Being injured as a passenger in a Fort Lauderdale car accident can be both frightening and confusing. You didn’t cause the crash, yet you may face painful injuries, hospital visits, and unexpected bills. In those first moments, it’s hard to know what to do or who is responsible. Taking the right steps from the start can protect your health and your right to seek compensation under Florida law.
Right after the accident, your priority should be your safety and documenting what you can. Call 911, get medical help, and make sure the crash is reported to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. If your injuries permit, there are other actions you can take to ensure your healthy recovery and secure your injury claim.
If you have additional questions, a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help.
Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health and safety always come first. After the collision:
- Check yourself and others for injuries
- Move to a safe location away from traffic
- Call 911 right away
Emergency responders and Fort Lauderdale Police can secure the accident scene, document what happened, and file a police report, which can provide useful information for insurance purposes.
You should also get checked out at a nearby hospital, such as Broward Health or an urgent care center. Many injuries, including concussions and soft tissue damage, appear hours or days later. Prompt care not only protects your health, but it also creates medical records that directly link your injuries to the accident.
Report the Accident and Gather Key Evidence
Passengers should ensure the crash is properly reported to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. The report provides an official record of the incident, driver information, and preliminary fault findings.
If you can, collect your own evidence too, such as:
- Driver and witness contact details
- Photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries
- Insurance information from all involved parties
- The exact location of the crash
Accident evidence fades quickly. Having these details helps clarify liability and strengthen your claim later.
Understand Which Insurance Policies May Cover Your Injuries
Florida’s no-fault law means your first step is filing a personal injury protection (PIP) claim, not determining who was at fault. Coverage typically applies in this order:
- The driver’s PIP policy of the car you were in
- Your own PIP policy (if you have one)
- A third-party claim if another driver caused the crash
- 80% of reasonable medical expenses
- 60% of lost wages
- Certain related costs, such as transportation to medical appointments
If your damages exceed PIP limits or you’ve sustained a serious or permanent injury, you can pursue additional compensation through a lawsuit or the at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage, if they carry one. This option allows recovery for pain and suffering, long-term care, and other losses not covered by PIP.
Because multiple insurance policies may apply, working with an attorney can help you understand which policies to claim under and how to maximize your benefits.
Follow Through With All Medical Treatment and Keep Detailed Records
After the accident, follow every recommendation from your medical providers. Attend checkups, physical therapy, and any referred treatments. Gaps in care can hurt both your health and your claim.
Keep a journal of:
- Hospital and doctor bills
- Prescription and therapy costs
- Missed workdays and wage loss
- Notes about pain levels or physical limitations
A consistent medical record shows that your injuries are legitimate, accident-related, and serious enough to warrant full compensation.
Be Cautious When Speaking to Insurance Companies
Soon after the accident, you’ll likely get calls from multiple insurance adjusters: your own, the driver’s, or the at-fault driver’s. Be careful about what you say and avoid:
- Giving recorded statements without legal advice
- Speculating about fault
- Minimizing your injuries
- Accepting quick settlements
Insurance companies often aim to limit payouts. Consulting with a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer before sharing details can prevent you from saying something that weakens your claim. A lawyer can communicate directly with insurers, so you can focus on your recovery.
Understand Potential Compensation Beyond PIP Coverage
When your injuries meet Florida’s serious injury threshold or your medical expenses exceed PIP limits, you can pursue additional compensation. Depending on your case, you may be entitled to damages for:
- Remaining medical expenses not covered by PIP
- Future medical care and rehabilitation
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and diminished quality of life
An attorney can also identify other potential sources of recovery, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if the at-fault driver doesn’t carry sufficient insurance.
Know the Deadlines For Filing Claims and Lawsuits in Florida
Florida law sets strict time limits for pursuing compensation. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases, Florida Statutes § 95.11, is generally two years from the date of the accident.
To protect your rights, you should:
- Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible (often within a few days)
- File claims promptly and continue medical treatment
- Avoid waiting to consult with a lawyer; early action strengthens your case.
Failing to meet these deadlines or delaying medical care can lead to claim denials or reduced compensation.
When to Contact a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer
Being injured as a passenger often involves overlapping insurance policies, competing adjusters, and unclear liability. Having an attorney on your side can help you:
- Determine which policies apply
- Handle communication with insurance companies
- Determine your full range of damages
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
Legal representation isn’t about filing a lawsuit right away. It’s about protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
Take Back Control of Your Life After a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident
If you were injured as a passenger in a Fort Lauderdale car accident, you don’t have to face the recovery and insurance process alone. Anidjar & Levine can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Our team provides responsive legal help focused on client care, from assisting with medical appointments and transportation to keeping you updated every step of the way.
Call Anidjar & Levine today for a free, no-obligation consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Learn how we can help you take back control of your life after a serious car accident in Fort Lauderdale.
We Can Help.
