Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney

If you live in Fort Lauderdale, you may have acknowledged the city’s explosive growth. With 188,000 full-time residents and a booming tourism industry, Fort Lauderdale roadways are dangerous places to operate motor vehicles.    If you are one of the thousands of people injured in a motor vehicle accident in Fort Lauderdale, you will need an experienced car accident lawyer to handle your claim. Car accident victims are entitled to damages for their medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. So, if you’ve been injured due to driver negligence, call Tucker Law immediately. We represent clients on a contingency basis, which means that you don’t have to pay out of pocket for professional legal representation from a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer.

Types of Common Car Accidents

As a major Florida city, Fort Lauderdale experiences all types of car accidents, but here are some of the common ones that our Fort Lauderdale personal injury law firm sees regularly:

Rear-End Collisions

Distracted driving has contributed to an increase in rear-end collisions over the years, and with the addition of computer screens in many new vehicles, the numbers are likely to go higher. Rear-end collisions are also a common cause of whiplash due to the backward snap of the heads of passengers in the front cars.

Intersection Accidents

In many cases, a driver is just trying to beat the light, but again, distracted driving is a common cause of intersection accidents. Because of the high speeds often involved, these accidents often lead to serious injuries or death.

Side-Swipe Accidents

Improper lane changes are another common cause of accidents in Fort Lauderdale. This can be caused by failure to check one’s blind spots, inattentive driving, or a misunderstanding as to who has the right of way.

Head-On Collisions

While less common than some of the other accidents listed here, head-on collisions are one of the most deadly types of crashes on the Fort Lauderdale roadways.

Vehicle Rollovers

This occurs when the car flips over during a crash. Rollovers can sometimes occur when a driver takes a turn too quickly or goes faster than the gradient of a ramp allows.    Regardless of the type of car crash you’ve been involved in, you should speak to a personal injury lawyer who handles motor vehicle accidents. In Fort Lauderdale, Call Tucker Law for a free consultation.

Vehicle Classifications in Car Accidents

Car vs. car accidents are the most common type of auto accident cases in Fort Lauderdale, but many other types of collisions often lead to even more severe injuries. Here are some of the types of vehicles that fall under the umbrella of car accidents.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries. This is because a motorcycle offers little physical protection, is more difficult to see, and is capable of traveling at higher speeds. That does not, however, mean that motorcyclists bear a greater responsibility when they are injured due to negligence.

Truck Accidents

With Port Everglades at the south end of the city and major highways running throughout, Broward County, and Fort Lauderdale in particular, has a disproportionately high volume of commercial vehicle traffic. The maximum gross weight of a commercial vehicle is 80,000 lbs, which is about 20x greater than the weight of the average personal car. As a result, when a truck strikes a car, even at relatively low speeds, there is bound to be extensive property damage and injuries.

Train Crashes

Fort Lauderdale has two major rail arteries running through the city that service numerous cargo trains, Amtrak, Tri-Rail, and the Brightline, which travels at high speeds. Train accidents usually lead to catastrophic injuries or even death.

Pedestrian Accidents

Car drivers owe an extra level of care when pedestrians are near. Pedestrian accidents can include skateboarders and scooter operators, as well.

Bicycle Accidents

Fort Lauderdale has numerous bike lanes for the safety of cyclists. When a car encroaches on these lanes, a bicycle accident is likely. Our law firm also handles Fort Lauderdale crash accidents involving “dooring” — when a driver or passenger opens their door without checking for approaching pedestrians or cyclists.   All of the above-listed vehicles share the roadways and sidewalks of Broward County, which means that car accident injuries involving these modes of transportation are common. If you’ve been injured in a collision, seek medical treatment immediately, and then call a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer.

Common Auto Accident Injuries

Fort Lauderdale car accident injuries run the gamut from minor bruising to more serious soft-tissue injuries like whiplash to catastrophic injuries to death. Here are some of the common types of injuries that we see at our law firm:

• Bruising
• Lacerations
• Burns
• Severed fingers, toes, and limbs
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Internal bleeding
• Fractures
• Torn ligaments and tendons
• Life-ending injuries

In addition to these physical injuries, car accident victims often experience post-traumatic stress disorder and other trauma-related conditions. When a loved one dies in a car accident, the survivors may experience severe depression over the loss. At Tucker Law, we seek fair compensation for our clients. That means that we don’t just help you recover damages for your medical bills; we also fight for the maximum compensation for your pain and suffering.

Damages in Car Accident Cases

The state of Florida recognizes three categories of damages for auto accidents and other types of injury claims.

Economic Damages

Under Florida law, you’re entitled to receive full compensation for all of your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and more. This can become a lengthy list in some cases, which is why accident victims are often better off when car accident attorneys pursue their claims. Insurance adjusters will frequently try to discount some or all of the costs in an attempt to save their employer — the insurance company — money. Car accident attorneys are very detailed and can develop a comprehensive list of the financial costs of the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

Car crashes can be life-changing experiences for injury victims. It is not sufficient for an insurance company to pay a plaintiff back for their expenses. Accident attorneys not only pursue economic damages but also seek compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and the sheer inconvenience caused by an auto accident. Personal injury attorneys refer to this as “pain and suffering.”

Punitive Damages

While the first two categories are considered compensatory in nature, punitive damages in personal injury claims are designed to punish the defendant for egregious behavior or causing intentional harm. Punitive damages aren’t awarded in every case, however. If a car accident victim suffered catastrophic injuries due to drunk driving, for instance, a Broward County court might award punitive damages. Florida caps punitive damages at three times the amount of compensatory damages (economic damages and non-economic damages) or $500,000, whichever is greater.    During your free consultation at Tucker Law, you can discuss the types of damages to which you may be entitled with our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer free of charge. Call to speak to an auto accident attorney today!

Statistics About Car Accidents in Florida

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) meticulously records the statistics for each county in the state. As the county seat of Broward County, Fort Lauderdale has the unfortunate distinction of heavily contributing to these 2022 Broward numbers:

• There were 33,837 automobile accidents in Broward.
• 13,365 of the crashes involved injuries.
• There were 20,214 injury victims from the above-mentioned crashes.
• 224 people died in 209 crashes.
• 2,005 people were injured in the 10,033 hit-and-run accidents, and 209 people died.

Broward is the second largest county by population — right after its South Florida neighbor, Miami-Dade. While there are numerous car accident lawyers in and around Fort Lauderdale, few have the legal acumen and experience of attorney Matthew Sean Tucker. Call today to speak with a Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney for free.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale?

The moments after a Fort Lauderdale car accident can be frightening and disorienting. The following precautions can help you avoid further injury and help your car accident lawyer prove your case.

• Move to a position of safety – You may have heard that you shouldn’t move your vehicle until the police arrive, but if you’re in danger, move off the road or away from the hazard.
• Call 911 – Even if you don’t feel like you need medical treatment, you will need to complete a police report. The dispatcher will want to know your location, number and nature of injuries, vehicle descriptions, etc.
• Talk to witnesses – If anyone has stopped to make sure you’re alright, ask them to remain on the scene to talk to the police. If not, ask for their contact information.
• Take photos of the scene – Many car accident cases have been won by car accident lawyers because of photographs taken on scene. Take photos or a video from a position of safety. You’ll want to make sure to get the position of the vehicles, vehicle damage, street signs that indicate the location, skid marks, debris, and other relevant elements of the accident scene.
• Allow paramedics to examine you – Do not deny medical attention because you think it will hurt your claim. Most car accident attorneys would prefer that you take this step to establish a baseline for your medical condition, but in any event, your health is paramount to other concerns.
• Contact an auto accident attorney – The insurance company will act quickly to close out your claim. They may even initiate contact with you because they would prefer that you didn’t talk to a car accident lawyer. They may offer to cut you a check immediately to pay for your medical bills and car damage. This money may seem like a huge relief, but the truth is that you don’t know how long it will take you to recover. Your final medical bills may be substantially higher than what the insurance company offers. Talk to a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer before accepting a settlement from an insurer.

Legal Concepts Surrounding Car Accidents

The following information may help you better understand how Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys go about seeking compensation for your injuries.

Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Laws

People are often confused about the way that Florida’s no-fault law works or what they can claim on their insurance coverage. What this means is that a driver files a car accident claim with their own insurance instead of pursuing damages from the other company. With more minor injuries, your personal injury protection will usually cover your damages. However, if your damages exceed the amount of the policy, you can pursue damages from the other party’s insurer, and ultimately sue the driver if your damage amounts exceed the limits of their policy.

Statute of Limitations

In Florida, you have four years from the date of the accident to bring a lawsuit against the responsible party — two years from the date of death in wrongful death cases. That means that if you’re involved in a car accident, the clock starts ticking. Insurance companies are much less likely to settle a claim once this period has elapsed. While this may seem like a long time, it’s important for car accident lawyers to begin working on your case as early as possible.

Damage Caps

There are no damage caps for personal injury cases in Florida. Florida car accident lawyers can seek maximum compensation for your injuries. Only punitive damages are capped at three times the amount of compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater.

Comparative Negligence

Florida operates on a comparative negligence principle, which means that financial compensation can be reduced in relation to the degree of fault. For instance, if the accident report shows you were speeding when you entered an intersection, but the other driver ran the red light, the court might decide that you were 10% responsible for your bodily injuries and other damages. You could then recover 90% of your damages.

Contingency Fee Representation

Personal injury lawyers understand that not everyone can afford to go out and hire an attorney. This may even be more true in the aftermath of an accident when medical bills are piling up, and crash victims may not be able to earn a full paycheck. That’s why Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers like Matthew Sean Tucker work on a contingency basis. He only gets paid if he is able to negotiate a settlement or wins the case in court. The Florida State Bar Association establishes the contingency fee guidelines that Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers charge.

On the Car Crash Traffic Accident Scene: Paramedics and Firefighters Rescue Injured Victims Trapped in the Vehicle. Medics Use Stretchers, Perform First Aid. Firemen Grab Equipment from Fire Engine

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Florida

Clients at our Fort Lauderdale car accident law firm have many similar questions. If you don’t find the answer to your question here, contact Tucker Law today.

What should I do if I’m hit by an uninsured driver?

Florida is the number six state in the nation for having the most uninsured drivers, which is why we always recommend that drivers get an uninsured motorist rider added to their insurance coverage. Because Florida is a no-fault state, however, you still may be able to make a claim with your insurance company for bodily injury.

What if I am partially at fault for the accident?

In many traffic accidents, more than one party is partially at fault. In Florida, you are still able to seek compensation for your damages, but the compensatory damage amount is reduced by the proportion of your responsibility. In other words, if you are 20% at fault, you can only claim 80% of your damages.

How does it affect my claim if the other driver was drunk?

Drunk drivers are responsible for many motor vehicle accidents. If the police arrest the other driver or indicate that their drinking contributed to the accident, it could make you eligible for punitive damages as well as compensatory damages.

Why do I need an attorney to file a claim with the insurance company?

While we recommend letting your attorney handle all phases of the accident claim, you do not require an attorney to file a claim. And, if you have filed a claim but have not accepted a settlement, we can still help. However, once you accept a settlement and sign the waiver of liability, you will not be able to go after your insurer, even if you find out later that your injuries will require further treatment for maximum medical improvement.

Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale

Matthew Sean Tucker is a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer who fights for the rights of car accident victims. If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Lauderdale, seek medical attention immediately and then call Tucker Law for immediate and effective representation. Attorney Tucker will review police reports, subpoena witnesses, talk to accident reconstruction experts, and assess your damages. He will then be the only point of contact for the defendant’s attorneys. Call today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

How We Work On Injury Case