Though a car accident may not seem serious at first, its impact can be felt a long time after the actual incident is over. Filing a car accident claim can help you pay for the expenses that result from being in a car accident.
If you are interested in seeking guidance and learning more about your options, you should speak with experienced car accident attorneys. The lawyers of Florin|Roebig are experienced and knowledgeable about car accident claims and getting the best results for their clients.
Accident Statistics for Broward County, Florida
The following are 2023 car accident statistics for Broward County, where Lauderhill is located.
- There were a total of 40,218 accidents reported in Broward County in 2023.
- From these accidents, 210 fatalities occurred.
- There were 24,506 injuries reported as a result of being in an accident.
- There were 760 motorcycle accidents in 2023 in Broward County.
Lauderhill’s Most Dangerous Intersections
All roads can contain hazards that make things difficult for even the most experienced driver. While no roads can guarantee 100% safety, there are intersections in Lauderhill that residents should proceed with caution. Be sure to obey any and all traffic laws. Here is a list of Lauderhill contains most dangerous intersections in Broward County:
- Sunrise Boulevard and University Drive: There are traffic signals at this intersection, including a left turn signal for both eastbound and westbound traffic on Sunrise Boulevard. Be sure to obey the signals and don’t drive through the intersection until it’s safe to do so. There may be pedestrians crossing the road at this busy intersection, especially during peak hours or when nearby schools are letting out. Although there are multiple turn lanes at this intersection, it’s important to stay in your designated lane and make turns only when it’s safe.
- State Road 7 and West Oakland Park Boulevard: With traffic lights for both directions, this intersection has heavy traffic during peak hours, especially in the morning and evenings. Drivers should also be aware of pavement markings as there has been construction recently.
- State Road 7 and NW 19th Street: The speed limit is 45 mph on State Road 7 and 30 mph on NW 19th Street so make sure to adhere to these limits, especially when approaching the intersection. Many drivers may be turning onto or off of State Road 7 onto NW 19th Streets so watch out and yield when necessary.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
Car accident victims in Lauderhill, Florida, can seek payment for their damaged property and injuries. This is known as a car accident claim, where those involved in an accident can file a claim to receive damages, which may be financial or non-financial in nature.
Misconceptions regarding auto accident claims include:
- You will not need to hire an attorney if you have auto insurance
- You can only file a car accident claim if you were seriously injured
- You can count on the insurance of the at-fault driver to pay all damages
- You have as long as you need to file a car accident claim
- The average person cannot afford to hire an auto injury attorney
- If you are offered a settlement, you have to accept it
- The only way to receive compensation for an accident is to file a lawsuit
“It has become an unfortunate fact that your insurance company may not be on your side after an accident happens. If you want to ensure you are not given the runaround, seek a car accident attorney you can trust,” says Chad K. Florin, an esteemed attorney of Florin|Roebig.
The following are steps you should take after being involved in an accident:
- Collect evidence for your claim: It is important to take pictures and record videos of everything you can see at the accident, including any injuries and property damage.
- Review your insurance policy: When you are safely at home, take a moment to review your insurance policy and make sure that you understand what it says.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney: Contact the knowledgeable lawyers of Florin|Roebig for a free consultation to review your case and look at your legal options.
- Get a copy of the police report: A day or two after your accident, you will receive a call from the police to let you know they have your report ready. This is very helpful for both an insurance claim and a lawsuit.
- Call your insurance representative: Once you have completed the above steps, contact your insurance agent to begin the claims process. The sooner you file your claim, the sooner it can be processed and paid.
Lauderhill, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
Floridians should know about a few car accident laws, but two are the most important to understand: the statute of limitations for personal injury claims and the law surrounding fault.
Florida residents should know that it is a no-fault state. This means every registered Florida driver is required to have personal injury protection insurance (PIP) to cover property damage and medical expenses, no matter who caused the accident.
Drivers in Florida need to know the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is four years in Florida. The statute of limitations refers to how long you can bring your accident claim against the at-fault driver. Not filing your claim before time runs out may forfeit your right to a settlement.
Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
Another important term that drivers in Florida should be knowledgeable of is Negligence. Negligence happens when a motorist does something that directly causes an accident.
Factors that can determine fault in car accidents include:
- A negligent driver
- A motorist driving under the influence of a substance
- Road conditions at the time of the accident
- Weather conditions when the accident occurred
- Whether or not a vehicle malfunction occurred
While it can be very frustrating, it is possible that someone could cause your accident but not be liable for it. For example, if a car malfunctions because of defective brakes that were flawed due to a manufacturing mistake and thus caused the car to brake improperly.
In this situation, the driver would be at fault but may not be liable for the accident, while the brake manufacturer would be held strictly liable.
“When someone is involved in a car accident, they are already facing the stress of trying to recover their daily life. Hiring an auto injury attorney is a way to ease the minds of car accident victims. We take care of the paperwork and deadlines so you can heal,” explains attorney Chad K. Florin.
Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
In car accident claims, negligence refers to any conduct or action that results in injury, damaged property, or other consequences.
Common types of negligence in car accident claims filed by car accident victims include:
- Gross negligence: This is a severe disregard for the well-being of other drivers and an absence of respect for traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence: Every motorist involved in the accident is allocated a degree of fault, and the damages granted are adjusted accordingly.
- Contributory negligence: A type of negligence system that states a claim cannot be filed to seek payment if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
Generally, car accidents are rarely the result of just one driver’s actions. Therefore, in most cases, courts will give each driver a portion of fault for the accident.
Noteworthy facts to know about fault in car crashes:
- Motorists may still be able to recover damages in no-fault states.
- Your percentage of fault may reduce your settlement.
- In some states, fault can prevent you from claiming damages.
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What To Do After A Car Accident in Lauderhill
The following are steps you should take if you or a family member have been involved in an auto accident in Lauderhill, Florida.
1. Seek Medical Care
The first thing you need to do is call 911 so that emergency medical technicians can be dispatched to the accident scene. Keep all medical records, such as bills, for your claim.
2. Collect Contact Information
Information that needs to be gathered:
- All parties’ names
- Phone numbers for each driver
- Driver’s license numbers
- Insurance information for all parties involved
- License plate numbers of all cars involved
3. Call The Police
In Florida, all motorists are legally required to call the police and report an accident if any injury or property damage occurs. This report is very important for your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
While at the accident scene, take as many pictures and videos as possible. This will help provide context for your accident claim. The images can include injuries, property damage, weather conditions, and witness statements.
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
After you have reported the incident to the police and received the official report, you need to call your insurance company. The sooner you file your insurance claim, the sooner your insurance provider can process it and send you a payment.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always have their client’s interests in mind when an accident claim is filed. When you speak to a Florin|Roebig attorney, we will evaluate your case for free and then explain to you what your options are.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
There can be many far-reaching impacts that go beyond the accident itself and can affect your life for years to come.
More ways an accident can affect your life include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of employment
- Pain and suffering costs
- Loss of transportation
- Loss of independence
- Loss of income
- Loss of companionship
- Having to adapt your home to suit your injuries
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
Hiring an attorney after your car accident can be a big decision. Our attorneys have forty years of experience successfully representing our clients and their accident claims; we know we can help you, too.
Benefits that you can gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig car accident attorney include:
Car Accident Case Experience
The Florin|Roebig attorneys have been working with car accident victims for four decades, helping to guide our clients through the insurance claim and lawsuit process.
A Strong Auto Injury Claim
The Florin|Roebig car accident injury team has seen the many different tactics that insurance companies use to avoid having to fulfill rightful claims and know how to answer them.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
Insurance companies may be prepared to play hardball, but so is our determined team of Florin|Roebig attorneys. If your insurance company is not paying your claim or if you need to file a lawsuit to gain compensation for your damages, we are ready to help.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
It can be very overwhelming to be involved in an accident in Lauderhill, Florida. The following are some helpful steps you can take after a car accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 in order to have medical technicians and police officers sent to the scene. Make sure you are medically cleared to leave before you exit the scene.
- Collect evidence immediately: Take photos and record videos of everything at the accident scene, such as injuries and vehicle damage. If possible, try to record witness statements.
- Contact your insurance company: When you have your insurance policy with you and any related documents, contact your insurance provider to begin the claim process.
- Protect your legal rights: Hire a Florin|Roebig attorney to avoid making any damaging mistakes that could cost you your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I hire an attorney after a car accident in Florida?
Although you can file your claim on your own, hiring a car accident attorney can ensure that the process is smooth.
How long does it take to settle a car accident case in Florida?
Most car accident cases are settled within a week or two of being processed, however, some cases may take as long as months and even years to settle.
Can someone sue you personally after a car accident in Florida?
If someone has experienced severe injuries as a result of being in an accident you caused, or their damages exceed their insurance policy limits, they are legally entitled to sue for compensation.
List Of Top-Rated Car Accident Attorneys Serving Lauderhill
If you’ve been in a car accident in Lauderhill, you could be unsure where to turn or what your next steps should be.
For every year since the inception of the honor in 2010, Florin|Roebig has been selected as one of the “Best Law Firms in America” by “US News and World Report” and “Best Lawyers in America.”
You can learn more about your rights and the best next steps you can take by consulting with our experienced car accident attorneys, including:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- John J. Hart
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How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you have been in an accident and are interested in hiring one of our esteemed attorneys, contact our offices today.
- You can call by phone 24/7
- Visit florinroebig.com to request more information
- Email our offices at [email protected]
Find Help Filing A Car Accident Claim
Since the firm’s founding in 1985, Florin|Roebig has excelled in representing car accident cases. With over 40 years of experience, our legal team has successfully won over $1 billion in settlements from personal injury cases by providing our clients with high-quality legal representation.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Lauderhill, Florida, contact Florin|Roebig’s experienced and devoted car accident lawyers for a free consultation today.
