Riviera Beach, Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Guide

Introduction: Why This Guide Matters to Riviera Beach Residents

Riviera Beach, Florida is a bustling coastal city bordered by the Port of Palm Beach, the Intracoastal Waterway, and major thoroughfares such as U.S. Highway 1 and Blue Heron Boulevard. Its mix of maritime commerce, tourism, and year-round traffic unfortunately means residents and visitors alike face a heightened risk of car crashes, pedestrian accidents, boating collisions, and workplace injuries. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) crash dashboard, Palm Beach County recorded more than 24,000 traffic crashes in 2023 alone. Many of those injured later searched online for “personal injury lawyer Riviera Beach Florida.”This comprehensive legal guide—grounded in verifiable Florida statutes, court rules, and health data—explains how personal injury claims work in the Sunshine State, what deadlines apply, and which local resources can help you recover physically and financially. While we slightly favor the injury victim’s perspective, every statement is evidence-based, designed to empower you to make informed decisions after an accident in Riviera Beach.

Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Florida

Negligence and Duty of Care

Most Florida personal injury cases arise under Chapter 768 of the Florida Statutes, which codifies negligence law. To succeed, an injured plaintiff must prove:

• Duty: The defendant owed a legal duty of care (e.g., drivers must follow traffic laws, property owners must maintain safe premises).
• Breach: The defendant breached that duty through action or omission.
• Causation: The breach directly and proximately caused the injury.
• Damages: The plaintiff suffered actual losses (medical bills, lost income, pain, or disability).

Comparative Negligence in Florida (§768.81)

Florida follows a “modified” comparative negligence system. Under §768.81, a plaintiff who is found less than 51% at fault may still recover damages, but the award is reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault. If the plaintiff is 51% or more at fault, no recovery is allowed. This rule underscores why careful evidence gathering in Riviera Beach accidents is crucial—traffic cameras at Blue Heron Blvd. intersections or Coast Guard boating reports can shift fault percentages.

Statute of Limitations (§95.11)

Effective March 24 2023, Florida shortened its general statute of limitations for negligence from four years to two years. An injury lawsuit filed after the two-year deadline will almost always be dismissed. Some exceptions apply (e.g., medical malpractice, wrongful death, minors), but waiting is risky. Victims injured in a January 5 2024 collision on Broadway Ave. must file no later than January 5 2026.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Florida

Motor Vehicle Collisions

Palm Beach County’s traffic congestion, seasonal tourism, and nearby I-95 ramps create frequent accidents. Florida is a “no-fault” state under §627.736, which requires every motorist to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covering up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. However, if serious injuries exceed the PIP threshold (significant and permanent loss of bodily function, permanent injury, or scarring), victims may step outside the no-fault system and sue the negligent driver.

Boating and Maritime Accidents

With easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, Peanut Island, and Lake Worth Lagoon, Riviera Beach sees heavy recreational boating traffic. Florida leads the nation in boating accidents, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Victims may bring negligence claims under state law or federal admiralty principles, depending on where the accident occurred.

Premises Liability (Slip & Fall)

Florida Statute §768.0755 governs transitory foreign substances in supermarkets, restaurants, and retail stores. Plaintiffs must prove the business had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition. Surveillance footage from Riviera Beach grocery aisles can become key evidence.

Workplace Injuries

Most Riviera Beach employees are covered by Florida Workers’ Compensation (§440), but third-party negligence suits may still be viable—for instance, if defective machinery causes injury at the Port of Palm Beach.

Dog Bites

Florida Statute §767.04 imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites occurring in public places or lawfully on private property, subject to comparative negligence defenses (e.g., provocation).

Florida Legal Protections & Injury Laws

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Requirements (§627.736)

Every motorist must carry $10,000 in PIP benefits. Victims must seek initial medical treatment within 14 days of the crash, and benefits may be limited to $2,500 unless a physician declares an Emergency Medical Condition. Local providers that frequently treat crash victims include St. Mary’s Medical Center (West Palm Beach) and HCA Florida JFK North Hospital.

Bodily Injury Liability Insurance

Florida does not mandate Bodily Injury (BI) coverage for private passenger vehicles, but many commercial trucks and rideshare operators do carry BI policies. Identifying all available insurance sources—like a Palm Tran bus policy—can maximize recovery.

Caps on Damages

Florida currently has no statutory cap on economic or non-economic damages in ordinary negligence cases. The Supreme Court of Florida struck down medical malpractice noneconomic caps in North Broward Hospital District v. Kalitan, 219 So. 3d 49 (Fla. 2017).

Attorney Licensing and Ethics

Only lawyers admitted to The Florida Bar may give legal advice or represent you in state courts. Rule 4-5.5 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar prohibits the unlicensed practice of law. Injured Riviera Beach residents should verify a lawyer’s status through the Florida Bar Lawyer Directory.## Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Florida

Prioritize Medical Care Call 911 or visit a local emergency room. Immediate documentation at HCA Florida JFK North can establish causal links and satisfy PIP’s 14-day rule.Report the Incident For traffic crashes, Florida Statute §316.066 requires drivers to file a crash report if injuries occur. Use the FLHSMV eCrash portal or request Riviera Beach Police Department to file.Preserve Evidence Take photos of the scene, injuries, and property damage. Obtain contact info for witnesses along Military Trail or the Port docks.Notify All Insurers Policy language often imposes prompt-notice obligations. Failure can forfeit coverage.Track Expenses Keep bills from Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute, pharmacy receipts, and wage-loss records.Avoid Recorded Statements Insurers may request a statement. You have the right to consult counsel first.Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer An attorney can compute damages, negotiate with GEICO or Progressive, and file suit in Palm Beach County Circuit Court if necessary.

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

You should strongly consider hiring a personal injury lawyer if:

• You suffered permanent injuries or significant scarring.
• Medical bills exceed your PIP coverage limits.
• Liability is disputed—e.g., comparative negligence arguments.
• Multiple parties or corporate defendants (trucking companies, cruise lines) are involved.
• Time is running out on the two-year statute of limitations.

A qualified Riviera Beach accident attorney can file a complaint under the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, conduct discovery, and present expert medical testimony. Most work on contingency fees regulated by Rule 4-1.5(f) of The Florida Bar, meaning no fees unless you recover.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Hospitals & Trauma Centers

• St. Mary’s Medical Center – Level I Trauma Center (901 45th St., West Palm Beach)
• HCA Florida JFK North Hospital (2201 45th St., West Palm Beach)
• Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center (3360 Burns Rd.)

Courthouses Serving Riviera Beach

• Palm Beach County Main Courthouse, 205 N. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach (Circuit & County Civil)
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, West Palm Beach Division, 701 Clematis St.

Crash & Incident Reports

Obtain certified crash reports through FLHSMV or in person at the Riviera Beach Police Department (600 West Blue Heron Blvd.).

Victim Services

• Palm Beach County Victim Services & Certified Rape Crisis Center – 24/7 helpline: 561-833-7273
• Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County – Injury prevention programs

Small Claims vs. Circuit Court

Claims of $8,000 or less (exclusive of interest and costs) may be filed in Palm Beach County Small Claims Court, using simplified procedures under Florida Small Claims Rules. Larger claims proceed in Circuit Court and often require formal discovery and expert witnesses.

Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and each case is unique. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Florida attorney.

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.