims bills.

Attorney Licensing & Ethical Duties

Personal injury lawyers practicing in Tequesta must be members in good standing with The Florida Bar and comply with Florida Rules of Professional Conduct, including restrictions on solicitation (Rule 4-7.18) and contingency fee agreements (Rule 4-1.5(f)).

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Florida

Seek Immediate Medical Attention Visit Jupiter Medical Center (5 miles north via U.S. 1) or call 911. Timely medical records strengthen causation evidence and preserve PIP benefits. Report the Incident For car crashes, call the Tequesta Police Department or Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. For boating accidents, file a report with Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission if injuries exceed $2,000 or involve fatality (Fla. Stat. § 327.301). Document Evidence Take photographs of injuries, property damage, and hazard conditions. Obtain names of witnesses and insurance information. Notify Your Insurer PIP claims require notice and proof of treatment within 14 days (Fla. Stat. § 627.736(1)(a)). Keep all billing statements. Consult a Licensed Personal Injury Lawyer Early legal advice helps protect statutes of limitation, evidence preservation, and settlement negotiations.

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

Indicators You Need a Lawyer

• Severe or permanent injuries that exceed PIP limits.

• Disputed liability or comparative negligence issues.

• Government entities involved (e.g., crash with Palm Tran bus) requiring pre-suit notice under Fla. Stat. § 768.28(6).

• Multiple at-fault parties (e.g., multi-car pileups at State Road 811).

Benefits of Hiring a Tequesta Accident Attorney

A local personal injury lawyer tequesta florida understands Palm Beach County jurors, local medical lien practices, and courthouse procedures at the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in West Palm Beach. Attorneys typically work on contingency—no fees unless you win—under written agreements compliant with Rule 4-1.5(f) of the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct.

Local Resources & Next Steps

1. Courts & Clerk Information

Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

2. Hospitals & Urgent Care Near Tequesta

• Jupiter Medical Center – 1210 S. Old Dixie Hwy, Jupiter, FL 33458.

• Premier Family Health Urgent Care – 250 W. Indiantown Rd., Jupiter.

3. Rehabilitation & Support Services

The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County offers injury prevention programs and trauma system oversight. More information is available at Florida Department of Health – Palm Beach.

4. Consumer Assistance

For insurance complaints, contact the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Consumer Services at 1-877-693-5236 or visit MyFloridaCFO.

Authoritative References

Florida Statute § 95.11 – Limitations of Actions Florida No-Fault Insurance (PIP) – § 627.736 West v. Caterpillar Tractor Co., 336 So. 2d 80 (Fla. 1976)

Legal Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique; consult a licensed Florida attorney for advice regarding your specific situation.

If you were injured due to someone else's negligence, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and legal consultation.