- By: David J. Zappitell
- steps in car accident case
- Apr 21
- Comments (0)
Have You Been in a Car Accident in the Delray Beach Area? These Are the Steps to Take!
Imagine you’re out for a drive to Publix in Delray Beach. You’re sitting at the light to turn into Delray Square. Suddenly, SMACK, you feel the jolt of another car hitting you from behind. It happens so fast. One minute you’re waiting at the light on Atlantic Avenue. The next, someone slams into your bumper, and everything changes.
Your neck and back ache. Your car is smashed in like a soda can from behind.
First and foremost, dial 911, call the EMT and get checked out NO MATTER HOW ‘OK’ YOU THINK YOU FEEL. Trust us, but tomorrow you’ll feel a whole lot worse.
If you’re lucky, you’ve got a great car accident attorney like David Zappitell on speed dial. a highly successful personal injury lawyer who knows how to take control of a bad situation and build a strong case that holds the other driver accountable.
At Zappitell Law Firm, located in the Pineapple Grove Arts District, we take that responsibility seriously. We prepare every case thoroughly, whether it settles or goes to trial. Here’s what that looks like behind the scenes. Here are the steps in a car accident lawsuit:
1. Step One: Gather the Evidence Early
The foundation of every personal injury case is built on evidence. We move quickly to secure it before anything disappears. That means pulling the official crash report from the police department, tracking down eyewitnesses, and collecting surveillance or dashcam video.
We frequently work accidents from busy intersections like Linton Boulevard and Congress Avenue or Federal Highway near Atlantic Avenue.
We visit the crash site when needed. We document damage. We get photos, diagrams, and expert evaluations to help reconstruct exactly what happened.
“Preserving evidence is everything,” says David J. Zappitell, Founder of Zappitell Law Firm. “Once the scene is cleared, you’re often left with just memories and paperwork. That’s not enough in court.”
In 2023, Palm Beach County saw more than 24,000 traffic accidents, with over 15,000 people injured, according to FLHSMV data. Many of these accidents happened here in Delray Beach.
2. Step Two: Proving Negligence
Gathering evidence is one thing. Using it to prove negligence is where the legal strategy from an experienced personal injury lawyer begins. We must show that the other driver failed to act responsibly—whether they were speeding down Lake Ida Road, texting through the intersection at Germantown Road, or ignoring the rules on A1A.
We often bring in crash reconstruction experts to provide detailed analysis. They evaluate vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions to explain how the crash happened and who was at fault. These details help us demonstrate that our client didn’t cause the accident—and that they deserve compensation.
3. Step Three: Standing Up to the Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters don’t work for you. They work to protect their company’s bottom line. That means offering low settlements, questioning the extent of your injuries, or even trying to blame you for the crash. This is where your car accident attorney becomes your buffer and your advocate.
We handle every conversation with the insurance company. Every letter. Every offer. And we don’t waste time with posturing.
| “We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That sends a clear message—we’re not backing down.” |
| – David J. Zappitell, founder of the Zappitell Law Firm |
That approach changes how insurance companies respond. When they know the attorney on the other side has trial experience, they often come to the table with better offers.
4. Step Four: Calculating Full, Long-Term Damages
Your claim isn’t just about today’s hospital bills. It’s about the long-term impact of the crash. How long will your recovery take? Will you return to work? Are you facing permanent pain or limited mobility?
We calculate damages that include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, out-of-pocket costs, and projected future care. We work with doctors, economists, and other experts to create a full picture of how the accident has changed your life. That documentation helps support a stronger settlement—or a solid case in court.
5. Step Five: Filing the Lawsuit When Necessary
When negotiations don’t result in a fair offer, we file suit in Palm Beach County and prepare for trial. We handle everything—drafting the complaint, managing discovery, taking depositions, filing motions, and organizing trial exhibits.
This is where experience and reputation matter. David J. Zappitell is a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney, a distinction earned by less than 2% of lawyers in the state. He’s also been selected to The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100, recognizing his skill, results, and dedication to litigation.
That matters more than most people realize.
“Insurance companies don’t want you hiring a lawyer like me,” Zappitell says. “Because they know I’ll take their offer straight to a jury if it’s not fair.”
At Zappitell Law Firm, we approach every case with that same mindset—prepared to negotiate, but never afraid to litigate. And our results reflect it. We serve clients from Boca Raton to Boynton Beach, all the way down to Miami, and right here in Delray Beach.
Why Local Experience Makes a Difference
A local car accident attorney knows the streets where these crashes happen. We know the traffic patterns, the construction zones, and the intersections where drivers get careless. We’ve handled cases from Linton Boulevard to Barwick Road and everywhere in between.
That local knowledge isn’t just convenient. It’s strategic. It gives us insight into how accidents really happen here—and helps us hold the right people accountable.
You Deserve a Case That’s Built the Right Way
If you’ve been hurt in a crash, don’t assume the system will take care of you. It won’t. But your case can be built to fight back—with the right personal injury lawyer on your side.
At Zappitell Law Firm, we understand the legal steps in a car accident lawsuit and take every detail seriously. We investigate, document, negotiate, and—when needed—we go to court. That’s how we fight for results.
If your accident happened in Delray Beach, your legal team should be based here too. We’re ready when you are. Click here or give our team a call at (561) 330-6330 for a FREE consultation.