Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer

Car crashes happen every day on busy Fort Lauderdale’s highways and urban areas— from rear-end collisions on Federal Highway to catastrophic multi-car collisions on I-95. When another driver’s carelessness causes you to suffer severe injuries, you deserve full compensation for your medical costs and other losses, not a quick settlement that leaves you struggling.

At The Bald Injury Lawyers, we fight for Fort Lauderdale drivers injured by negligent, reckless, or distracted motorists. We know how insurance companies operate because we spent years working to defend them. Today we use that insider knowledge to hold insurers accountable and recover the maximum compensation possible for our clients. We handle every detail of your claim so you can focus on recovering from your injuries and rebuilding your life.

Do I Have a Valid Car Accident Claim in Fort Lauderdale?

You might, but to know for sure, you need to speak with one of our knowledgeable lawyers. Every case is different, and many factors can impact your ability to seek compensation for your damages. Florida law requires you to prove that another party was negligent and that their negligence directly caused your injuries. This means showing that the other driver owed you a duty of care, breached that duty through careless or reckless behavior, and that this breach resulted in your harm and losses.

At The Bald Injury Lawyers, we offer you a risk-free opportunity to get a free and honest assessment of your legal options. During your consultation, we listen intently and ask questions to learn more about your crash and how it happened. This information is critical to giving you an accurate evaluation about your legal options and what your claim may be worth.

What Types of Car Accidents Are Common in Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale roads has a wide variety of collisions throughout the year. Some accidents happen because of driver error, while others occur due to road conditions, weather, or mechanical failures.

Common car accidents in Fort Lauderdale include:

• Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end crashes are really common in heavy traffic on I-95 or along busy corridors like Broward Boulevard, especially drivers follow too closely or fail to brake in time.
• Intersection Accidents: Running red lights, failing to yield the right of way, and making unsafe turns cause serious crashes at busy Fort Lauderdale intersections.
• Left-Turn Accidents: Drivers who turn left without properly judging oncoming traffic frequently cause devastating collisions.
• Sideswipe Accidents: Lane changes without checking blind spots or signaling lead to sideswipe crashes on multi-lane highways and roads.
• Head-On Collisions: Though less common, these accidents are often the most severe and can result from wrong-way driving, distracted driving, or crossing the center line.
• T-Bone Accidents: Also called side-impact crashes, these collisions are especially dangerous for vehicle occupants and typically occur at intersections when one driver runs a stop sign or red light.
• Parking Lot Accidents: It surprises people to find out that low-speed crashes in shopping centers and business parking lots can still cause significant injuries and vehicle damage.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents: Some drivers flee the scene after causing a crash, leaving victims without immediate recourse.

How Much Is My Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Case Worth?

The value of your car accident case depends on several factors unique to your situation, such as the severity of your injuries and how long doctors think it will take you to recover. There are other factors too, like the total amount of all your medical bills, how much work you miss, and the impact the accident has on your daily life and relationships.

The amount of the at-fault driver’s insurance is another critical factor in determining what you can recover. If the negligent driver only has the minimum insurance limits, you may not be able to collect the full value of your damages from their policy alone. We research all available insurance policies, including your own coverage, to identify every possible source of compensation.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover After a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident?

The types of damages you can recover depends on the circumstances of your car accident and the severity of your injuries. Your attorney will help you document all of your losses to help you recover full and fair compensation.

The types of compensation you may be able to recover include:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical care related to your injuries.
• Lost Wages: Money for the income you missed while recovering from your injuries and unable to work.
• Lost Earning Capacity: Compensation if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning the same income you made before the accident.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs to your vehicle or the fair market value if your car is totaled.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress you have endured because of the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation when your injuries prevent you from participating in activities and hobbies you enjoyed before the crash.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Additional damages if the accident leaves you with permanent scars or disfigurement that affects your appearance and self-esteem.
• Loss of Consortium: In some cases, your spouse may recover damages for the loss of companionship and support caused by your injuries.

Who Pays for My Medical Bills and Other Damages After a Crash?

Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system for car accidents. This means that after a crash, your own Personal Injury Protection insurance (PIP) pays for your initial medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. Florida law requires most drivers to carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage. This insurance typically covers 80 percent of your medical bills and 60 percent of your lost wages up to the policy limits.

However, PIP coverage often falls short when you suffer serious injuries. If your medical bills exceed your PIP limits or if you sustain permanent injuries that meet certain legal thresholds, you may be able to file an injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver to seek compensation beyond what PIP provides, such as pain and suffering and future medical care.

If the negligent driver lacks sufficient insurance or has no insurance at all, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may provide additional compensation.

What If I Am Partially at Fault for My Fort Lauderdale Car Accident?

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule when determining fault in car accidents. Under this system, you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot recover any compensation, regardless of how badly you are hurt.

Do I Need to Call Police After a Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale?

Under Florida law, drivers must call police after a car accident under specific circumstances. But doing so even when you are not legally required is almost always in your best interest. Having police at the crash scene, means you have an official accident report that provides crucial evidence for your claim.

You must call police after a Fort Lauderdale car accident if:

• Any Person Is Injured: If you, your passengers, or anyone else involved in the crash sustains injuries, you must report the accident to law enforcement immediately.
• Any Person Is Killed: Fatal accidents must be reported to police without delay.
• The Crash Causes Property Damage: If the accident damages any vehicle or property to the point where it cannot be safely driven or moved, you must notify police.
• A Driver Appears Impaired: If you suspect the other driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, call police right away.
• A Driver Leaves the Scene: Any hit-and-run accident must be reported to law enforcement as soon as possible.
• There Is a Dispute About Fault: When drivers disagree about who caused the accident, having police respond ensures an official record of the incident.

What If the Other Driver Flees the Scene of the Accident?

When a driver leaves the scene after causing an accident, you may still have insurance coverage that can help protect you in these situations. The best scenario is when you can identify the driver or their license plate, but even when you can’t, you still have options for pursuing the compensation you need.

Your own insurance policy may provide coverage through:

• Uninsured Motorist Coverage: This insurance pays for your injuries and damages when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or located after a hit-and-run accident.
• Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the hit-and-run driver is eventually found but lacks sufficient insurance to cover your damages, this coverage makes up the difference.
• Personal Injury Protection: Your PIP coverage pays for your immediate medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident or whether that driver fled the scene.
• Collision Coverage: This insurance pays to repair or replace your vehicle after a hit-and-run, minus your deductible.
• Medical Payments Coverage: If you carry MedPay on your policy, it provides additional funds for medical expenses beyond what PIP covers.

What Evidence Do I Need for My Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Claim?

Strong evidence is the foundation of any successful car accident claim. The more documentation you have, the easier it becomes to prove what happened, who was at fault, and what damages you suffered.

Evidence that can support your car accident claim includes:

• Accident Scene Diagram: A sketch showing the position of vehicles, traffic signals, and other relevant details helps reconstruct how the crash occurred.
• Police Report: The official accident report documents the responding officer’s observations, statements from drivers and witnesses, and any citations issued at the scene.
• Photographs and Videos: Images of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and your injuries provide visual proof of what occurred.
• Witness Statements: Contact information and accounts from people who saw the accident happen can corroborate your version of events.
• Medical Records: Documentation of your emergency room visit, hospital treatment, diagnoses, prescriptions, and ongoing care proves the extent of your injuries.
• Medical Bills: Itemized statements from healthcare providers show the cost of your treatment and help calculate your economic damages.
• Proof of Lost Income: Pay stubs, tax returns, and letters from your employer demonstrate how much work you missed and what wages you lost.
• Vehicle Repair Estimates: Written estimates or invoices from auto repair shops establish the cost to fix or replace your damaged vehicle.
• Traffic Camera Footage: Video from intersection cameras or nearby businesses may capture the moments before, during, and after the crash.
• Cell Phone Records: If you suspect the other driver was texting or talking on the phone, these records can prove distracted driving.

How Do I Deal with Insurance Companies After a Car Accident?

When you hire an attorney, you don’t have to handle insurance companies on your own. Your attorney can manage all communication with insurers on your behalf, protecting you from tactics designed to minimize your claim.

If you do speak with an insurance company before hiring an attorney, remember two critical rules. First, never admit fault or apologize for the accident, even if you believe you may have contributed to it. Statements you make can be used against you later, and adjusters often twist innocent comments to suggest you caused the crash. Second, do not sign any documents or agree to any settlement without first speaking with a lawyer.

At Bald Injury Lawyers, we can review any paperwork or offers before you sign anything or make a decision you cannot undo.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Florida?

In Florida, the statute of limitations gives you just two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, which means you lose the right to recover any damages. While two years may seem like a long time, it can pass quickly, especially when you are focused on medical treatment and recovery.

Some claims, including claims made against the government, are much shorter than two years. Check with your attorney to find out what deadlines apply to your claim.

Benefits of Working with a Car Accident Lawyer

Hiring a car accident lawyer gives you a significant advantage when pursuing compensation after a crash. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to protect their bottom line. You need someone equally committed to protecting your rights and fighting for the settlement you deserve.

When The Bald Injury Lawyers manage your claim, we protect your best interests by:

• Fully investigating your claim and gathering evidence that builds a compelling case.
• Accurately calculating the full value of your damages, including future medical care and other long-term impacts you may not have considered.
• Protecting you from insurance tactics, countering lowball offers and negotiating for fair compensation.
• If the insurance company won’t agree to a fair settlement, we can represent you in court to fight for the damages you deserve.
• We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
• We make sure you meet all deadlines, file the proper paperwork, and avoid common errors that could jeopardize your claim.

Why Call a Lawyer Soon After a Car Crash

Time matters after a car accident. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget critical details, and insurance companies begin building defenses against your claim from the moment the crash occurs. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner they can start protecting your rights and preserving the evidence you need to prove your case.

Delaying legal help also gives insurance companies an unfair advantage. Adjusters may contact you soon after the accident, hoping to get a recorded statement or push you into accepting a quick settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries.

Once you hire an attorney, all communication goes through your legal team, protecting you from saying something that could hurt your claim. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to build a strong case and recover the full damages you deserve.

Contact The Bald Injury Lawyers for Your Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Claim

Car accidents cause serious injuries and an unexpected – and unfair financial hardship. You should not have to fight insurance companies alone while recovering from your injuries.

The Bald Injury Lawyers take on negligent drivers and their insurers to recover the compensation you deserve. We handle every aspect of your claim, from investigating the crash to negotiating maximum settlements.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We will listen to you compassionately, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.