How A Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
A car accident attorney can help you exercise and protect your rights during your accident case. The insurance and legal process necessary to get compensation for your damages can be overwhelming, especially for somebody recently involved in an accident.
Our lawyers provide responsive legal care and go the extra mile for every client.
When our team takes your Fort Lauderdale car accident claim, we will:
- Gather evidence to prove negligence and liability
- Interview witnesses
- Document all accident-related losses and expenses
- Manage all communications with the insurance companies
- Work with experts who can help prove liability and establish the value of your damages
- Represent you to the at-fault driver, insurance companies, attorneys, and others
Our case reviews and initial consultations are always free, and we handle these cases on a contingency-fee basis. We don’t get paid unless you do.
Various Types of Fort Lauderdale Car Accidents We Handle:
- Fort Lauderdale T-Bone Accident Lawyer– A Fort Lauderdale T-Bone Accident Lawyer can investigate side-impact crash dynamics, identify liable drivers, and pursue compensation for the severe injuries these collisions often cause.
- Fort Lauderdale Multi-Vehicle Accident Injury Lawyer – A Fort Lauderdale Multi-Vehicle Accident Injury Lawyer helps untangle complex chain-reaction crash liability and fights to secure compensation from all responsible parties.
- Fort Lauderdale Intersection Accident Injury Lawyer– A Fort Lauderdale Intersection Accident Injury Lawyer builds strong cases involving red-light violations, failure-to-yield crashes, and other dangerous intersection collisions.
- Fort Lauderdale Speeding Accident Injury Lawyer– A Fort Lauderdale Speeding Accident Injury Lawyer can prove how excessive speed contributed to your crash, injuries, and financial losses.
- Fort Lauderdale PIP Claims Injury Lawyer– A Fort Lauderdale PIP Claims Injury Lawyer assists with navigating Florida’s no-fault system, ensuring you recover the full medical and wage benefits you’re entitled to.
- Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Car Accident Injury Lawyer – A Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Car Accident Injury Lawyer supports families who have lost a loved one in a fatal crash caused by negligence. They handle every legal detail with compassion, working to pursue compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the immense emotional impact of the loss.
- Fort Lauderdale Sideswipe Accident Lawyer – A Fort Lauderdale Sideswipe Accident Lawyer examines lane-drift, merging, and distracted driving factors to hold negligent drivers accountable.
- Fort Lauderdale Merging Accident Lawyer– A Fort Lauderdale Merging Accident Lawyer helps victims injured by unsafe merges, blind-spot errors, or drivers who fail to yield when entering traffic.
- Fort Lauderdale Red and Yellow Light Accident Injury Lawyer – A Fort Lauderdale Red and Yellow Light Accident Injury Lawyer helps victims injured when drivers run red lights, rush yellow signals, or make unsafe intersections maneuvers. They work to prove fault using traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction so you can recover full compensation for your injuries and losses.
- Fort Lauderdale Lane Change Accident Injury Lawyer– A Fort Lauderdale Lane Change Accident Injury Lawyer works to prove liability when a careless or aggressive lane change causes a collision and serious injuries.
- Fort Lauderdale Aggressive Driving Accident Injury Lawyer– A Fort Lauderdale Aggressive Driving Accident Injury Lawyer can pursue damages when reckless behaviors like tailgating, weaving, or road intimidation cause harm.
- Fort Lauderdale Weather-Related Accident Injury Lawyer– A Fort Lauderdale Weather-Related Accident Injury Lawyer investigates crashes caused by rain, reduced visibility, or slick roads—holding negligent drivers responsible despite poor conditions.
- Fort Lauderdale Commercial Vehicle Accident Injury Lawyer– A Fort Lauderdale Commercial Vehicle Accident Injury Lawyer handles cases involving trucks, delivery vans, and fleet vehicles, identifying corporate and driver responsibility.
- Fort Lauderdale Defective Tire Injury Lawyer – A Fort Lauderdale Defective Tire Injury Lawyer investigates crashes caused by tire blowouts, tread separation, and manufacturing defects, determining whether negligence lies with the tire maker, retailer, or vehicle maintenance provider. They work to hold all responsible parties accountable and pursue compensation for the often severe injuries these failures cause.
- Fort Lauderdale Single-Vehicle Accident Injury Lawyer– A Fort Lauderdale Single-Vehicle Accident Injury Lawyer can help identify whether factors like defective parts, poor road design, or another driver’s negligence contributed to the crash.
- Fort Lauderdale Road Rage Accident Injury Lawyer – A Fort Lauderdale Road Rage Accident Injury Lawyer supports victims harmed by intentional, hostile, or violent driving behaviors, pursuing all available compensation.
- Fort Lauderdale DUI Accident Injury Lawyer – A Fort Lauderdale DUI Accident Injury Lawyer helps victims injured by impaired drivers pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They work to prove intoxication, gather crucial evidence, and hold negligent drivers accountable for the harm they cause.
- Fort Lauderdale Van Accident Injury Lawyer – A Fort Lauderdale Van Accident Injury Lawyer advocates for victims injured in crashes involving passenger vans, work vans, or commercial transport vehicles. They investigate issues like driver negligence, vehicle maintenance failures, and loading problems to pursue full compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and long-term recovery needs.
- Fort Lauderdale SUV Accident Injury Lawyer – A Fort Lauderdale SUV Accident Injury Lawyer helps victims injured in collisions involving sport utility vehicles, which often cause greater impact forces and more severe injuries due to their size and rollover risk. They work to identify fault, analyze vehicle dynamics, and pursue full compensation for medical care, lost wages, and long-term recovery needs.
- Fort Lauderdale Road Shoulder Accident Injury Lawyer – A Fort Lauderdale Road Shoulder Accident Injury Lawyer represents victims hurt in crashes involving unsafe pull-offs, improper shoulder use, or negligent drivers veering out of their lane. They work to determine liability, analyze roadway conditions, and pursue compensation for injuries caused by these often-overlooked but dangerous accidents.
- Fort Lauderdale Rental Car Accident Injury Lawyer– A Fort Lauderdale Rental Car Accident Injury Lawyer sorts out insurance complexities between rental companies, negligent drivers, and supplemental coverage policies.
- Fort Lauderdale Underinsured Motorist Injury Lawyer– A Fort Lauderdale Underinsured Motorist Injury Lawyer helps clients access UM/UIM benefits when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance for serious injuries.
- Fort Lauderdale Airbag Defect Injury Lawyer – A Fort Lauderdale Airbag Defect Injury Lawyer investigates injuries caused by faulty airbags that fail to deploy, deploy too forcefully, or malfunction due to design or manufacturing defects. They work to hold automakers and parts manufacturers accountable and pursue compensation for the serious injuries these safety failures can cause.
- Fort Lauderdale Highway Car Accident Lawyer – A Fort Lauderdale Highway Car Accident Lawyer investigates high-speed collisions, multi-lane crashes, and severe injuries caused by negligent highway drivers.
- Fort Lauderdale Rollover Accident Lawyer – A Fort Lauderdale Rollover Accident Lawyer evaluates vehicle stability issues, driver negligence, or hazardous road conditions that result in devastating rollovers.
- Fort Lauderdale Driver Fatigue Car Accident Lawyer– A Fort Lauderdale Driver Fatigue Car Accident Lawyer works to prove a driver’s exhaustion, distraction, or hours-of-service violations contributed to your crash.
- Fort Lauderdale Side Impact Collision Lawyer – A Fort Lauderdale Side Impact Collision Lawyer helps victims of broadside crashes pursue compensation for traumatic injuries caused by dangerous lateral impacts.
- Fort Lauderdale Rear-End Collision Accident Lawyer– A Fort Lauderdale Rear-End Collision Accident Lawyer establishes fault in tailgating, distracted driving, and sudden-stop collisions that often cause whiplash and back injuries.
- Fort Lauderdale Vehicle Fire Injury Lawyer – A Fort Lauderdale Vehicle Fire Injury Lawyer handles cases involving car fires caused by electrical defects, fuel system failures, or crash-related ignition sources. They work to determine the cause of the fire, identify liable parties, and pursue compensation for burn injuries, smoke inhalation, and long-term damages.
- Fort Lauderdale Texting While Driving Accident Lawyer – A Fort Lauderdale Texting While Driving Accident Lawyer uncovers mobile-phone evidence and proves distracted driving caused your injuries.
- Fort Lauderdale Hit and Run Accident & Injury Lawyer– A Fort Lauderdale Hit and Run Accident & Injury Lawyer helps victims pursue compensation through insurance, UM coverage, and legal action—even when the driver flees the scene.
- Fort Lauderdale Head-On Collision Accident & Injury Lawyer– A Fort Lauderdale Head-On Collision Accident & Injury Lawyer fights for victims of some of the most severe and catastrophic crashes on Florida roads.
- Fort Lauderdale Faulty Seat Belt Injury Lawyer – A Fort Lauderdale Faulty Seat Belt Injury Lawyer helps victims injured when seat belts malfunction, unlatch, or fail to restrain occupants during a crash. They work to prove product defects, gather engineering evidence, and seek full compensation for the harm caused by these critical safety failures.
- Fort Lauderdale Blind Spot Car Accident Lawyer – A Fort Lauderdale Blind Spot Car Accident Lawyer investigates collisions caused by unsafe lane changes, large vehicle blind zones, and drivers failing to check surroundings.
- Fort Lauderdale Senior Citizen Car Accident Lawyer – A Fort Lauderdale Senior Citizen Car Accident Lawyer advocates for older adults injured in crashes, addressing heightened medical risks and unique recovery needs. They work to secure compensation for medical care, mobility concerns, long-term treatment, and any additional support required after the accident.
- Fort Lauderdale Whiplash Injury Lawyer – A Fort Lauderdale Whiplash Injury Lawyer helps victims suffering from neck strain, soft-tissue damage, and chronic pain pursue compensation for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost income. They work to prove injury severity—even when imaging doesn’t clearly show it.
- Fort Lauderdale Teen Driver Accident Lawyer – A Fort Lauderdale Teen Driver Accident Lawyer represents victims injured in crashes involving inexperienced or negligent teen motorists. They handle complex liability issues, insurance disputes, and work to secure compensation for the often-serious consequences of these accidents.
- Fort Lauderdale Arm and Leg Injury Car Accident Lawyer – A Fort Lauderdale Arm and Leg Injury Car Accident Lawyer assists clients facing fractures, ligament tears, nerve damage, or mobility-limiting injuries after a crash. They fight for compensation that covers surgeries, physical therapy, long-term care, and the impact these injuries have on daily life.
We Do Everything Possible To Support You After You Have A Fort Lauderdale Car Accident
Our Fort Lauderdale car accident team is proud to handle legal matters on our client’s behalf. We also understand that you need more than an efficient attorney during this difficult time.
That is why we strive to show support in other ways as well, including:
- Listening attentively to your story during your free consultation and all throughout your case
- Giving you your lawyer’s phone number so that you can call or text whenever you have questions
- Helping you get your car fixed by recommending trustworthy garages
- Updating you at every step of the way so you never have to wonder what is happening with your case
- Coming to visit you anywhere in or around Fort Lauderdale if your injuries prevent you from traveling to our office
- Explaining every new development in your case
- Advising you on your options and the potential consequences and outcomes of each
- Never push you into a decision you are uncomfortable with or make decisions for you
Our clients notice and appreciate our compassionate representation. One former car accident client, Sonia G., described us as a “professional, courteous and caring group” working “hard” to get positive client results. We now aim to apply the same combination of empathy and efficiency to your case.
Even Minor Collisions Can Lead To A Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Case
You should always report a Fort Lauderdale car accident, regardless of its severity. Remember, some car accident injuries, like whiplash, may have latent symptoms that only manifest days or weeks after an accident. What you may think was a minor accident may have lasting consequences.
That’s why it’s important to report any car accident. Even if you did not call the police to the accident scene, protect your Fort Lauderdale car accident case by reporting it online on the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Crash Portal.
According to Florida Statutes § 316.065(1), it is your legal responsibility to report any accident that results in an injury, a death, or more than $500 worth of property damage as quickly as possible. The responding officer will then compile a report including:
- The basic facts of the accident (such as who was involved, and when and where it happened)
- The involved parties’ names and contact information
- The date, time, and location of the collision
- The nature and severity of the damage done
An accident report can corroborate evidence during a claim or lawsuit.
Getting Compensation After A Fort Lauderdale Car Accident
Fort Lauderdale car accident victims can seek compensation for all their losses and expenses.
While state laws establish Florida as a no-fault state for car accidents, insurance laws allow accident victims to pursue compensation from at-fault drivers and file a claim with their insurance policies.
PIP Does Not Cover All Your Car Accident Losses In Florida
Your own PIP insurance provides some coverage regardless of who caused your accident. PIP covers your related medical care and only a portion of your lost wages. Your PIP coverage does not cover pain and suffering. Further, PIP only provides coverage up to the policy limits and as allowed under the state’s no-fault laws. State law requires you to carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage.
That $10,000 coverage may be enough to cover a trip to the emergency department, a few X-rays, and some of your initial treatment. What many people find, however, is that it is not sufficient to cover all their medical bills, let alone their wage losses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
You May Be Able To Seek Additional Damages
If another driver caused your accident, you may qualify to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance. A liability claim allows you to pursue the full scope of your damages. This includes medical expenses, full wage losses, pain and suffering, and other losses or expenses associated with your accident.
To qualify to file a third-party liability claim, though, you must meet a certain threshold:
- A significant impairment affecting a vital body part
- Permanent injuries
- Significant scarring or disfigurement
- Other accident-related expenses
You can get help from a personal injury lawyer. Fort Lauderdale accident victims are entitled to pursue compensation for all their damages, not just a portion of their losses if another driver caused their wreck.
Should I Get A Lawyer After A Fort Lauderdale Car Accident?
We encourage anyone injured in a car accident to begin their cases immediately. Fort Lauderdale accident victims often find that, while they believe their accident was minor, they still qualify to recover compensation.
A Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney can evaluate the details of your accident to see if you have a case. Do not automatically discount your case and injuries, your injuries and losses may be more serious than they initially seem.
When this occurs, we can:
- Obtain copies of relevant medical records
- Investigate the accident to prove cause, negligence, and liability
- Prove you meet the state’s serious injury threshold
- Demonstrate that the other driver caused your crash
- Pursue all options to recover compensation
This can allow your attorney to pursue economic and non-economic damages by filing an insurance claim based on the at-fault driver’s liability automobile insurance policy or filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court.
Every car accident is different, so it is impossible to know how much a car wreck case might be worth without first evaluating the severity of the injuries and any related expenses and losses. Too many factors affect the value of a Fort Lauderdale car accident settlement.
When our law firm takes on an accident case, we thoroughly investigate what happened and why and prove any damages related to the accident.
Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers gather evidence that may include:
- Relevant medical records
- Bills, receipts, and estimates
- Documentation showing time away from work
- Other documentation of related expenses or losses
In addition, your lawyer may call in experts who can testify about injury severity, future medical care needs, the cost of ongoing care, and other factors.
Experts could include:
- Medical experts
- Economists
- Care planners and specialists
- Vocational rehabilitators
Our investigation aims to identify and document as many compensatory damages as possible. This refers to your losses, expenses, and the non-economic effects of the accident and injuries. These are recoverable damages if your injuries meet the state’s serious injury threshold. In addition, your attorney may need to dispute accusations of comparative negligence (Florida Statutes § 768.81) or other factors that might reduce the value of your claim.
Once we identify a fair settlement value that covers your accident-related damages, we can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s auto liability insurance and negotiate a settlement. Your attorney can fight for the personal injury settlement you deserve.After a Fort Lauderdale car accident, you could be eligible to recover compensation for a long list of damages. Under Florida law, accident victims are entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic losses.
Economic losses refer to actual monetary losses or expenses, while non-economic losses refer to damages that cannot be easily quantified in dollar terms. Unlike many states, Florida does not cap non-economic damage recovery for car accidents.
An attorney from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine will help you take on the insurance company and fight for the full amount of your economic and non-economic losses. Work with a lawyer who can build a thorough, compelling, evidence-backed case on your behalf.
Economic Damages For Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Victims
The total value of your damages depends on the details of your case, but some examples of recoverable damages for car accidents include:
- Ambulance transportation from the scene
- Emergency treatment
- Inpatient care
- Inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation
- Physical, occupational, and other types of therapy
- In-home nursing care
- Prescription drugs
- Adaptive equipment
- Ongoing care and future care related to the accident
- Loss of income, including paid-lead, bonuses, and benefits
- Reduced earning capacity
- Loss of employment or employment opportunities
- Vehicle repair costs
- Rental car costs
- Other accident-related expenses
If your family member died in a fatal crash, we can offer the support and guidance you need to recover compensation in a Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawsuit. Damages in a wrongful death case may include funeral expenses, burial expenses, the deceased’s lost income, and more.
Car Accidents And Non-economic Damages
You may also qualify to recover compensation for your non-economic damages. Common non-economic damages for car accidents include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of quality of life
- Permanent disabilities
- Temporary disabilities
- Intellectual disabilities
- Trauma and mental anguish
- Loss of reputation
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement and scarring
If you lost a loved one, you may qualify to recover non-economic damages in a wrongful death case, such as loss of companionship, instruction, and guidance (Florida Statutes § 768.21).Proving The Value Of Your Damages
To prove the full value of your losses, we will collect:
- Bills
- Receipts
- Expert testimony
- Witness reports
- Photos and video
- Medical records
- Other documentation
In addition to this evidence, we also consider impacts on your lifestyle. After all, you are more than your bills and records. You may have hobbies, dependents, and goals affected by your injuries. We also evaluate those impacts when demonstrating the value of your damages, especially non-economic ones.
We will then use this information to determine the fair value of your claim and negotiate a settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company based on this value.
Proving Liability For A Fort Lauderdale Car Accident
Proving driver negligence and causation is vital for winning a third-party insurance claim. When a driver acts negligently and causes serious injuries, they are liable for your damages, which often include medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other injury-related damages.
Some common examples of negligent driving behaviors that cause Fort Lauderdale car accidents include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Reckless driving
- Violation of traffic laws
- Failure to drive based adequately on road conditions
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to yield the right-of-way in an intersection
- Speeding
- Racing or other reckless behavior
- Drowsy driving
- Texting while driving or otherwise distracted
These forms of negligence can lead to many motor vehicle accidents, such as head-on and rear-end collisions. We thoroughly investigate every case, including partnering with reconstruction specialists when necessary. We can collect the evidence necessary to show the other motorist caused your accident, allowing us to hold them liable for your damages.
Do You Always Sue a Driver After a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident?
Most car accidents are caused by driver error, so most lawsuits target these negligent drivers.
In rare cases, an accident may have a different or additional liable party, such as:
- A car part manufacturer
- An auto designer
- A tire company
- A rideshare or taxi company
- A city or municipality
- A maintenance contractor
For example, issues like a faulty airbag, poorly marked road hazard, or error in installing an auto part could all leave one of the above parties liable.
As part of our investigation, we can confirm the identity and number of the liable parties in your case. This is not only to identify the correct party but also to calculate your damages. If more than one party contributed to your crash, we can work to hold them accountable for their share.
You generally have to go through the insurance companies to recover the compensation you deserve after a wreck. In many cases, this means your insurance company and that of the at-fault driver.
This process is not always easy, as insurers have adjusters who find ways to pay as little as possible for accident claims.
That can include tactics like:
- Insisting you give an official statement right away
- Pressuring you to accept a settlement before you know the value of your claim
- Drawing out the claims process in the hope you’ll cave
- Making you feel like you don’t have time to consider an offer
- Underestimating or denying the severity of your injuries
- Placing blame on another party or even on you
Understandably, this experience can be frustrating, leading some victims to settle early to avoid the hassle. Fortunately, our Ft. Lauderdale car accident lawyers can help you deal with insurance companies. We are well-versed in insurance tactics and can spot and avoid pitfalls in your claim process.
Our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyers Will Deal With The Liable Party and Their Representatives
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer will take on the insurance companies and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Some of the ways we can deal with insurance companies on your behalf include:
- Taking over all communications with the insurance companies
- Helping you respond to insurance company letters
- Presenting evidence of the other party’s fault and your entitlement to compensation
- Presenting evidence to establish the value of your losses
- Negotiating a settlement that fairly compensates you for your injuries
- Avoiding mistakes that can prove costly
Some car accident victims believe they can navigate the legal proceedings for seeking compensation without legal support. However, this decreases the risk of a favorable resolution for the plaintiff’s case. If you are wondering what happens if you lose a car accident lawsuit, the short answer is that you risk increasing your financial loss. You might need to cover damages and any expenses associated with the case. Our lawyers will work to win your case so you do not have to face these consequences.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, navigating the complexities of insurance claims can be daunting. Insurance companies often prioritize their interests, making securing the compensation you deserve challenging. An experienced car accident attorney can be your advocate, ensuring your rights are protected throughout this process.
When dealing with insurance companies after a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, it is important to understand that they may employ tactics to undermine your claim. These tactics can include making you feel rushed to settle, downplaying the severity of your injuries, or even placing blame on another party or yourself. It is crucial not to fall into the trap of settling early to avoid the hassle.
Interacting with insurance companies after a car accident can be challenging. Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize your claim or find reasons to deny it altogether. They might request recorded statements or push for quick settlements that do not fully cover your expenses. It’s important to be cautious and avoid providing detailed statements or accepting settlement offers without consulting a lawyer. An attorney can handle communications with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and you are not taken advantage of during a vulnerable time. They understand the tactics used by insurers and can effectively counter them to pursue a fair settlement.
Fortunately, our team of experienced car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine is here to help you navigate the insurance claim process. We will take on the insurance companies and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Do Not Take On The Insurance Companies Yourself
Many car wreck victims in South Florida believe they can file a claim independently without going through an attorney. In some cases, they end up leaving money on the table.
Without a lawyer, you may be vulnerable to the insurance company’s tricks and tactics designed to reduce your case’s value, and you may get saddled with a settlement that pays you less than you deserve.
To protect your rights:
- Do not give a recorded statement.
- Do not sign anything.
- Do not accept any compensation.
- Do not send any documents.
- Do not release any records.
- Do not discuss your case on social media or in public.
- Do not make any admissions of guilt.
Before you do any of these things, consult a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer at our firm. We have decades of combined experience gathering evidence, putting together thorough and compelling cases, and taking on the insurance companies on behalf of our clients.
Understanding the Role of Insurance in Car Accident Cases
- Navigating Insurance Claims: After an accident, you will likely deal with your insurance company and the at-fault party’s insurer. Understanding policy coverage, limitations, and the claims process is crucial.
- Dealing with Insurance Adjusters: Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize your claim. It’s important to know how to communicate with them effectively.
- Maximizing Your Compensation: An attorney can help you understand the full extent of your damages and negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your compensation.
Why Legal Representation Matters
- Expertise in Insurance Law: Lawyers have in-depth knowledge of state insurance laws and can use this expertise to their advantage.
- Strong Negotiation Skills: Attorneys are skilled negotiators who can handle discussions with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Protecting Your Rights: A lawyer will ensure that the insurance company does not infringe upon your rights and will take legal action if necessary.
The Importance of Timely Legal Action After a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident
Time is of the essence after a car accident in Fort Lauderdale. Immediate legal action can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Understanding Statutes of Limitations
- Legal Deadlines: Florida has specific deadlines for filing a car accident claim. Missing these can bar you from seeking compensation.
- Gathering Evidence: Prompt action allows for the effective gathering of evidence, which can be crucial in proving liability and damages.
Why Act Quickly?
- Preserving Evidence: Evidence such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and witness memories can fade or disappear over time.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often require prompt reporting of accidents, and delays can complicate your claim.
- Avoiding Legal Pitfalls: An attorney can guide you through the legal process, helping you avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your claim.
What To Do If The Insurance Company Contacts You
We recommend our clients avoid speaking with insurance companies as much as possible after an accident. Even the slightest slip-up can be twisted and taken out of context to suggest that you are entitled to less money than you deserve. You can reduce this risk by passing the insurance company off to your lawyer instead of dealing with it yourself.
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, personal injury attorneys, are eager to deal with the insurance companies on your behalf and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Most accident claimants want to get paid as quickly as possible. After a severe wreck, you could be staring down expensive medical bills and other injury-related losses while also missing work. This financial stress can compound the physical and emotional pain you already suffer.
However, several factors determine how long it takes to settle insurance claims for auto accidents.
These factors include:
- The complexity of the case
- The severity of the injuries
- The value of the claim
- The strength of the evidence
- Disputes about fault and liability
Those factors and more could influence the time it takes to settle your case. The most important thing is building a compelling case that establishes fault and liability and demonstrates the full value of your damages. Building such a case can take time, but your attorney can work diligently to avoid delays and keep your case moving.
However, certain avoidable factors could delay settling your case.
These factors may include:
- Mistakes made when filing the claim or lawsuit
- Mistakes made when executing legal procedures
- Failure to properly document fault or injuries
- Understand punitive damages
- Various administrative errors
A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer from our firm can represent you from start to finish, helping you fight for fair compensation and preventing avoidable mistakes that could delay the settlement of your case.
What You Can Do To Avoid Delays In Your Case
Work with your attorney to avoid delays that may slow down your case.
Some things you can do that might help include the following:
- Seek medical care after your wreck
- Follow doctor’s orders
- Consult a lawyer as soon as possible
- Organize photographs and other documents related to the accident
- Share any evidence you have with your lawyer
- Work closely with your lawyer
While your first order of post-accident business should be to receive any medical care you need, the next thing you should do is schedule a consultation with an attorney who can review your legal options and what to expect from your claim.
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help you recover compensation for your injuries. Our law firm has a long and successful track record of helping victims of auto accidents in Fort Lauderdale.
Do You Have To Go To Court For A Fort Lauderdale Car Accident?
You may or may not have to go to court to recover compensation for your Fort Lauderdale car wreck. Many injured drivers can recover damages without setting foot in a courtroom. Others see their case go to trial and might have to testify.
Whether or not you have to go to court depends on many variables.
A few of the factors that may affect whether appearing in court for an accident in Fort Lauderdale, FL, is necessary include:
- The severity of your accident and injuries
- The amount of money you are seeking to recover
- Whether the insurance company agrees to a fair settlement outside of court
- The evidence backing your claim
- If there are disputes over who is liable
These are just a few things that could affect whether you will go to trial.
We Work To Settle Your Car Accident Case Out Of Court
We can often settle our clients’ car accident cases outside of court. Most parties can settle to avoid leaving a verdict up to a jury. We, therefore, work to bring everyone to the table to agree.
That work nonetheless lays the groundwork for a potential court case if necessary.
While working to settle your claim, our lawyers:
- Retrieve documents
- Gather evidence
- Work with expert witnesses
- Build your case
Building a case for a claim means demonstrating negligence, fault, and the extent of your injuries and damages. We negotiate with insurers and fight for a fair settlement.
That said, we will not avoid going to court if that is what it takes to recover the compensation you deserve. We prepare a compelling case from the start so that we are ready for trial if the insurance company refuses to settle.
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we help victims of auto wrecks in Broward County recover compensation for their injuries. We can help you or your loved one get compensation if the other driver caused your wreck. For help navigating the legal process following your accident, set up a free case evaluation and discuss how a personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can help you. Call our Fort Lauderdale office.
Getting into an accident is stressful enough. It can cause bodily injuries such as whiplash, emotional pain, financial stress, etc. To make matters worse, too many drivers in the Fort Lauderdale area operate their vehicles without insurance. What happens after accidents involving uninsured drivers? How do you recover compensation for your injuries?
Filing A PIP Claim After A Fort Lauderdale Car Accident
Florida requires all drivers to carry PIP coverage, which covers medical expenses and some wage losses regardless of fault and up to the policy limits. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), you must carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP. Your insurance can, therefore, provide at least some financial relief after a collision.
Filing A Claim With Your Collision Coverage
Your policy’s collision coverage can help you pay for your vehicle’s damage if the other driver lacks property damage liability coverage. Your policy may have a deductible that you will have to meet before your collision coverage kicks in.
Filing An Uninsured Motorist (UM) Claim
Florida has one of the country’s highest rates of uninsured motorists, with the Insurance Information Institute (III) ranking sixth, with over 20 percent of drivers lacking coverage. If you have UM coverage on your policy, you can file a UM claim if the other driver is uninsured or left the accident scene. Your UM coverage replaces the other driver’s liability policy, allowing you to pursue damages up to your policy’s limits.
Suing The Uninsured Driver
You may also be able to sue the uninsured driver, though the driver may lack the assets to cover the full cost of your damages. Such suits must be handled carefully, but they can still result in compensation for you.
Which Option Should I Choose?
Which of these options is the best one to pursue? That depends on the circumstances of your accident. Speak with a Fort Lauderdale auto accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident to review your options. At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we have helped many victims of auto accidents, including many who were involved in accidents with uninsured drivers.
Do not get discouraged because the at-fault party doesn’t have insurance. You can still recover compensation for your injuries, and an attorney from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help. We proudly serve clients in Fort Lauderdale.
Compensation Available After a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident
Victims of car accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation to restore them to their pre-accident condition. Economic damages cover tangible losses such as medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation costs, and future medical care. They also encompass lost wages from time off work and loss of earning capacity if the injuries affect your ability to work in the future.
Non-economic damages address intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. These are subjective and can vary significantly based on the severity of the injuries and their impact on your daily life. In cases where the at-fault party exhibited gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Calculating the full extent of your damages can be complex. A car accident lawyer can help evaluate all aspects of your losses, ensuring that all potential avenues of compensation are explored and that you receive a fair settlement or award.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Fort Lauderdale Car Accidents?
Florida allows two years to file a lawsuit for a car accident. If you fail to file your lawsuit before this deadline, you may be unable to pursue your case. If you lost a loved one in a car accident, you also generally have just two years to file your wrongful death lawsuit.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, your deadline could differ. For instance, when suing a municipality, you only have six months to file and must present notification of your case in writing, according to Florida Statutes § 768.28(6)(a)(1).
Navigating the Complexities of Car Accident Cases in Fort Lauderdale
Car accidents are unfortunate events that can turn your life upside down in seconds. While the immediate concern is often medical treatment and recovery, the financial and legal implications can be equally daunting. In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine offer comprehensive legal services to help you navigate these complexities. From gathering crucial evidence to prove negligence and liability to managing all communications with insurance companies, their team ensures you get the full damages you’re entitled to. But their compassionate approach sets them apart, where they handle legal matters and offer emotional and logistical support during this challenging time.
The firm emphasizes the importance of acting promptly after an accident. They recommend reporting the accident to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Crash Portal, especially if you didn’t call the police to the accident scene. This is crucial as some injuries, like whiplash, may not manifest symptoms immediately but can have long-term consequences. The firm also advises against navigating the claims process alone, as insurance companies often employ tactics to minimize the payout. By hiring a competent car accident lawyer, you can avoid common pitfalls and improve your chances of securing a fair settlement.
In Florida, the no-fault insurance laws add another layer of complexity to car accident cases. While Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance provides some coverage, covering all medical bills and lost wages is often insufficient. Moreover, PIP doesn’t cover pain and suffering. The firm highlights that if another driver is at fault, you may qualify to file a third-party liability claim, allowing you to pursue a broader scope of damages. This includes medical expenses, complete wage losses, pain, suffering, and other non-economic damages. To qualify for this, you must meet specific criteria like significant impairment affecting an important body part or permanent injuries. With the proper legal guidance, you can navigate these complexities and secure the compensation you deserve.
Make Sure You Seek Medical Attention After a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident
You will want to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident. It would be best to begin treatment immediately to help you reach your maximum medical recovery. Your medical records will also serve as invaluable evidence in your case.
For example, if you suffer from a permanent disability, you will want our legal team to go after awards for future medical care, such as rehabilitation. You may also want to seek recovery for in-home assistance and home modifications. You don’t want to be left footing the bill for future expenses due to someone else’s negligence.
It is also important to follow through with your treatment plan. If you forgo or delay treatment, an insurer may try to undervalue or deny your claim.
Work With A Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Today
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine fight for full and fair compensation for victims of car accidents. If you or a loved one were hurt, call today. Our law firm will act quickly to fight for the money you deserve. For a free consultation, call our Fort Lauderdale, FL, office.
We Can Help.
