Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale

We see many vehicle accidents in Fort Lauderdale result from the same causes, such as:

• Distracted driving: Cell phones, eating, sightseeing, and other distractions take a driver’s focus off the road. Distracted driving accounts for 1 out of every 7 accidents in our state, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
• Drug or alcohol use: Drinking alcohol or using drugs that affect the reflexes can lead to disaster.  The FLHSMV’s 2024 report on impaired driving found that over 32% of all traffic fatalities are related to drug and alcohol use. 
• Road rage: Florida ranks 12th for road rage in a recent Consumer Affairs report, which weighs aggressive-driving crashes and other dangerous-driving incidents
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or going too fast for conditions is a frequent factor in motor vehicle crashes in Fort Lauderdale.
• Disobeying traffic laws: From failing to yield the right of way to unsafe passing, drivers who ignore the law often injure others.

Your car accident attorney at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath can manage these and any other type of crash you experience. 

The Types of Car Accidents That Can Happen in Fort Lauderdale

The FLHSMV 2024 Traffic Crash Facts Report recorded 381,423 crashes statewide in 2024, which caused about 246,426 injuries and 3,098 deaths. Those crashes take many forms, including:

• T-bone: The front of one vehicle hits the side of another
• Rear-end: The front of one vehicle hits the back of another
• Head-on: The front of a vehicle hits an object or another vehicle
• Sideswipe: Another vehicle’s side contacts your vehicle’s side panels
• Rollover: A vehicle rolls onto its side or roof
• Single vehicle: A car hits an object, such as a guardrail or an animal
• Multiple vehicles: Many vehicles are involved in a crash 

Our car accident attorneys have experience with these kinds of accidents and more. We assist you with securing justice for everything from whiplash to catastrophic injuries after a crash.

Common Injuries from Car Accidents

Our attorneys can help you with common car crash injuries in Fort Lauderdale, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken or fractured bones
• Back and neck injuries
• Chemical and thermal burns
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Puncture wounds

Your treatment for these conditions usually forms the largest part of your personal injury damages. The goal of an insurance claim or lawsuit is to recover compensation for these damages so you are not paying for the consequences of a negligent driver’s actions. 

The Most Common Locations/Dangerous Roads for Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale

A single 1-mile stretch of I-95 between the I-595 interchange and Marina Mile Boulevard is often called the deadliest mile in America. Other dangerous areas in Fort Lauderdale include:

• All of Interstate 95
• US-1
• Broward Boulevard
• State Road 7 (US-441)
• Sunrise Boulevard (SR-838)
• Las Olas Boulevard
• Sample Road

Our Fort Lauderdale accident attorneys have assisted many individuals who have been hurt in these areas and across the state. We understand the unique issues you may face during your claim and are ready to help. 

What Should You Do After a Car Accident?

After you return home, you should document all your injuries alongside the following actions:

• Take photos of your injuries and any property damage.
• Make copies of your medical bills, scans, and reports.
• Begin a pain journal to describe your recovery and progress.
• Keep copies of all expenses related to your accident.
• Contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Department to request an accident report.

Once you have this material together, schedule a free consultation with our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers. 

What to Expect from the Car Accident Claim Process

Each car crash requires an in-depth review of insurance options and evidence showing who is at fault. Here’s what your Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer will do:

• Assess all aspects of your case to determine the appropriate strategy.
• Interview witnesses to develop a clearer picture of the crash.
• Work with experts in forensics, physics, and accident reconstruction for their testimony.
• Collect photos and other evidence to support your case.
• Determine who is liable in your car accident.
• File insurance claims and initiate a personal injury lawsuit, if necessary.
• Negotiate for a fair settlement that meets your damage needs.
• Proceed to court if settlement talks are not productive.
• Litigate your case at trial and continue to negotiate.

We pride ourselves on settling many cases out of court so our clients can move forward with their lives. Each case is different, and your attorney can help you understand your options.   

What Types of Car Accident Compensation Are Available?

Florida requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to pay for their own medical bills after a crash. If your injuries are serious enough to meet Florida’s injury threshold under Fla. Stat. § 627.737, you can step outside the no-fault system and seek compensation from the at-fault driver, typically through their Bodily Injury Liability coverage if they carry it.

Damages you can seek include:

• Medical bills and future treatment
• Lost wages or reduced earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Diminished quality of life
• Ongoing conditions like anxiety or PTSD after a car accident

Your injuries can affect your job, daily life, and ability to care for yourself. Your car accident lawyer will assist you in calculating the full value of your case, including future medical and recovery costs. 

Determining Fault in Florida

Florida uses a modified comparative negligence rule to assign fault in car accidents. Any fault assigned to you decreases your compensation by the same amount. If you are 20% to blame, you will receive 20% less for your settlement or jury award.

However, if you are 51% or more responsible, you cannot seek compensation from another party. Your Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer will work to decrease any fault on your side and demonstrate how the other party is liable using evidence such as:

• Police crash reports
• Witness statements
• Photos and videos
• Expert testimony
• Auto repair estimates
• Medical records and receipts

Collecting evidence, building your case, and negotiating the outcome take time to do properly. To help make sure you don’t lose your chance to file your claim, contact our firm for assistance. 

Talk to a car accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale

Get the help you need from a law firm with a proven track record of success for injury victims like you. Let a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath guide you through the legal process of filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. Use our contact form or call (561) 655-1990 to arrange your free consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Lauderdale Car Accidents

These are some common questions we receive about crashes in Fort Lauderdale. We also have more information in our FAQs and Blog. 

How much does a car accident lawyer cost?

Car accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale generally use a contingency fee payment plan, where you do not pay their fees until they secure compensation for you. Your attorney can give you an estimate of what your case may cost when you meet. 

What is the statute of limitations in Fort Lauderdale?

You have 2 years in most personal injury claims to file a lawsuit, under Chapter 95, Section 11 – 2024 Florida Statutes. Some circumstances can give you more or less time, so speak with your Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers to understand how Florida law applies to your case. 

How long will it take to resolve my Fort Lauderdale car accident case?

It’s a common myth that car accident cases take years to settle. In fact, the average personal injury claim lasts between 3 and 18 months, depending on its complexity.