What to Do After a Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale — Your Legal Rights and Next Steps

A car accident can change your life in an instant. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender on Sunrise Boulevard or a major collision on I-95, knowing what to do immediately after the crash can protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights. At Stockwell Law, we’ve helped countless Fort Lauderdale residents navigate the aftermath of auto accidents with professionalism, compassion, and results. Here’s what every driver in Broward County should know.

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel fine after a crash, it’s essential to see a doctor right away. Many common car accident injuries — such as whiplash, soft-tissue damage, and concussions — don’t show symptoms for hours or days. Getting evaluated creates an official medical record that connects your injuries directly to the accident, which is vital for your insurance claim or personal injury case.

Florida’s no-fault insurance system requires every driver to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. However, to use your PIP benefits, you must seek medical care within 14 days of the crash. If you wait longer, you may lose your right to compensation through your insurance.

2. Document Everything at the Scene

If you can safely do so, gather as much evidence as possible before leaving the accident scene. Take clear photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Collect contact and insurance information from the other driver, and note the names of witnesses. This evidence can be critical in proving fault later on.

At Stockwell Law, we often use photos, surveillance footage, and police reports to reconstruct what happened and establish liability. The more information you have, the stronger your case will be.

3. Report the Accident

In Fort Lauderdale — and anywhere in Florida — you’re required to report a crash to law enforcement if it causes injury, death, or property damage over $500. Calling the police ensures that an official accident report is filed, which becomes a key document for insurance adjusters and attorneys. Make sure to request a copy for your records.

4. Don’t Speak to Insurance Adjusters Alone

Insurance companies may contact you quickly after a crash. Their goal is to minimize payouts — not to protect your best interests. You should avoid giving recorded statements or signing any settlement offers before consulting with an attorney. An experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer from Stockwell Law can handle all communications with insurers, ensuring that you don’t say or sign anything that could hurt your case.

5. Understand What Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Depending on the severity of your injuries and the details of the crash, you may be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills and ongoing treatment

• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Property damage

• Future rehabilitation and therapy costs

Florida’s comparative negligence law means that even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover damages. Your attorney will review every detail of your case to determine how to maximize your recovery.

6. How Stockwell Law Can Help

At Stockwell Law, we know how overwhelming it can be to deal with injuries, insurance companies, and financial stress after an accident. Our firm provides personalized legal representation for individuals injured in all types of crashes — including rear-end collisions, hit-and-run accidents, motorcycle and pedestrian injuries, and trucking accidents across Fort Lauderdale and Broward County.

From investigating the scene to negotiating with insurers and, if necessary, taking your case to court, our goal is to secure the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing. We operate on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

7. Local Knowledge That Makes a Difference

Having a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney familiar with local roads, courts, and insurance adjusters can make a major difference in your outcome. Our legal team understands the challenges specific to South Florida traffic — from I-595 congestion to dangerous intersections like Broward Boulevard and Federal Highway. We’ve successfully handled cases involving both residents and visitors throughout Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Plantation, Pompano Beach, and the greater Broward area.

Take the Next Step Toward Recovery

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t face the process alone. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be. Stockwell Law is here to guide you every step of the way — from protecting your rights to pursuing full and fair compensation.

Call Stockwell Law today for a free consultation and get the dedicated representation you need to move forward.