Broward County Car Accident Attorney
Broward County roads are constantly bustling with vehicles, and the drivers operating them can sometimes act unpredictably, which can result in an accident. Being involved in a car accident can be nerve-wracking and can lead to serious bodily injury or even death in many cases. Contact a Broward County car accident lawyer if you have been injured due to a driver’s negligence. You may be entitled to substantial economic compensation depending on your injuries.
The knowledgeable attorneys at The Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA, are familiar with the ins and outs of car accident claims. Whether you seek the maximum compensation from an insurance provider or have sustained serious bodily injury and wish to file a civil claim against an at-fault driver, our skilled legal team has your back.
Car Accidents Are Common and Lead to Serious Injuries
Motor vehicle traffic crashes in Broward County are common. In 2022, there were 2,069.4 crashes per 100,000 residents, one of Florida’s highest motor vehicle accident rates. A person can be a victim of a car accident if they are a driver, a passenger, a pedestrian, or an occupant or driver of another motor vehicle or a bicycle. Unfortunately, the consequences of a car accident can be severe. Common car accident injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), including concussions and skull fractures.
- Broken bones in different parts of your body.
- Back injuries that can damage your muscles and vertebrae.
- Organ damage and internal bleeding.
- Spinal cord injuries that can lead to paralysis.
- Severe neck injuries resulting from whiplash.
Any of these injuries can have a lasting effect on your physical and mental health. Additionally, you may incur substantial medical debt as a result of treating car accident injuries, and if you are unable to work as a result, it can lead to lost wages or even job loss.
Though Florida has strict laws against negligent drivers, reckless behavior, including distracted driving, continues to pose a threat to the safety of Floridians. Fortunately, most individuals involved in a motor vehicle accident are entitled to compensation in the state.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Broward County
From the moment you are involved in a car accident, safety should be a priority. If you can, you should remove yourself from the path of oncoming traffic or away from the vehicles involved in the accident if there is any lingering threat. Depending on the seriousness of your injury, you are advised to get immediate medical attention. You should seek medical care even if you believe that your injuries are not severe at the time.
If law enforcement does not arrive on scene, you can file a police report at a later time. In Broward County, Florida, law enforcement should be notified whenever a car accident results in bodily injury, death, or property damage that exceeds over $500. You are recommended, if possible, to request the contact information of all parties involved in an accident, including witnesses who can attest to the facts of the incident.
As soon as you are safe, you should contact a Broward County car accident attorney. A knowledgeable attorney can shed light on how you can request the compensation you are entitled to. They can also explain your legal options if you or someone you love has sustained a serious bodily injury or passed away from a car accident.
Compensation Following a Car Accident in Florida
It is not uncommon for those who have been injured in a car accident to face severe financial hardship. This can stem from not having sufficient medical coverage for healthcare expenses. They might need to take unpaid medical leave from work to recover.
Economic compensation is available to help cover these costs. Though economic damages cannot replace the loss of physical health, they can help alleviate some of the financial challenges you may be facing following a motor vehicle accident.
Coverage Under Florida’s No-Fault Motor Vehicle Law
Florida law requires car owners to possess adequate motor vehicle insurance for each registered vehicle. This insurance should include Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which provides minimum coverage for personal injuries sustained by vehicle drivers, their family members, and passengers in a vehicle.
PIP coverage should not be less than $10,000 per person if there is bodily injury, and the maximum benefit available to an injured person is capped at $10,000 in most cases. There is also a death benefit of up to $5,000.
This coverage is afforded to a person regardless of whether they were at fault for the accident. An insurance provider is not required to compensate someone who is injured in a car accident due to self-harm or while committing a felony.
Seeking Additional Damages in Civil Court
A person involved in a car accident may be able to seek additional damages against an at-fault party if they have sustained serious bodily injury per Florida Statute § 627.737(2). You can also file a civil claim against a driver who does not possess the minimum motor vehicle insurance coverage.
You may be able to recuperate economic damages for substantial medical expenses and loss of wages as a result of temporary or permanent disability. In certain cases, you might be awarded non-economic damage for any pain or suffering endured as a result of another’s negligence.
A Trusted Broward County Car Accident Lawyer Makes the Difference
Dealing with insurance providers and the Florida court system can be overwhelming, especially as you focus on your physical, emotional, and financial recovery following a car accident.
Vehicle insurance laws are complex, and different factors can influence the outcome of your case. Having the support of a seasoned Broward County car accident lawyer can provide a sense of relief as you seek the compensation you deserve. Here is what you can expect when working with a highly-qualified attorney:
- Deep Knowledge: A seasoned attorney has a breadth of knowledge that can help you explore the most optimal path forward for your case, including negotiating a settlement with an insurance provider or seeking damages from an at-fault party through a Florida court.
- Comprehensive Guidance: A trusted attorney can walk step by step with you throughout your claim process to minimize mistakes and avoid delays.
- Fierce Advocacy: Insurance companies and attorneys can be intimidating and are likely to offer the minimum compensation. A lawyer can advocate for your rights and negotiate on your behalf to help ensure your long-term financial security.
- Skilled Representation: When pursuing litigation, a skilled attorney can present a compelling case supported by strong evidence and testimony.
It is imperative that you contact a Broward County car accident lawyer as soon as possible before accepting payment from your vehicle insurance provider or that of the at-fault party. An attorney can explain what compensation you may be entitled to following a car accident, and they can inform you of what questions to ask your medical provider to shed light on the long-term impact of the accident on your health.
FAQs
A: Car accident settlement amounts vary depending on who is paying and the extent of your injuries. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) provided through an automobile insurance company is typically capped at $10,000 for injury and $5,000 for death benefits. Insurance providers base their offer on a percentage of income lost and medical expenses incurred while caring for injuries.
In certain cases, pursuing a civil claim may lead to a higher settlement that includes non-economic damages to compensate for pain and suffering.
A: Rejecting a car insurance settlement offer is not uncommon, and it is often expected since an insurance provider or a defendant is likely to offer the minimum amount initially. If you refuse an initial offer, both parties can participate in negotiations through mediation or arbitration. An insurance provider may request additional medical evidence if you seek higher compensation.
A: The 14-day rule for car accidents in Florida refers to the timeframe afforded to car accident victims to seek medical attention. Per Florida Statute § 627.736(1)(a), to receive compensation through Personal Injury Protection (PIP), an individual should seek medical attention for their injury within 14 days of a motor vehicle accident.
A: If you are at fault in a car accident in Florida, you may be eligible to receive compensation through Personal Injury Protection (PIP). If you are partially at fault for an accident and you file a personal injury claim in a Florida court, it may reduce the amount of damages you are entitled to.
Consult a Knowledgeable Broward County Car Accident Lawyer
Our Broward County personal injury attorneys at The Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA, have handled numerous car accident claims in Broward County and throughout Florida. We assist our clients in recuperating adequate damages following a motor vehicle accident based on both short-term and long-term financial losses. Contact us today to discuss your case with one of our seasoned attorneys. Se habla Español.
Our Greatest Achievements Are The Lives We Positively Impact.
Contact our firm in Miami online or by telephone at 866-270-0589 and arrange a free initial consultation. Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, so there is no financial obligation to simply speaking with our firm and learning about your options.
