Vero Beach Personal Injury Lawyer

Elle Nichols, Vero Beach Personal Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one suffer injuries in Vero Beach, our team can assess your legal options and next steps for free. When someone else's careless or reckless actions cause injuries, that party generally holds legal responsibility for the victim's resulting expenses and losses. Our Vero Beach personal injury lawyers represent victims and fight for the fair compensation they need and deserve.

Lulich & Attorneys provides free initial case consultations for injury victims in Vero Beach. We can investigate your case, discuss your injuries, and explain applicable laws. We answer questions and can offer a look at how our attorneys handled similar cases. You have rights. Let us protect them and pursue the money you deserve based on the details of your injuries. Call us today to learn more.

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Why Choose Lulich & Attorneys to Handle Your Vero Beach Personal Injury Claim

Attorney Elle Nichols working on an injury case at her office in Vero Beach

Lulich & Attorneys has served injured clients throughout Vero Beach and Indian River County for more than 35 years. During that time, we have become the trusted source for personalized and effective legal representation to thousands of individuals and families in our communities.

We have on our team several top-ranked, highly experienced personal injury lawyers who have received national recognition for their impeccable professionalism and remarkable legal abilities. Perhaps more importantly, we have also received more than 180 five-star reviews and dozens of powerful testimonials from our clients.

You can count on us to take an active interest in your case and work diligently to hold all responsible parties accountable for your pain and suffering. We have secured many substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients, and while we can’t guarantee results, we can promise to fight hard to increase your chances of getting the maximum compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a Vero Beach accident due to another party’s negligence or wrongdoing, contact Lulich & Attorneys right away for a free consultation.

Our Vero Beach Personal Injury Lawyers Represent Injured Clients

When Lulich & Attorneys represents a client hurt by someone else's negligence, we fight for fair and just compensation. We do not believe injury victims should have to pay for their medical care or worry about financial losses from an accident they did nothing to cause. Instead, we aim to hold the liable parties accountable.

Our attorneys serve victims of various personal injuries in Vero Beach, Sebastian, and nearby areas. We have a dedicated, experienced legal team that includes:

We also handle other types of personal injury claims as well, so reach out to us for a free consultation about your case if you suffered injuries in Vero Beach due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing.

Vero Beach Office and Headquarters

Lulich & Attorneys has a law office in Vero Beach, which also serves as our law firm's headquarters:

Vero Beach Office

Address: 1612 20th Street,
Vero Beach, FL 32960

Phone: 772-589-5500

Come by our office to speak with one of our attorneys at no cost, or you can call us to set up an appointment for a free consultation.

Vero Beach Accident Statistics

Vero Beach serves as the county seat for Indian River County, Florida. Although Vero Beach itself has a population of nearly 17,000, the surrounding areas of Indian River County have a population of almost 160,000. Add to that the innumerable tourists and visitors who flock to the area to enjoy the miles of stunning beaches, wildlife, and other attractions, and your chances of getting into a serious accident are unfortunately high.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has published the following accident statistics for Indian River County and the Vero Beach area for a recent year:

  • 1,153 total traffic accidents that resulted in 1,152 injuries and 23 fatalities
  • 137 alcohol-related crashes that injured 94 and killed 6
  • 49 motorcycle accident injuries
  • 32 pedestrian accident injuries
  • 29 bicycle accident injuries

Common Injuries People Suffer in Vero Beach

Depending on the type of accident, the force of impact, and other factors, you can suffer a wide range of injuries in Vero Beach due to someone else’s negligent, careless, or reckless actions. Some of the common injuries we help people recover compensation for at Lulich & Attorneys include:

Lulich vero beach personal injury lawyer, readying a brochure.
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). TBIs are caused by a sudden, violent force to the head that damages the brain. They can range from mild concussions to severe skull fractures and brain damage.
  • Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can occur when the spine is damaged, either by a sudden impact or by a more gradual force, such as from a fall. They can cause paralysis or other serious problems with movement, sensation, and bodily functions.
  • Back injuries. Back injuries are another common type of injury from accidents. They can range from muscle strains to herniated discs to spinal fractures.
  • Burns. Burns can be caused by fire, hot liquids, chemicals, or electricity. They can be mild or severe and can cause pain, scarring, and even death.
  • Internal injuries. Internal injuries can occur when the organs inside the body are damaged by a sudden impact. They can be difficult to diagnose and can sometimes be fatal.
  • Fractures and broken bones. Fractures and broken bones are another common type of injury from accidents. They can occur in any bone in the body and can be painful and debilitating.
  • Disfiguring facial injuries and scars. Facial injuries can be caused by a variety of accidents, including car accidents, falls, and sports injuries. They can be both physically and emotionally debilitating.
  • Limb loss and amputation. Limb loss and amputation can be caused by a variety of accidents, including car accidents, industrial accidents, and falls. They can be a major life-changing event.
  • Neck injuries and whiplash. Neck injuries, including whiplash, are common in car accidents. They can cause pain, stiffness, and headaches, and can sometimes lead to more serious problems.
  • Lacerations, bruises, and “road rash”. Lacerations, bruises, and road rash are all common types of soft tissue injuries that can occur in accidents. They can be painful and can sometimes lead to infection.
  • Crush injuries. Crush injuries can occur when the body is compressed by a heavy object. They can be very serious and can lead to amputation or death.
  • Soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries are injuries to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They are the most common type of injury from accidents and can range from mild to severe.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic event, such as a car accident. It can cause symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression.

If you have been injured in an accident in Vero Beach, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries appear minor. Some injuries do not manifest symptoms right away, and you need a medical examination to rule out any underlying issues that could cause problems later. Plus, you will need documentation that you sustained an injury and received treatment to file an injury claim. As soon as you are able after receiving treatment for your injuries, contact an experienced Vero Beach personal injury attorney to learn of your rights and options to pursue compensation.

What Should I Do After an Accident in Vero Beach?

The time immediately following an accident can be stressful and scary. However, there are things you should do after an accident in Vero Beach to ensure your health and safety and protect your rights for pursuing compensation. Here’s a list of things you should do:

Lulich attorneys taking a group photo in Vero Beach.
  1. Check for injuries. The first thing you should do is check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
  2. Move to a safe location. If your car is drivable, move it to a safe location out of the way of traffic. If your car is not drivable, stay in your car and turn on your hazard lights.
  3. Exchange information with the other driver(s). Get the name, address, phone number, driver's license number, and insurance information from the other driver(s).
  4. Call the police. Even if the accident is minor, it is a good idea to call the police. The police will file a report, which can be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim.
  5. Take pictures of the accident scene. Take pictures of the damage to the vehicles, the surrounding area, and any injuries. This will help to document the accident and can be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim.
  6. Get medical attention. Even if you don't think you are injured, it is a good idea to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent.
  7. File an insurance claim. If you have been injured in an accident, you should file an insurance claim with your insurance company. Your insurance company will investigate the accident and determine who is at fault. If you are found to be not at fault, your insurance company will pay for your medical expenses and property damage.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind after an accident:

  • Do not admit fault. Even if you think you are at fault, it is important to not admit fault to the other driver or to the police. This could damage your case if you need to file an insurance claim.
  • Be polite and cooperative. Even if you are upset, it is important to be polite and cooperative with the other driver and with the police. This will help to de-escalate the situation and make the process go more smoothly.
  • Get legal help if you need it. If you have been injured in an accident, you may want to consider getting legal help. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and can represent you in negotiations with the insurance companies.

One of the most important steps you can take following an accident someone else caused in Vero Beach is to contact a Vero Beach personal injury attorney for a full evaluation of your claim and advice regarding your options.

Understanding Your Vero Beach Personal Injury Case

Vero Beach medical image

Negligence and liability play central roles in personal injury cases. Generally, we need to show that a party acted negligently to hold them liable. Negligence is the term used to describe careless or reckless behavior in these cases.

To show someone caused a Vero Beach personal injury case, we must prove:

  • Duty of care: A party has a duty of care.
  • Breach of duty: The party failed to uphold its duty of care.
  • Causation: The breach of duty is the cause of the incident and injuries.
  • Harm: This component includes the injuries and financial damages the victim or victims suffered.

For example, imagine a slip and fall case. The property owner has a duty of care to repair hazards on their property before injuries occur. If they knew about a loose handrail but failed to fix it, this breaches their duty. When the handrail gives way and someone falls, the hazard causes an accident. The victim suffered physical, psychological, and financial harm.

Holding a party responsible for their negligence is possible with the proper evidence. This process requires filing an insurance claim or lawsuit and using the available evidence to illustrate what happened and how that party's actions caused the accident.

Car Accident Cases Limit Options for Some

Car accident cases work differently. Florida law limits the options for pursuing compensation based on a traffic accident unless the victim suffers serious injuries.

The law defines serious with examples that include:

  • Significant impairment of a major bodily function
  • Permanent loss of a significant body function
  • Disfigurement or scarring
  • Total or partial disability for 90 days or more

Your no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) auto insurance policy pays a percentage of your medical bills, lost income, and incidental expenses. Accident victims must suffer serious injuries and pursue fault-based damages through an auto liability insurance claim to recover pain and suffering damages.

Our team can assess your options following a Vero Beach car accident. In these cases, we know how to document fault and liability, seeking fair compensation in a fault-based claim. Let us review your case with you for free today.

Our Attorneys Seek Damages Based on Clients’ Vero Beach Injuries

Jordan Lulich speaking to client, in Vero Beach, Florida.

When we pursue compensation for a client hurt in a Vero Beach incident, the money we seek depends on the injuries and recoverable damages they suffered.

With that, we must document your damages and understand your losses before taking these steps, as necessary, to secure a financial recovery.

As a part of our investigation, we also gather paperwork, call in experts, and take other actions to determine the damages our client suffered and the potential settlement value of the case. Until this process is complete, there is no accurate way to know what a fair settlement offer might look like and how much the case might be worth.

While each case differs, many victims suffer the same types of damages.

Some damages personal injury victims in Vero Beach can recover include:

  • Medical bills to date
  • Future medical care costs
  • Lost income from time missed at work
  • Diminished earning capacity if you cannot return to work
  • Miscellaneous related expenses
  • Pain and suffering damages

We also seek wrongful death damages for families who lost loved ones in a Vero Beach personal injury incident. State statutes dictate who can pursue these cases and who receives compensation.

Our compassionate attorneys handle these claims and lawsuits, too. Call us for free today to learn more about your options if your loved one died from their injuries.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit In Vero Beach, FL?

Jordan Lulich selected in 2023 award.

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Vero Beach, Florida, is two years. This means that you have two years from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, you will likely be barred from filing your lawsuit and recovering compensation for your injuries.

There are a few exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations. For example, if you were a minor at the time of the accident, you have until your 21st birthday to file your lawsuit. Additionally, if the person who caused your injuries is deceased, you have two years from the date of their death to file your lawsuit.

It is important to note that the statute of limitations begins to run on the date of the accident, not the date of your injuries. This means that if you do not discover your injuries until some time after the accident, you will still have two years from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit.

If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. An attorney can help you determine if you have a valid claim and can help you file your lawsuit within the statute of limitations.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Vero Beach Personal Injury Attorney?

Our attorneys represent clients based on contingency fees. We do not ask any client to pay us upfront. Instead, we use our resources to fund the investigation and other case-related tasks. We charge a portion of the compensation we recover for the client in the case. This payment agreement means our clients only pay if we win their case.

How Long Will My Vero Beach Personal Injury Case Take to Resolve?

The amount of time it takes for a personal injury case to resolve in Vero Beach can vary depending on a number of factors, including the severity of the injuries, the complexity of the case, and whether it settles or goes to trial.

In general, personal injury cases in Florida can take anywhere from months or years to resolve. Some cases may take longer if they are complex or if there are disagreements between the parties.

Here are some of the factors that can affect the length of time it takes to resolve a personal injury case in Vero Beach:

  • Severity of the injuries: More serious injuries will typically take longer to resolve than less serious injuries. This is because it may take longer for the injured person to recover and for the full extent of their injuries to be known.
  • Complexity of the case: More complex cases, such as those involving multiple defendants or multiple injuries, will typically take longer to resolve than less complex cases. This is because it will take more time to gather evidence and to negotiate a settlement or to prepare for trial.
  • Whether the case settles or goes to trial: Cases that settle typically take less time to resolve than cases that go to trial. This is because settlements can be reached more quickly than verdicts can be rendered by a jury.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the time it takes to resolve a personal injury case:

  • The process can be unpredictable and there are no guarantees.
  • It is important to be patient and to work with your attorney to get the best possible outcome for your case.
  • If you are not happy with the settlement offer, you can always file a lawsuit. However, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits of doing so before making a decision.

If you have been injured in an accident in Vero Beach, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. An attorney from Lulich & Attorneys can help you understand the factors that will affect the length of time it takes to resolve your case and can help you get the compensation you deserve.

What If I’m Partially At Fault? Can I Still Recover Compensation for My Vero Beach Personal Injuries?

In all likelihood, you may still recover compensation for your Vero Beach personal injuries even if you are partially at fault for the accident. Florida recently amended its tort laws to follow a modified comparative fault rule. This means that you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident.

For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for an accident and your injuries total $100,000, you would be able to recover $80,000 from the other driver's insurance company. The other driver's insurance company would be responsible for paying for 80% of your damages, and your own insurance company would be responsible for paying for the remaining 20%.

It is important to note that even if you are partially at fault, you may still be able to recover compensation for your pain and suffering. However, the amount of compensation you can recover for pain and suffering may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

If you have been injured in an accident in Vero Beach, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. An attorney can help you determine if you have a valid claim and can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about comparative fault in Florida:

  • The percentage of fault is determined by the jury or judge in your case.
  • The jury or judge will consider all of the evidence in the case, including the testimony of witnesses, the police report, and the medical records.
  • If you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you will not be able to recover any compensation from the other driver's insurance company.

Contact Lulich & Attorneys with any questions you have regarding your Vero Beach personal injury case. We will fully assess your claim and explain your options if you believe you share liability for the accident. You can also trust us to advocate strongly on your behalf to mitigate the insurance company trying to place undue blame on you so you can receive the full and fair financial recovery you deserve.

How Our Vero Beach Personal Injury Attorneys Build a Case

Our attorneys investigate each case and gather evidence to show what happened and who is legally responsible for the injuries and damages.

To build a case, we may:

Gather Documents

We must collect and analyze key documents to build a Vero Beach personal injury case. This is often the first step we take in investigating a claim. These documents often center on the incident report the police officers filed on the scene. Other first responders or officials might file a report instead in some cases.

We also request and obtain relevant medical records for our clients. Analyzing these records gives us a better idea of their injuries, treatment, and prognosis. It could also alert us to challenges in the case. Insurers often try to use previous injuries to downplay a victim’s current concerns.

Analyze the Scene

We can conduct an accident scene survey to better understand where the injury occurred. We may gather any physical evidence, take measurements, and photograph the area.

Identify Eyewitnesses

Eyewitnesses often provide key details that our attorneys could not learn in any other way. We identify the witnesses to a crash and interview them. We ask questions the police officers might not and use their knowledge of what happened to support our client’s case.

Seek Video or Photos

Video of a crash is one of the best pieces of evidence to show others what occurred. Sometimes, videos are available even when there is no obvious source. Our attorneys ask witnesses about dashcams, visit local businesses with surveillance cameras, and check nearby traffic cams.

If we find video or photographs of the incident, we analyze the content to determine what they tell us about what happened.

Work With Experts

Medical experts tell us about our client's injuries, prognosis, future treatment, and ongoing care needs. This information shows the future expenses and losses our clients will likely experience because of their injuries. Depending on the case, we might also call in additional experts. For example, we may interview an economist to estimate the lifelong care costs of a victim who suffered catastrophic injuries and now requires around-the-clock care.

We also work with accident reconstruction experts in some cases. Special training allows them to recreate an accident scene using forensic evidence and other details, showing what happened and who holds fault.

Document Damages

We collect bills, receipts, tax returns, and other documents to show the insurer or court how much the incident took from our client. This information is essential to our understanding of what a fair settlement offer might look like, too. We cannot give an accurate potential settlement range for a case until we have this documentation.

When we have strong evidence of negligence and liability, it will tell a compelling story about what happened and who is responsible. This story is what we use to convince the insurance company to pay a reasonable payout or to show the jury that our client deserves fair compensation.

Actions Our Attorneys Take to Help Clients Get Justice

Lulich & Attorneys

After our attorneys complete an investigation and gather evidence to support our client’s case, it is time to determine how we will approach recovering compensation. There are several options for seeking a payout for our client. The case circumstances and other factors affect our plans for this matter. Our lawyers discuss the next steps with our clients and devise how we can show they deserve compensation.

There are generally two approaches for seeking—and hopefully recovering—compensation in a Vero Beach personal injury case. They include:

Filing an Insurance Claim

Most personal injury payouts come from an insurance settlement. If the liable party has insurance, we generally demand an appropriate payout from their insurance carrier based on the expenses and losses our client experienced. This leads to settlement negotiations.

Our lawyers negotiate agreements with insurers regularly. We know the insurance carriers' tactics and how to get an acceptable offer. Even when we sue, personal injury cases often end with an insurance settlement.

Seeking a Payout Through a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Our trial lawyers are not afraid to sue and take a case to a jury trial when necessary. Here, our attorney navigates the process to prepare a court case and represent our client every step of the way. If the case goes to trial, we present evidence and show the judge and jury why our client deserves fair compensation for their injuries and expenses, fighting for a verdict and payout.

Our Lawyers Sometimes Pursue Both Options at the Same Time

Elle Nichols, Lawyer for Personal Injury in Vero Beach
Elle Nichols, Vero Beach Personal Injury Attorney

Sometimes our attorneys pursue an insurance claim and personal injury lawsuit concurrently. It allows us to build a strong case and fight for our clients until we recover compensation or run out of options. 

Additionally, filing a lawsuit can get the insurance company’s attention and show them we mean business, which can help spur the insurer into negotiating a favorable settlement rather than going to court.

Discuss Your Vero Beach Personal Injury with Our Team for Free

At Lulich & Attorneys, our team can review your case for free. We give our clients all the necessary information before filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. We take the time to provide it during a complimentary consultation.

Contact us now at (772) 589-5500 to learn more about how our Vero Beach personal injury lawyers can help you.

Additional Resources

Vero Beach Emergency Rooms

Several emergency rooms and urgent care centers serve the Vero Beach area. Seek immediate medical care for any serious injuries you suffer because of someone else's negligence.

*Disclaimer – Lulich & Attorneys does not endorse these medical providers, nor do we profit from having them listed on our website.

Vero Beach Courthouses

Neighborhoods We Serve In Vero Beach

Ambersand Beach(32963), Cache Cay (32693), Caledon Shores Condo (32693),  McAnsh Park