Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer

If you were hurt in a car accident in Ft Lauderdale, you might be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage does not cover all your losses and expenses. A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help you pursue the full damages you are entitled to.

If you or a loved one was hurt in a car wreck, call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for a free consultation.

A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help with your case from start to finish.

A Fort Lauderdale 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 who was recently involved in an accident.

Our lawyers not only provide responsive legal care but also go the extra mile for every client. When our team takes your case, 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

You worry about getting better. Let a personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale take care of the rest.

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.

We Do Everything Possible To Support You After You Have A Fort Lauderdale Car Accident

Our team is proud to handle legal matters on our client’s behalf. We also understand that you need more than just 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 pushing you into a decision you are uncomfortable with or making 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” that works “hard” to get positive results for its clients. We now want to extend that same combination of empathy and efficiency to your case.

Should You Report A Minor Car Accident In Fort Lauderdale?

The short answer is YES! You should always report a car accident, even a minor one.

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

Victims of car accidents can pursue compensation for all their losses and expenses.

While Florida Statutes § 627.7407 establishes Florida as a no-fault state for car accidents, insurance laws in the state allow accident victims to pursue compensation from at-fault drivers in addition to filing a claim with their own insurance policies. Y.

PIP Does Not Cover All Your 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 Qualify To File A Liability Claim

If another driver caused your accident, you may qualify to file a bodily injury liability 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 an important body part;
• Permanent injuries;
• Significant scarring or disfigurement; or
• Other accident-related expenses.

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.

We encourage anyone who suffered injuries in a car accident to reach out to our personal injury lawyers. Fort Lauderdale accident victims often find that, while they believe their accident was minor, they still qualify to recover compensation.

In some cases, a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer performs case evaluations for what victims believe are minor car accidents, but we discover that the accident victim is eligible for damages beyond their PIP coverage. 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 the other driver caused your crash
• Pursue all options to recover compensation

This can allow your attorney to pursue both 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 there is no way 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. There are too many factors that affect the value of a 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 legal team gathers 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

The purpose of our investigation is 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 car accident in Fort Lauderdale, FL, you could be eligible to recover compensation for a long list of damages. Under Florida law, accident victims are entitled to compensation for both economic losses 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 Florida 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 wages, present, and future
• Loss of employment or employment opportunities
• Vehicle repair costs
• Rental car costs
• Other accident-related expenses

If your family member passed away in a fatal crash, we can offer the support and guidance you need to recover compensation in a wrongful death case. 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
• 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 to your lifestyle. After all, you are more than your bills and records. You may have hobbies, dependents, and goals that have been 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.

Fight For Compensation For Your Injuries

Whether your car accident was severe or minor, an attorney at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can take on the responsible party and help you recover the compensation you deserve. Our accident lawyers have a track record of helping car accident victims in Fort Lauderdale, and we want to put our knowledge, experience, and resources to work for you.

Florida law holds drivers accountable for negligent behavior that causes bodily injury. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident because another driver was negligent, you can file a PIP claim with your insurance and a liability claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance.

In many cases, you may file a personal injury or drunk driving lawsuit  against the at-fault driver; their insurance company will likely represent them in the lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit generally requires:

• Filing the lawsuit (that is, notifying the court and all relevant parties)
• Participating in pretrial activities, including depositions or answering interrogatories
• Mediation, where a neutral third party attempts to facilitate a resolution to the case
• Continued negotiations to reach a settlement
• Trial if we are unable to reach a settlement

A Fort Lauderdale car wreck lawyer from our firm can help you navigate the legal process and represent you from start to finish.

Proving Liability For A 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 a host of other injury-related damages.

Some common examples of negligent driving behaviors that cause car accidents include:

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Violation of traffic laws
• Failure to drive properly based 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

We fully 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 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 just to avoid the hassle. Fortunately, your lawyer can help you deal with insurance companies after a car accident. We are well-versed in insurance tactics and can spot and avoid potential pitfalls in your claim process. 

Our Car Accident Attorneys Run Interference

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 positive 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 along with any expenses associated with the case. By working with an experienced car accident attorney, you have a higher chance to win your lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Do Not Take On The Insurance Companies Yourself

Many car wreck victims in South Florida believe they can file a claim on their own 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.

What To Do If The Insurance Company Contacts You

We recommend that 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 in order to suggest that you are entitled to less money than you deserve. By passing the insurance company off to your lawyer instead of dealing with it yourself, you can reduce this risk.

The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine is 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 from which you are already suffering.

However, a number of 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 amount of time it takes to settle your case. The most important thing, though, is building a compelling case that establishes fault and liability and that 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
• Various administrative errors

A Fort Lauderdale auto 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 go over 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. To get a free consultation, contact our office.

Do You Have To Go To Court For A 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 a lot of 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 of the things that could affect whether you will go to trial.

We Work To Settle Your Car Wreck Case Out Of Court

We can often settle our clients’ car accident cases outside of court. This is because most parties are amenable to settling to avoid leaving a verdict up to a jury. We, therefore, work to bring everyone to the table to come to an agreement.

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 very start, so 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 with no car insurance. What happens after accidents involving uninsured drivers? How do you recover compensation for your injuries?

There are a few options if you or a loved one was in a Fort Lauderdale vehicle accident involving an uninsured driver. These include:

• Filing a claim with your PIP policy
• Collecting your policy’s collision coverage
• Filing an uninsured motorist claim
• Suing the driver who hit you

Filing A PIP Claim After A Car Wreck

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 are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP. Your own 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 the state 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 scene of the accident. 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. Contact us to get a free, no-obligation case evaluation with a member of our staff today.

Most Dangerous Roads In Fort Lauderdale

When traveling in Fort Lauderdale, be aware of the following intersections:

• A1A and Las Olas Boulevard
• Atlantic Boulevard and U.S. 1

Both of these intersections see numerous car accidents every year. Many of these accidents occur due to distracted driving and their close proximity to the beach and outdoor shopping centers.

Many busy roads—including I-95 South, Everglades Parkway, and the Florida Turnpike—are notorious for high-speed car accidents and accidents involving trucks in Fort Lauderdale. While these roads are great to help travel around Fort Lauderdale and parts of South Florida, the high volume, especially around holidays and peak driving times, means you should always drive these roads with caution.

If you were involved in a car accident in the intersections or roads listed above, please get in touch with us to help review your car accident case.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Car Accidents?

Florida allows four years to file a lawsuit for a car accident under Florida Statutes § 95.11. 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 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 (Florida Statutes § 768.28(6)(a)(1)). 

Do not delay taking legal action. Get started today.

Can I Get A Lawsuit Loan or Lawsuit Settlement Advance?

Attorneys are not allowed to give money to their clients while the case hasn’t been settled. However, we can help you get connected with a settlement funding provider who might be able to give you some cash while your case is pending.

Contact A Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Today

The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine fights 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.