Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer
Motor vehicle accidents are common in Florida and especially in South Florida. These accidents can happen anywhere at any time from I95 to a parking lot. Auto accidents can cause damage to your person in addition to your vehicle. Injuries from car accidents range from cuts, bruises, soft tissue injuries to whip lash, broken bones, disc herniations, concussions and even death. Victims of car accidents should speak to an attorney to ensure that evidence is properly preserved and any potential claim is properly handled.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale
Protecting your rights after a crash begins at the scene and continues with the choices you make in the days that follow. If you’ve been injured, contacting Stockwell Law as soon as possible helps ensure your case is handled correctly from the very beginning. After an accident, call 911 to report what happened and request emergency medical help if needed, then move to a safe location without leaving the scene before law enforcement arrives.
Exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle details with all drivers involved, and take photos of the damage, the roadway, the surroundings, and any visible injuries. Speak to any witnesses and gather their names and contact information, and be sure to request a copy of the police report once it becomes available. Even if your injuries feel minor, get a full medical evaluation to document your condition, and notify your insurance company of the crash while avoiding detailed statements. Keep all records, receipts, medical paperwork, and insurance documents organized, and reach out to Stockwell Law as soon as possible so your rights are protected and your personal injury claim can be built with strength from day one.
Can I Still Recover Damages if I’m Partly Responsible for My Accident in Florida?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means you may still recover compensation after a personal injury accident even if you share some responsibility—so long as you are not found to be more than 50% at fault. However, any compensation you receive will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.
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For example, imagine you were walking through a shopping area in Fort Lauderdale and slipped on a wet floor that had no warning signs. If the property owner argues that you were partially distracted and assigns you 20% of the blame, your recovery would be reduced by that percentage. If your total damages amounted to $100,000, you could still recover $80,000 after the reduction.
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Insurance companies frequently attempt to shift blame onto injured victims in order to minimize payouts. At Stockwell Law, we carefully investigate the facts, challenge unfair fault assessments, and advocate to ensure responsibility is properly assigned. Our goal is to protect your right to full and fair compensation under Florida law.
Stockwell Law Will Handle All Aspects of Your Case
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, seeking experienced legal guidance as soon as possible can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Early investigation and timely preservation of evidence are often critical to protecting your rights and strengthening your claim. Our team is committed to handling every aspect of the legal and insurance process so you can focus on your recovery instead of paperwork and negotiations. We pursue compensation for medical treatment, rehabilitative care, future lost income, wages lost due to missed work, property damage, pain and suffering, and the emotional impact of the accident. Our goal is to reduce the stress associated with your case while advocating for the full recovery you deserve.
What Compensation Are You Entitled to After A Car Accident?
Every car accident case is different, and the compensation available depends on the specific facts and severity of your injuries. In Florida, if you were injured but did not sustain a "serious" injury as defined by state law, you will typically begin by filing a claim under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.​
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Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means your own insurance policy provides certain benefits after an auto accident, regardless of who caused the crash. PIP is designed to offer immediate financial support, but it does not cover all damages. Generally, PIP provides up to 80% of reasonable medical expenses and up to 60% of lost wages. It may also cover certain additional out-of-pocket costs related to your injuries. However, PIP does not compensate you for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Additionally, if a medical provider does not determine that you suffered an Emergency Medical Condition (EMC), your PIP benefits may be limited to $2,500 instead of the full $10,000 policy amount.
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If your injuries meet Florida's serious injury threshold-such as a permanent injury, significant scarring, or permanent loss of bodily function-you may step outside the no-fault system. In that situation, you can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance company and potentially file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the responsible party. This can be especially important if the other driver's insurance coverage is insufficient to fully compensate you for your medical expenses, lost income, and long-term damages.
Why Hire A Car Accident Lawyer?
Because Florida’s personal injury laws include specific rules and limitations that can impact your ability to recover compensation, it is important to seek experienced legal guidance as early as possible. While Florida law generally provides a limited period of time from the date of injury to file a lawsuit, waiting too long can jeopardize valuable evidence, weaken your claim, and limit your options.
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After receiving medical care, consider speaking with a qualified personal injury attorney who can review the facts of your case and explain how Florida law applies to your situation. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights, evaluate potential compensation, and guide you through each step of the legal process. Most reputable personal injury firms offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay legal fees unless compensation is successfully recovered on your behalf.
Types of Accidents we Can Help With
Motorcycle accidents can cause life-changing injuries, and riders are often unfairly blamed. Our team provides skilled legal representation to protect your rights, handle insurance negotiations, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Uber and Lyft accidents often involve multiple insurance policies and complicated liability questions. Our team specializes in navigating these unique cases, ensuring injured passengers, drivers, or third parties receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
ATV Accidents
Our legal team helps victims of ATV crashes pursue justice by investigating the cause, holding the responsible parties accountable, and fighting for compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term recovery.
Boat Accidents
Boating accidents in South Florida can be devastating, often involving complex liability issues. We help victims of boating collisions and watercraft injuries pursue fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery needs.
Get in Touch
Please fill out a contact form if I can be of assistance to you or someone you know has been injured in a car, motorcycle, truck, ATV, boat or pedestrian related accident. All case consultations are free and confidential.