Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, you’ll need an attorney’s help to recover the damages you need to cover your medical bills and other accident-related expenses. Pursuing damages without a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer could cause you to make a mistake that costs you the compensation you’re owed.

At the Schiller Kessler Group, we have the experience and resources to obtain the insurance settlement or court verdict you deserve. Our team has represented auto accident victims in Florida for nearly two decades, so you can be confident that a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer from our firm will have what it takes to file a winning claim on your behalf.

How Do Car Accidents Occur in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Car accidents can happen in an instant, often leaving us feeling shocked and disoriented. Understanding how these accidents happen can help us take preventative measures and stay safe on the road. There are several common causes of car accidents that drivers should be aware of.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents. This can include activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or even just changing the radio station. When our attention is diverted from the road, even for a split second, the risk of an accident dramatically increases.

Speeding

Another common cause of car accidents is speeding. Driving above the speed limit or too fast for the road conditions greatly reduces our ability to react to unexpected situations. Speeding also increases the force of impact in a collision, therefore increasing the risk of severe injuries.

Drunk Driving or Impaired Driving

Impaired driving, whether due to alcohol, drugs, or fatigue, is another major cause of car accidents. When our judgment is impaired, our ability to make split-second decisions on the road is compromised. This can lead to devastating consequences for both the drunk driver and innocent victims.

Reckless Driving

Another factor that contributes to car accidents is reckless driving. This can include behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and running red lights or stop signs. Reckless driving puts not only the driver at risk but also everyone else on the road.

Poor Weather

Poor weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can also contribute to car accidents. These conditions can reduce visibility and make the roads slippery, increasing the likelihood of collisions. It’s important to adjust our driving behavior accordingly and give ourselves extra time and space to react to hazards.

Car accidents can happen due to a variety of reasons. Understanding these common causes can help us be more cautious and proactive on the road, reducing the risk of motor vehicle accidents and keeping ourselves and others safe. Remember to always practice safe driving habits and stay alert behind the wheel.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can have long-lasting effects on your physical and emotional well-being. Understanding the common types of injuries that can occur in car accident cases can help you better assess the impact of your collision and seek appropriate medical treatment and legal representation.

• Whiplash: This occurs when the neck is forcefully jerked back and forth, causing strain on the muscles and ligaments. Symptoms of whiplash can include neck pain, headaches, dizziness, and stiffness. It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have whiplash, as proper diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term complications.
• Broken bones: The impact of a car accident can cause fractures or breaks in the bones of the body. Commonly fractured bones in car accidents include the ribs, arms, legs, and collarbone. These injuries often require immediate medical attention and may necessitate surgery, immobilization, and rehabilitation.
• Traumatic brain injuries: Even a minor collision can cause the brain to jolt within the skull, resulting in a concussion or more severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Symptoms of brain injuries can range from mild, such as headaches and dizziness, to severe, such as loss of consciousness and cognitive impairment. It’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any symptoms of a brain injury, as early intervention can significantly impact your recovery.
• Spinal cord injuries: These injuries occur when there is damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or loss of motor function below the site of injury. Spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Other common injuries in car accident cases include internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, and soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and bruises.

If you sustain any of these injuries in a car accident, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately and consult with a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer. They can help you navigate the legal process, seek the compensation you deserve, and ensure your rights are protected as you recover from your injuries.

Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-350-3476

Florida Car Accident Laws

Florida car accident laws are an important aspect to consider if you have been involved in a collision in Fort Lauderdale. Understanding these laws can help protect your rights and ensure you are aware of the legal obligations and responsibilities involved.

In Florida, car accident cases are governed by a legal concept known as “no-fault” insurance. This means that regardless of who was at fault for the accident, each person’s own insurance company will cover their medical expenses and related damages (including punitive damages) up to a certain limit. However, if your injuries exceed the threshold set by the state, you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Statute of Limitations

It’s also crucial to be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Florida. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Failing to meet this deadline may result in your claim being dismissed.

Comparative Negligence Law

Additionally, Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be limited. For example, if you are deemed 20% at fault and your damages amount to $10,000, your compensation may be reduced by 20% to $8,000.

Navigating Florida’s car accident laws can be complex, which is why it’s crucial to consult with a car accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale. They can guide you through the legal process, ensure you understand your rights and advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve.

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How Much Compensation Can You Gain?

Determining how much compensation you can receive after a car accident in Fort Lauderdale depends on several factors. The specific details of your case, such as:

• The severity of your injuries
• Extent of property damage
• Impact on your daily life

Compensation in car accident cases typically covers a variety of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and future medical care. The amount of compensation will vary based on the specific circumstances of your case and the evidence presented.

To determine the potential compensation you can receive, your personal injury attorney will thoroughly analyze your case and gather evidence to support your claim. They will assess the extent of your injuries, review medical care records and bills, and consider any future medical treatments or long-term effects of your injuries. They will also consider the impact on your daily life, such as the inability to work or participate in activities you once enjoyed.

Every Case is Unique; Hire a Lawyer

Keep in mind that every car accident case is unique, and there is no predetermined amount of compensation. However, a skilled car accident lawyer will fight to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation you deserve based on the specific details of your case. They will negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, pursue legal action to protect your rights and seek fair reimbursement.

If you have been involved in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, consulting with a car accident lawyer is crucial in determining the potential compensation you may be entitled to. They will guide you through the process, advocate on your behalf, and work diligently to secure the best possible outcome for your case.

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How a Car Accident Lawyer From Fort Lauderdale Can Help You

An attorney can provide several different services and draw on important resources to ensure your case goes smoothly. Here’s what a member of our team can do to make your claim or accident lawsuit as successful as possible:

Collect Evidence

To get you the damages you’re owed, your lawyer must gather and analyze evidence pertaining to the crash you were injured in. They’ll use the following documents and records to support your claim or lawsuit:

• Photos of the accident scene
• CCTV or traffic camera footage of the crash
• Testimony from witnesses and accident reconstructionists
• Your medical records and bills

Establish Liability

To make your claim successful, your attorney must identify the at-fault party and prove they should be held liable for your losses. A car accident lawyer from our team in Fort Lauderdale can use the evidence they collected to determine which of the following parties should be held responsible for your losses:

• The driver: The other driver(s) involved in your collision may be held liable if they were speeding, disregarding traffic laws, intoxicated, driving distractedly, or behaving in another negligent way.
• An automobile manufacturer: A car or parts manufacturer may be held responsible for the accident if it was caused by a faulty component or defective vehicle.
• A repair shop: If your crash was caused by a vehicle malfunction that an auto repair shop could have prevented, your lawyer might seek damages from the repair company.
• A local municipality: If your collision was caused by inadequate road maintenance, traffic signage issues, or another safety problem that a local municipality could have prevented, it could be held liable for your injuries and losses.
• Others: These are just a few of the parties that your claim or lawsuit could target. A car accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale can assess your situation and determine who you should seek compensation from.

Demand Fair Compensation

Once your attorney has figured out who should be held accountable for the injuries, expenses, and suffering you’ve been burdened with, they’ll make sure you get the money you need to compensate for the financial pressures and other challenges you’ve faced.

They’ll negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurer to reach a fair accident settlement offer, or if negotiations don’t go as planned, they’ll take your case to court. Whether your case is resolved at the negotiating table or trial, they’ll work tirelessly to secure the following damages on your behalf:

• Current medical bills
• Cost of ongoing and future treatment
• Vehicle repair expenses
• Lost wages
• Decreased earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Diminished quality of life

What to Do After a Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale

If you’ve been injured in a collision, there are a few things you’ll want to do and some mistakes you should avoid to protect your right to compensation. Follow these post-accident tips to give yourself an excellent chance at receiving the damages you deserve:

Call the Police

It’s important that you contact the police and don’t leave the scene of the accident. Once law enforcement arrives on the scene, they’ll ask you and the other parties involved to give a statement. Then, they’ll use the information they gather to file an official accident report or police report that your attorney can use.

Don’t Admit Fault

When giving your statement to the police and speaking with the other driver(s) involved, remember not to apologize or admit fault. Doing so could harm your case and prevent you from getting the damages you need to cover your losses.

Exchange Insurance Information With the Driver

Most accident victims receive compensation via an insurance company claim, so it’s critical to the success of your case that you take down the other driver’s insurance policy details. You’ll want to pass their insurance information on to our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys so they can file your claim properly.

Document the Accident and Your Injuries

Whether you file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, your attorney will need evidence to back up your case. While they can gather evidence during the investigation phase of your case, it can also be helpful to have evidence straight from the accident scene.

To ensure your case is successful, you’ll want to take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles, road obstructions, and any other objects involved in the incident. If you have any noticeable injuries, take photos of them as well.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Waiting to get checked out by a medical professional is one of the biggest mistakes you can make after an accident. If the insurance company or the at-fault driver’s defense attorney finds out that you waited to get treatment, they might try to claim that your injuries aren’t as severe as you say they are.

Don’t Wait to Hire an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

In Florida, there’s a statute of limitations for personal injury claims that all car accident plaintiffs must follow. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, a statute of limitations tells you how long you have to file a lawsuit against the party that caused your accident.

According to the law, you have two years from the day your accident happened to submit a lawsuit. Taking action after the designated filing deadline could bar you from receiving damages.

Contacting our car accident lawyers from Fort Lauderdale ASAP will give them the time they need to abide by Florida’s statute. Once you’ve hired an auto accident attorney from our team, they’ll work quickly to get your suit filed within the appropriate time frame.

How to Choose the Right Lawyer for Your Case

Choosing the right car accident lawyer is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the outcome of your case. With so many options to choose from, it’s important to consider several factors before making your decision.

Experience and Understanding

Experience is an extremely important factor to consider. An experienced car accident lawyer will have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding car accidents in Fort Lauderdale. They will know how to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and present a strong case on your behalf.

Communication Style

Communication is key when working with a lawyer, so it’s important to choose someone who is responsive and attentive to your needs. A good lawyer will keep you informed throughout the entire process, answer your questions promptly, and provide regular updates on the progress of your case.

Resources

Additionally, consider the resources and support that a lawyer can provide. Look for a law firm that has a team of skilled professionals who can assist with various aspects of your case, such as investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and negotiating settlements.

By taking the time to carefully select the right car accident lawyer, you can increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve and finding the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

Contact a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer From Our Firm

At the Schiller Kessler Group, our experienced attorneys understand how difficult it can be to deal with the aftermath of a serious car crash. That’s why our team is committed to fighting on behalf of injured Floridians and getting them the compensation they deserve.

We’ve helped countless individuals just like you get the financial remedies they need to improve their lives after an accident, and we have the case results and client testimonials to prove it. Contact a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer from our firm today to learn how we can help you recuperate from your collision.

Call or text 800-350-3476 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form