- By: David J. Zappitell
- what a personal injury attorney does
- Sep 29
- Comments (0)
Imagine crossing Atlantic Avenue after spending your Sunday watching football at Johnnie Brown’s. Then out of the blue, a car comes over the railroad tracks, hitting you or someone you love? After the chaos and confusion, you will eventually be asking yourself, What does a personal injury lawyer do? And more importantly, should I call one or just accept the settlement the driver’s insurance company offered?
The short answer is that your lawyer investigates your case, negotiates with insurers, and represents you in court if needed. Their role is to protect your rights and fight for fair compensation.
In Florida, you have just two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, a limit set by law in 2023. Missing that deadline can prevent you from recovering damages, which is why contacting a lawyer quickly is so important.
At Zappitell Law Firm in Delray Beach’s Pineapple Grove Arts District, we provide the personal attention of a boutique firm with the resources of a large practice. We serve clients from Delray, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, down to Miami, and all South Florida communities, always focused on securing the results you deserve.
Investigating Your Accident in Delray Beach
The first step a lawyer takes is investigating your claim. This means reviewing medical records, police reports, and photos. It also involves interviewing witnesses and, when needed, consulting accident reconstruction experts.
For example, in April 2025, a high-speed crash on South Military Trail in Delray Beach killed four people and hospitalized two others near the Polo Club Shops (CBS12). As is often the case, speeding was the main cause of this tragic accident. Cases like this require careful evidence gathering to establish liability.
As David J. Zappitell, founder of Zappitell Law Firm, says: “Thorough preparation is often what makes the difference in achieving a fair settlement.”
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Most personal injury cases settle outside of court. Your lawyer handles communication with insurers, submits demand letters, and pushes back on unfair offers. They calculate damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Take the January 2024 crash on North Ocean Boulevard, where a driver veered into a group of cyclists and injured seven people (WPTV). Victims in such cases face high medical costs and lost income, and a lawyer’s role is to hold insurers accountable for those losses.
David J. Zappitell explains: “Insurance companies will always try to minimize payouts. Our job is to make sure our clients aren’t undervalued.”
Filing Suit and Trial Representation
If settlement talks fail, your lawyer files a lawsuit and represents you in court. This includes discovery, depositions, pre-trial motions, and trial presentations.
In April 2025, a two-vehicle crash at Military Trail and Atlantic Avenue left one person dead (CBS12). In another case, a hit-and-run near Atlantic Avenue and SW 5th Avenue in July 2025 left a pedestrian badly hurt (WPBF). Incidents like these often end up in litigation when the responsible party refuses accountability.
As David J. Zappitell says, “We stand with our clients from the first phone call to the courtroom.”
Why Use a Delray Beach Personal Injury Lawyer
When you are injured, having the right lawyer on your side makes a difference. David J. Zappitell, founder of Zappitell Law Firm, is widely recognized as the best personal injury attorney in town. His decades of trial experience, combined with his dedication to clients, have built a strong reputation throughout South Florida.
Our firm is based in Delray Beach, but we also represent clients throughout South Florida. By choosing David J. Zappitell, a board-certified civil trial attorney, you get the personalized service of a boutique practice supported by the resources usually found only in large firms.
That combination allows us to take on insurers and corporations while still giving every client the close attention they deserve.
Practical Steps After an Injury in Delray Beach
By following these steps, you will protect yourself and greatly improve your chances of receiving the best settlement possible to make you and your family whole again.
- Get medical care immediately, even for minor injuries.
- Call the police and obtain an accident report.
- Preserve evidence: photos, videos, witness information.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters without legal advice.
- Contact Zappitell Law Firm quickly, since Florida’s two-year statute of limitations limits your time to act.
FAQs About What a Personal Injury Lawyer Does
Q1: How much does hiring a personal injury lawyer cost?
Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency. You pay only if compensation is recovered.
Q2: How long does a personal injury case take in Florida?
Some cases settle in a few months, while others take a year or more if a trial is required.
Q3: What types of injury cases do you handle in Delray Beach?
Car accidents, motorcycle crashes, bicycle and pedestrian injuries, slip and fall cases, and wrongful death claims.
Q4: What happens if I miss the two-year deadline?
You usually lose the right to file a lawsuit if you wait more than two years after the accident.
Q5: How do I get started with Zappitell Law Firm?
Reach out to us for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your options, and guide you through every step. Simply click here or give us a call at (561) 330-6330.
About the Author
David J. Zappitell is a Florida Bar Certified Civil Trial Lawyer and the founder of Zappitell Law Firm in Delray Beach. With decades of experience representing victims of car accidents and other personal injury cases, David has been recognized among the National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 for his dedication to justice and client advocacy.
Note: This information is for general guidance and should not be considered legal advice.