What To Do When You Get in a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident?
Experiencing a car accident in Fort Lauderdale can be disorienting and devastating. The immediate actions you take following an accident play a critical role in safeguarding your physical safety and ensuring your legal and financial interests are protected. Hiring a personal injury lawyer and understanding what to do when you get in a Fort Lauderdale car accident can help you navigate your future with care.
Your Immediate Actions After a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident
It’s critical to ensure you take the right steps after being involved in a Fort Lauderdale car accident, as your actions can impact your future health and legal claim. The following are important steps to take if you were involved in a Florida car accident:
- Secure Your Safety. The first step to take after being involved in an accident is to assess your own injuries. If you’re able, you should then check on anyone else involved.
- Contact Emergency Services. Call 911 when injuries occur or substantial property damage happens. This ensures you receive medical attention and that a police report is made of the incident.
- Move Your Vehicle to a Safe Location. If vehicles are still functioning properly, move them to the side of the road and out of harm’s way. This helps to avoid additional accidents and removes potential safety hazards.
- Exchange Contact Information. Acquire names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details from each involved party. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses.
- Gather Evidence. Capture images of the accident site along with vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Record the accident time, date, weather conditions, and location.
- File an Official Police Report or Request One. Florida law mandates that drivers report vehicular accidents if they result in injuries, deaths, or substantial property damage. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department offers resources to help report accidents and also creates their own reports when called to a scene.
Local Traffic Patterns and High-Risk Areas in Fort Lauderdale
Some roads and intersections in Fort Lauderdale experience a higher number of accidents than others. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including high congestion, tourist attractions, and high-speed roadways. Some of the highest-risk areas in Fort Lauderdale include:
- Broward Boulevard and US-1. This intersection has high traffic.
- I-95 Corridor. This street has heavy congestion and vehicles driving at high speeds.
- Downtown Fort Lauderdale. Downtown Fort Lauderdale has a lot of dense traffic and pedestrians.
- Las Olas Boulevard and A1A. This area brings a lot of tourists while also having complex traffic patterns.
Contributing Factors to Fort Lauderdale Accidents
There are numerous factors that contribute to vehicle accidents in Fort Lauderdale. Driver error is one of the main causes of accidents, primarily distracted driving. However, other factors come into play as well.
Inclement weather frequently contributes to the occurrence of car accidents. While it is unlikely for Fort Lauderdale to experience slippery roads due to snow or ice, it can experience road hazards through heavy rain, making the roads slick and limiting visibility.
Additionally, tourist influence can also contribute to the prevalence of motor vehicle accidents. Fort Lauderdale brings in many tourists who are unfamiliar with the local roads and landscapes. They also bring an increase in pedestrian traffic, which can add to the confusion on the road.
Broward County Car Accident Statistics
In 2024, Broward County saw the following statistics:
- 38,268 crashes
- 225 fatalities from crashes
- 23,106 injuries from crashes
- 1,005 bicycle crashes
- 777 motorcycle crashes
No matter what kind of crash you’re involved in, you have the right to pursue compensation if you were injured or sustained damages due to another individual’s negligence in Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale’s No-Fault System
Fort Lauderdale operates under a no-fault system for vehicle accidents. This means that a driver’s insurance company must cover medical expenses, lost wages, and death benefits in the event of an accident, regardless of fault. Because of this, all drivers in Florida are required to carry Personal Injury Protection coverage. If you were injured and want to file a personal injury claim, you generally have two years to do so.
FAQs
Do You Have to Call the Police After a Minor Car Accident in Florida?
Yes, Florida requires you to report an accident if it results in injury, death, or property damage over a certain amount, even if the accident seems minor. Creating an official police report for minor accidents is often recommended because it aids in insurance claims and defending you in future liability claims.
What Is the 14-Day Rule in Florida for Car Accidents?
The 14-day rule in Florida mandates that car accident victims seek medical care within 14 days of an incident to qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. Your insurance provider will not cover accident-related medical expenses if you fail to meet this deadline, regardless of fault.
What Am I Entitled to After a Car Accident in Florida?
After a car accident in Florida, you can claim compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. You can also receive monetary relief for your pain and suffering. Under Florida’s no-fault insurance rules, your PIP insurance may pay medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. However, if you suffered a severe injury, you can file a personal injury claim against the responsible party for further compensation.
What Is the First Thing You Should Do When You Get in a Car Accident in Florida?
The first thing you should do after you get in a car accident in Florida is to ensure your safety and the safety of others. If there are evident injuries, contact emergency medical services right away. If everyone appears to be fine, you should still contact emergency services to have medical evaluations performed. When you’re able, you should then move your vehicle to a safer area on the road.
Your Florida Car Accident Injury Team
If you have been injured in a car accident in Florida, the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA can help you determine what legal steps to take next. Don’t wait to pursue compensation, and contact us today to get started.
Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Resources:
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