Injured in a Crash? Call Our Car Accident Attorney in Fort Lauderdale
Being harmed in a car accident brought about by another person’s carelessness can change your life forever or potentially cause you several difficulties. The expense of treating your wounds and adjusting to life after the mishap might be costly, and relying upon the seriousness of your damages, your peace of mind may go away for the indefinite future to the state it was in before your mishap.
You shouldn’t need to bear the monetary, physical, and emotional burden of your wounds all alone. Yet, tragically, your Car insurance companies will often avoid paying out everything that your case is worth as it secures their primary concern. That is the reason you need to avail yourself of the assistance of an accomplished Car Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who can fight for your legal rights and get you the best-deserved compensation if you are involved in a car accident.
Call us now!
If you were involved in an accident due to the carelessness, recklessness, or negligence of another road user, you may be able to sue for damages. Our car accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale is just a call away and may be able to help with your case. Please contact the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato at 954-522-5800 to learn more about potential compensation for damages in car accident cases, how we handle car accident cases, and what forms of evidence they require.
State of Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is the home of just 165,000 inhabitants, yet it is one of Florida’s most famous tourist locations. Fort Lauderdale pulls in about 12 million sightseers consistently, so usually, the crowds new to the streets will undoubtedly cause many mishaps every year.
As indicated by Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Fort Lauderdale alone has more than 6,200 crashes, with a high death rate of 22.39 per 100K individuals associated with a car accident. There have been a normal 20 vehicle-related accidents on Fort Lauderdale’s roads every year for the previous five years.
The Types of Car Accidents That Negligent Actions Often Cause
Reckless and careless actions behind the wheel can result in devastating accidents and debilitating injuries for those involved. A driver’s negligence can cause any of the following types of accidents:
- Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions are quite frequent. They are often the result of tailgating, fatigue, intoxication, or distraction. Due to their actions, the rear driver lacks sufficient time and space to stop and hits the vehicle in front of them. In these cases, it is often the driver in the rear who is the liable party.
- Sideswipe Accidents: This type of accident occurs when two vehicles hit each other’s sides. This most commonly occurs when the vehicles are traveling in the same direction, and the negligent driver crosses over into the other driver’s lane because they failed to properly check their blind spots. It can also occur when the drivers are traveling in opposite directions, and one crosses over into the other’s lane.
- T-Bone or Side Impact: Often occurring at intersections, this type of accident is so named for the “T” shape it forms. The negligent driver, who more than likely failed to obey a traffic signal and ran a red light, struck the driver’s side of the car, which had the right of way. These accidents can cause severe injuries to the driver.
- Head-on Collision: This devastating type of accident occurs when the at-fault driver drifts over into oncoming traffic. The force of two vehicles colliding head-on frequently results in severe injuries.
- Rollover Accidents: Either due to the force of the impact or poor road design, rollovers happen anytime the victim’s vehicle is knocked on its side. In some instances, the force is so great that the vehicle will roll over multiple times. Victims are often severely injuries by the force of the impact and being tossed about.
- Multi-car Pile-Ups: A pile-up can happen in any of these types of accidents. Establishing liability can be difficult, but an auto accident attorney has the resources and knowledge to determine who was at fault, how the pile-up began, and the share of fault amongst the participants.
Our car accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale can also assist in any rideshare accidents. If you were either a passenger or another driver and you were involved in an accident with Uber, Lyft, or another service, we can determine which insurance policy applies to your claim.
What are the Causes of Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale?
Most of the car accidents that our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident lawyer come across are caused by one or more factors. Some of the reasons include – Driver Negligence, Vehicle issues, or Dangerous Driving Conditions.
- Car Accident Caused by Driver Negligence
Negligent driving is the primary reason for most car accidents in the United States. Data from the NHTSA suggests that 2,841 people were killed in distracted driving accidents in 2018. Since 2014, Florida statutes prohibit using specific devices while driving, such as smartphones, to prevent accidents such as accidents from occurring.
- Car Accident Caused by Vehicle Issues
Vehicle malfunctions and service or maintenance issues can cause an accident. For example, drivers who experience tire blowouts or brake failures while driving may inadvertently cause a collision. In these cases, the maintenance provider or vehicle manufacturer may be responsible rather than the driver.
- Car Accident Caused by Road Issues and Driving Conditions
Potholes, cracked roads, uneven surfaces, steep inclines or declines, dangerous curves, poor signage, and slippery surfaces can lead to vehicle collisions. Inclement weather, poor lighting, rain, snow, fog, and other weather conditions can also make it hazardous to drive and increase accidents.
What Are the Common Types of Car Accident Injuries in Fort Lauderdale?
A car accident comes in various degrees of seriousness, ranging from bumps and bruises to serious life-threatening conditions. Many injuries that occur are:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Whiplash
- Simple and compound bone fractures
- Scrapes and cuts
- Contusions
- Burns
- Muscle strains
- Knee and other joint sprains
- Back injuries including bulging discs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken ribs
- Disfigurement
- Loss of limb
No matter how simple you believe your injuries are, you owe it to your health to be examined by a medical professional. Some symptoms take a day or more to become present. It is also important after a car accident to claim compensation for medical attention immediately when you have been injured.
How to File a Car Accident Claim in Fort Lauderdale
To file a car accident claim in Fort Lauderdale and receive the benefits of your PIP coverage, you must follow these steps:
Seeing a Doctor As Soon As Possible
Whether it is in the emergency room or your primary care doctor, you need to see a physician as soon as possible.
First, they can begin treating your injuries and get you started on a treatment program. They can also check to see if you have any hidden injuries. Second, it protects your rights to compensation. Seeing a doctor links your injuries to the accident. Be advised that you must see a doctor within 14 days of the accident to qualify for PIP coverage, per Florida Statutes § 627.736.
Your doctor should also send all your medical bills directly to your PIP carrier.
Notifying Your Insurance Company
You need to inform your insurance company of the accident so that they can begin a case file. You need to tell them the following information:
- When and where the accident occurred
- A brief description of the events as you know them
- Any injuries you suffered
You do not want to add anything more than the basic information. Don’t speculate on the cause or make accusations. And above all, do not admit fault. Do not even say you are sorry. They can use anything you say against you later.
If you hire our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer, we can protect you from making mistakes that could cost you.
Submitting Documentation for Your PIP Claim
Depending on how the insurance company handles their claims, you may need to complete a PIP claim form. You will need to compile all the records and documents you collected on the accident and submit that to them, such as:
- Police report
- Paycheck stub for lost wages
- Any photos and videos
Once submitted, keep track of any correspondence you receive from them.
If you receive a denial, review the reasons why your claim was denied and provide the additional information requested.
How does our Fort Lauderdale Auto Accident Lawyer help you?
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident in Fort Lauderdale due to another person’s negligence, you have the right to pursue damages for your losses. This right includes filing a lawsuit under certain circumstances. The Fort Lauderdale auto accident lawyers with the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can help you. We believe in the power of personalized attention to each case, premium legal resources, and aggressive litigation, providing you with the following services:
Free Case Consultation
We provide all injury victims with a free initial case consultation. During your consultation, you can tell us what happened in your car accident. We will listen patiently and explain your legal options for recovering fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
It is also a chance for you to ask questions about us. If you are happy with the answers and feel confident about our legal representation, you can hire us, and the work begins.
Investigation of the Car Accident
Once hired, we begin investigating your accident. We have the resources to thoroughly examine the details of your auto accident. We will:
- Visit the accident scene and collect physical evidence, such as skid marks and road conditions
- Collect photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, the vehicle damage, and any existing qualities that could have led to the accident
- Request video footage from traffic cameras, dashcams, and local business surveillance, if it exists
- Gather relevant documents and reports, such as your medical records, the police reports, and your financial statements
- Speak with eyewitnesses to corroborate the events or add information from a different perspective
We will also discuss your case with our network of subject-area professionals. Our network includes professionals in the fields of medicine and finance. We may even consult with accident reconstruction professional to clarify any confusing or complex issues.
Identify All Liable Parties
Part of our investigation is identifying the liable party to your injuries. In most circumstances, the at-fault party is another driver and is liable for your losses. However, our investigation may discover that there are multiple liable parties. If that is the case, we will file claims with each, seeking the maximum compensation possible for your losses.
Compile Your Damages
After our investigation, we can determine what losses you have suffered and their value. Legally referred to as damages, we can collect evidence to present your economic damages (losses with a definitive monetary value) and your noneconomic damages (subjective losses related to your quality of life).
Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys will ensure you obtain the maximum compensation for your needs and losses. With our collection of evidence, list of damages, and a fair settlement value, we submit your claim with the insurance company and begin negotiations. Our firm has recovered over $200 million in verdicts and settlements for car accident cases throughout its history.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Insurance companies are in business to make money, so they will do what they can to limit or deny any claim they receive. It is for this reason that we advise clients to contact us first before speaking to them. We can speak on your behalf and protect you from saying anything that they could use against you.
Once we submit your claim, we can enter negotiations with them. We know various ways to negotiate and litigate car accidents, be it vehicle collisions to highway construction negligence. Our goal is to secure the best possible settlement for your losses, but if necessary, we will proceed to trial to accomplish our goal.
Represent You in Court
We will handle all the paperwork associated with your case, as well as filing a lawsuit against the liable parties. If we cannot reach a fair settlement with the insurance companies, we can argue your rights and present our evidence in court to seek a verdict in your favor.
Thankfully, most cases settle out of court, but we prepare your case from the start for the scrutiny of a judge and jury.
Call us right away at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato at (954) 633-8270 to learn more about potential compensation for damages in car accident cases, how we handle car accident cases, and the forms of evidence we require.
Benefits of Hiring a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney
1. Car Accident Claim and Compensation
Wolf and Pravato’s auto accident lawyers Fort Lauderdale evaluate each car accident case differently. Starting from the severity of the injuries to expenses and losses, our Car Accident Lawyer Fort Lauderdale ensure to consider every factor that affects the value of a car accident settlement. We investigate the what, why, and how to prove the damages related to the accident.
2. Dealing with Insurance Companies
Once you recover the compensation, you often have to go after the insurance companies and, in most cases, the at-fault driver to claim your insurance. However, with our top-notch Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney, you can take on the insurance companies and fight for the total and fair compensation you deserve.
3. Wrongful Death From a Car Accident
Losing your loved one in an accident is unbearable, and to top it off with the negligence of drivers and insurance companies is stressful. Our Car Accident Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale can file wrongful death lawsuits for families and offer you suitable legal options. Get the compensation you deserve.
4. Liability for a Car Accident
Demonstrating driver carelessness and causation is indispensable for winning an outsider protection guarantee. At the point when a driver acts carelessly, and this causes genuine wounds, they are obligated for your harm, which frequently incorporates clinical costs, lost wages, diminished acquiring limit, torment and enduring, and a large group of other injury-related damages.
5. Recovery
After an auto crash in Fort Lauderdale, FL, you could be qualified to recover remuneration for a not insignificant list of harms. Under Florida law, mishap casualties are eligible for pay for both economic and non-economic damages.
How do Florida’s Laws Affect my Car Accident Case?
A person usually has four years to file a lawsuit for personal injuries suffered in a car accident. The statute of limitations imposes this time constraint, and it may not be easy to get your case heard by a court if it is not filed on time.
Florida also follows a no-fault car insurance rule, which means that your car insurance policy will generally handle paying a portion of your medical bills and lost wages incurred from an accident. In most cases, to be able to file a Fort Lauderdale car accident claim against another driver or their insurance company, your injuries must be severe enough to meet a tort threshold according to state statutes. Qualifying torts are:
- Permanent Injuries
- Significant or Permanent loss of an important Bodily Function
- Significant or Permanent Scarring or Disfigurement
- Death
If there is a situation where drivers share fault for an accident, Florida’s modified comparative fault laws will apply. As long as you are under the 51% threshold of responsibility, you may still be able to settle for your car accident injuries.
If you are dealing with recovering from injury injuries, the legal process of a car accident claim can quickly become frustrating. Call our car accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale at 954-522-5800. for a free consultation.
Why Hire Our Firm for Your Car Accident Claim in Fort Lauderdale?
- Our firm has recovered over $800 million in verdicts and settlements for car accident cases throughout its history.
- Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney will ensure you obtain the maximum compensation for your needs and losses.
- Wolf and Pravato believe in the power of personalized attention to each case, premium legal resources, and aggressive litigation.
- We know the various ways to negotiate and litigate car accidents, be it vehicle collisions to highway construction negligence. We’re here to assist you in every legal way possible – including free consultations and contingency fees.
Proving Fault and Negligence in a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Case
Negligence is a legal term. It is the failure by one party (typically, the defendant in personal injury cases) to provide reasonable safety and care when interacting with another (the plaintiff).
Typically, it is represented in four elements. They are:
- Duty of Care: This element is the legal responsibility of each driver when operating their vehicle on the road.
- Breach of Duty: When a driver disregards the safety of others and violates a traffic law, they have breached their duty.
- Causation: This step is very important. We must be able to link the at-fault driver’s actions or inactions to the accident and your injuries.
- Damages: Finally, for negligence to occur, the victim must suffer injuries. These injuries can be financial, physical, or emotional.
For example, the at-fault driver failed to stop at a red light (Breach of Duty), struck another driver and injured them (Causation), and the other driver is now recovering from their injuries and out of work (Damages).
It should also be noted that the at-fault and liable party may not always be the same party. Though in most car accident cases, it is often a straight connection between the party at fault being responsible for your losses, there are circumstances where they could be two separate entities. The at-fault party could be an employee on the job when they hit you, making their employer vicariously liable for your injuries. If the accident was caused by a malfunctioning part or a road defect, a manufacturer or government agency could be liable.
To file a car accident claim, you must support your claim with as much evidence as possible to prove the four elements of negligence. Typical forms of evidence that you or your Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney can use to substantiate your claims include:
- Police reports
- Dashcam or surveillance footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Cellphone usage records
- Maintenance or repair logs for roadways and vehicles
- Details on suspensions or citations, if any, of the at-fault driver
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results
- Medical bills and vehicle repair invoices
- Paystubs or salary slips to prove lost income
We may also employ subject matter experts for their testimony on your prognosis, accident reconstruction, and your financial future.
Determining the Settlement Value of Your Car Accident Case
Part of our duty as lawyers is to help clients determine how much they may claim for their damages. To do this, we must investigate your accident and compile a list of all the damages you have suffered from the accident.
While the types of damages you are entitled to receive following your motor vehicle accident will vary depending on the details of your case, some of the damages victims have been able to recover in cases like yours include:
Noneconomic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Disability and disfigurement
Though these damages are subjective to the victim, we have the tools and experience to determine a fair value for these losses.
Economic Damages
These damages have a fixed, tangible dollar value associated with them. These include:
- Medical expenses, such as ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgical procedures, doctor’s examinations, and medications
- Therapy and rehabilitation you have had to undergo to restore you to your previous health, such as physical therapy or occupational therapy
- Any mental health problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you may also be able to recover the costs of counseling
- The repair or replacement of your car and damaged personal items
- Lost wages you missed because of your injuries kept you from working
- Potential income and reduced earning power you have lost due to any permanent injuries
Determining the settlement value of your economic damages is typically a straightforward process. However, we may require the assistance of experts for any projected hardships and losses your injuries may leave you to tend.
When the defendant’s actions are particularly reprehensible, the court may award punitive damages. These are intended to punish the defendant for their behavior and discourage them and anyone else from behaving so recklessly ever again. While these damages are not commonly awarded, they can result in sizable financial compensation for the victim.
Florida’s Car Accident Statute of Limitations
In either case, you must act before the statute of limitations expires on your case. Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, you typically have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit with the Broward County courthouse. For a breach of contract, you generally have five years.
If you miss this statutory deadline, you could be facing serious consequences. For one, the courts could bar your case, preventing you from seeking fair compensation for your losses through a trial. Second, without the right to file a lawsuit, you will be unable to negotiate effectively with the insurance companies. They will be unwilling to adjust their settlement offers without the leverage of a lawsuit held against them.
Additionally, if you wait too long to act, there is a good chance that any evidence in your case could be lost or destroyed. Physical evidence from the accident scene could be washed away. Video footage could be deleted and taped over, and witnesses’ memories could fade.
Contacting our law firm early enough will give us the time necessary to file your lawsuit and develop your claim. It also allows us to secure evidence before it is lost or destroyed.
What Evidence Do I Need to Collect in Case of a Car Accident?
To file a car accident claim, you must support your claim with as much evidence as possible. Typical forms of evidence that you or your Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney can use to substantiate your claims include:
- Police reports.
- Dashcam or surveillance footage.
- Eyewitness statements.
- Cell Phone usage records.
- Maintenance or repair logs for roadways and vehicles.
- Details on suspensions or citations, if any, of the at-fault driver.
- Blood alcohol test results.
- Medical bills and vehicle repair invoices.
- Paystubs or salary slips to prove lost income.
- Expert testimony to validate the use of a specific damages multiplier.
What is the Car Insurance coverage available in Fort Lauderdale?
In Florida, the parties involved in an accident must seek compensation for the collision from their insurance companies. Specifically, you may be able to seek compensation from:
- The insurance coverage of the at-fault driver, but only if you meet specific damage or injury levels.
- You’re uninsured or underinsured accident policy if the at-fault driver does not have adequate insurance coverage.
- Your liability insurance or collision insurance policy.
- Your injury protection (PIP) coverage.
Florida Drivers Are Required to Maintain Insurance Coverage
All Florida drivers must maintain insurance coverage, but according to the Insurance Information Institute, Florida ranks first in the number of uninsured drivers nationwide. More than one in four Florida drivers drive without insurance. The minimum coverage limits you must maintain by law are as follows:
- Liability Coverage for bodily injuries: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Liability Coverage for property damage: $25,000 per accident
- Bodily Injury Coverage for Uninsured Motorists: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage Coverage for Uninsured Motorists: $25,000 with a variable deductible between $250 and $1,000.
Vehicle Accidents Can Cause Catastrophic Injuries
Vehicle accidents can cause catastrophic injuries, and you may wish to purchase additional coverage beyond the limits above. In some cases, you may also be able to seek compensation from a company or corporation such as Uber or Lyft if you were involved in an accident caused by a driver using a specific platform. Driverless Cars and Accidents with heavily insured trucking companies may also affect other at-fault parties, from whom you may be able to seek compensation for your losses and damages.
Breaching Duty of Care
A breach of the duty of care can take multiple forms, from a driver simply being unaware that he or she was endangering others, to recklessness, to intentional misconduct such as driving aggressively or with malicious intent.
Based on these categorizations and the nature of the accident you were involved in, any one of several parties may be at fault for your accident. The examples below will help illustrate how.
- Suppose a driver operates his or her vehicle while drunk, tired, or distracted or does not have the proper licensing needed to operate a vehicle of a particular type. In that case, the driver may be liable for damages and injuries caused by the accident.
- A trucking company might be liable for damages caused by poorly trained or inexperienced drivers if poor hiring and screening practices contributed to an accident.
- A service or maintenance team may be liable for accidents caused by vehicle operational failures, damages caused by loose cargo, construction site road accidents, or poor road maintenance.
- A government office or a local town/municipality might be liable for accidents on roadways under their jurisdiction if damaged roads contributed to an accident.
Speak With Our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer Today
Wolf and Pravato’s car accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale understand how difficult it can be to handle a car accident case and claim if you suffered injuries in the accident or have other responsibilities. We are sure to provide expert legal assistance and help you deal with the frustrating time with more confidence. Wolf and Pravato’s caring and attentive staff dedicate time to ensure our clients know their legal options. So, worry not and entrust your car accident case to the best Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys.
Our client connections and our expertise in providing them with the best legal solutions ensure that we deal with your case with prompt and responsive communication, treating you like family. Call us today at 954-522-5800 for assistance with your car accident case.
Fort Lauderdale Car Accident FAQ:
1. What can I do to reduce my risk of an Auto Accident in Fort Lauderdale?
Driving carefully and responsibly, avoiding distractions like your cell phone, and never driving intoxicated are some of the best ways to reduce your risk of causing a car accident. These are common causes of car accidents. Taking a defensive driving class can also help you learn to avoid hazards that could cause an accident, although sometimes accidents caused by other people’s careless actions are unavoidable.
2. What do I need to bring when I meet with a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer?
When you meet with a Ft Lauderdale car accident lawyer, you may want to bring any information you have about the accident. This could include the police report, picture or video from the scene, documentation about your injuries, and more. We recommend keeping a file of all accident-related material and bringing it with you when you come.
3. How do I prepare for a Car Accident Attorney consultation in Fort Lauderdale?
Before you consult with one of our car accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale, look over any material you have from the accident. We recommend writing down your account of the accident soon afterward so you can review it and better recall the facts of the event during your consultation. You can also gather all accident-related materials to bring to your appointment.
4. Do I Have a Strong Car Accident Claim?
There are several factors that can influence the strength of your car accident claim:
- Connecting Your Injury to the Accident: The more direct and powerful the evidence that ties your injuries to the event will strengthen your claim for compensation.
- Liability and Insurance Coverage: Who is at fault, if they are insured, and the insurance policy limits will affect the amount of compensation available to you.
- Severity of Injuries: Catastrophic injuries will increase your settlement value due to the costs of recovery and ongoing care.
Additionally, your degree of fault in the accident will also play a part in the strength and value of your car accident claim.
5. What Should I Do First After a Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale?
If you are in a car accident, the first thing you need to do is to ensure you are safe from further harm. Do not get out of your car unless it is safe to do so. If you do leave your car, move away from the roadway and into a safe area. Then, begin to gather contact information, take pictures of the scene, and give it to your car accident lawyer.
6. What Do I Need to Bring When I Meet With a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer?
When you meet with a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer, you may want to bring any information you have about the accident. This information could include the police report, picture or video from the accident scene, documentation about your injuries, and more. We recommend keeping a file of all accident-related material and bringing it with you when you come.
