Millions of people drive throughout Florida every day, enjoying the sunshine and beautiful scenery. Driving is probably the most frequent mode of transportation, yet it takes a great deal of expertise and caution to operate a vehicle safely. Legislators spend considerable time and money spreading safety information and enacting rules to deter dangerous driving practices. However, laws don’t stop negligent drivers from existing. People will continue to drive carelessly, and the repercussions of their actions can be fatal.
Every day, people are injured or killed in auto accidents. Getting into a car accident can be terrifying, and the aftermath stressful. You could have your hands full dealing with rehabilitation, medical bills, repair charges, and rental payments. Anyone who has been involved in a car accident should contact an experienced Davie car accident lawyer who can help them receive compensation and justice for their accident.
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What are Florida’s Car Insurance Requirements?
Understanding Florida’s Car Accident Laws
Insurance Requirements in Florida
Like most states in America, Florida requires its drivers to carry insurance. Florida law mandates drivers to show proof of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) automobile insurance before they can register or operate a vehicle with at least four wheels.
PIP insurance covers 80% of reasonable medical expenses up to $10,000, regardless of fault, while PDL covers damage to another person’s property caused by you or someone driving your insured vehicle. To meet Florida’s insurance requirements, your car must:
Be insured with PIP and PDL insurance before registration.
Maintain a minimum of $10,000 coverage in both PIP and PDL.
Be covered under a policy issued by a Florida-licensed insurance company.
Failure to maintain continuous coverage can result in penalties such as the suspension of your driver’s license, license plate, and vehicle registration. If you’ve been in a car accident and need help understanding these requirements, contact a Davie car accident attorney for legal guidance.
Legal Obligations After an Accident
After a car accident, Florida law requires drivers to file an accident report with law enforcement and exchange contact and insurance information with the other party involved. These steps are critical for building a strong insurance claim or pursuing legal action. Working with a law firm ensures that you follow all necessary steps to protect your rights.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Davie
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving and drowsy driving are among the leading causes of car accidents in Davie. Drivers often engage in activities like texting, eating, or talking to passengers, which diverts their attention from the road. These distractions make it difficult to react to sudden changes, increasing the risk of accidents caused by negligence.
Negligence and Traffic Violations
Negligence and failure to obey traffic signals also contribute to many accidents. Speeding, running red lights, tailgating, and failing to yield are common violations that make driving dangerous. When drivers ignore basic traffic laws, they endanger everyone on the road.
Recoverable Damages After a Car Accident
Medical Expenses
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, including:
Emergency room visits.
Ambulance services.
Physical therapy.
Ongoing medical care for severe injuries.
Compensation for Non-Economic Losses
In addition to medical expenses, you may recover damages for non-economic losses such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Lost Wages and Property Damage
Accidents often lead to missed workdays and lost wages. Compensation may also cover the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle, helping you recover financially after the accident.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident in Florida?
In most car accidents resulting in serious physical injuries, victims will have up to four years to file a claim for compensation. This means the statute of limitations ends four years after the date of the accident. If you miss the deadline to file your claim, the legal system will most likely dismiss the case.
Statutes of limitations exist to allow the legal system to evaluate claims fairly and effectively. The idea is that, four years after the car accident, the quality of evidence and witness statements will have greatly declined. The four year statute of limitations also applies to most other incidents resulting in serious injuries, or personal injury cases.
If you need more information about the statute of limitations and how it might apply to your legal circumstances, we encourage you to contact an attorney from The Law Offices of Scott Sobol. We can help you understand your rights, break down assorted laws, and gain a stronger understanding of your needs. Allow us to tailor our support to your needs and circumstances.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Filing a Car Accident Claim in Davie, Florida
Getting in a car accident can be very disorienting. Many things are running through your head, and now you have to be worried about everything that comes next. Am I covered for this? Is my car irreparably damaged? What about the other driver? How am I going to pay for this? Dealing with a car accident is such a cumbersome and involved process that, understandably, people get confused about what they should do afterward.
A significant part of dealing with a car accident is filing a car accident claim so that you can receive compensation to help you cover some of the damages you’ve incurred from the accident. Anyone who is planning on filing a car accident claim should:
Report the accident to the police
Talk to their insurance company
Document the accident
Gather evidence
Talk to witnesses
Hire a car accident attorney
Take pictures
Check for video camera recordings
You’ll also want to seek medical attention if you sense that you have been injured in any way. Get the legal support you deserve after a car accident. Contact our experienced Davie car accident attorneys today for a free consultation and let us fight for your rights.
Seeking Legal Assistance
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. Hiring a car accident attorney ensures you receive the legal support you need to file claims, negotiate with insurance companies, and seek fair compensation for your injuries and property damage.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits
In some cases, a car accident will have a tragic outcome where a loved one may die from their injuries in a car accident. When someone dies in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, someone else may file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased. In Florida, wrongful death suits can only be filed by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate, not just any family member or relative.
A personal representative is someone named in the decedent’s will or trust as the executor or administrator of their estate. This person is empowered to carry out the decedent’s wishes by serving as a fiduciary. If your loved one dies without a will or trust, a probate court will designate someone to take on that role, and that person is usually a family member. Get in contact with our car accident attorneys in Davie, FL for legal assistance. We will fight for justice and compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About car accidents
If you’ve suffered injuries (whiplash, brain injuries, or others) in an auto accident, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention to assess the extent of your injuries and prevent further complications. Documenting the accident scene, including photographs and witness statements, is crucial for building a strong case. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver and obtain a copy of the accident report. Contacting a personal injury lawyer early on ensures you receive guidance through the legal process and can focus on recovering compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Yes, you can file an auto accident claim even if the other driver was fully or partially at fault. A personal injury lawyer can help you establish negligence by collecting evidence, such as the accident report, witness testimonies, and any available video footage. Filing an auto accident claim can help you recover compensation for medical attention, property damage, and other expenses. Navigating the legal system can be complex, but a law firm specializing in auto accident cases can streamline the process and protect your rights.
If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy, especially if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Even if you believe your injuries are minor, consulting a personal injury lawyer is highly recommended. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms immediately and could worsen over time. A lawyer can halp with free consultation, assess the full scope of your injuries, help file an auto accident case claim, and negotiate with the Insurance company to secure fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. By working with a law firm, you can avoid being undervalued by insurance adjusters and ensure your interests are protected.
Florida follows a “comparative negligence” rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault in the accident.
For severe injury cases, the process begins with a thorough investigation of the accident, including collecting evidence, medical records, and accident documents. A personal injury lawyer will communicate with insurance companies to negotiate a fair settlement covering your medical attention, rehabilitation, lost wages, and long-term care costs. If the insurance company fails to offer adequate compensation, the case may proceed to litigation, where your lawyer will represent you in court. The legal system ensures that those who have suffered severe injuries due to someone else’s negligence have a chance to recover compensation for their physical, emotional, and financial losses.
The time to resolve a case varies based on factors like the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and the willingness of the parties to negotiate. Some cases settle in a few months, while others may take longer if they go to trial.
Most law firms that handle personal injury and auto accident claims operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any legal fees unless your lawyer recovers compensation on your behalf. Our firm also provide a free consultation to review your case and explain your options. By working with a personal injury lawyer, you gain access to professional guidance and legal support without upfront costs, ensuring you can pursue justice regardless of your financial situation.
While it’s possible to handle a claim on your own, having an experienced attorney like Scott Sobol greatly improves your chances of receiving fair compensation. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and a lawyer can help protect your interests.
Get Help Filing a Claim from an Experienced Davie Car Accident Attorney
Dealing with a car accident can be stressful, especially if you’re trying to do it alone. Car accidents always have numerous consequences. From property damage to medical expenses, you can expect to incur bills that need to be paid for your claim to be fully resolved. That’s where an experienced car accident lawyer in Davie comes in.
The Law Offices of Scott Sobol have been providing his clients with compassionate representation since 2003. Working across the state of Florida, Mr. Sobol has the experience necessary to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. He has represented thousands of clients and their families throughout his career and is well-versed in handling car accident cases. Schedule your consultation call with our Davie car accident attorneys at (954) 440-2000 or submit our contact form.
LEGALLY REVIEWED BY:
Scott Sobol
February 20, 2025
Scott Sobol is a dedicated personal injury attorney with over two decades of experience representing injured clients across South Florida. He has handled more than 1,000 cases involving serious car accidents, unsafe premises, and denied insurance claims. Known for his client-focused approach, Scott prioritizes open communication to guide clients confidently through complex legal challenges. Licensed in Florida, Illinois, and Texas, his extensive knowledge of the law ensures a strong pursuit of justice for those affected by negligence.
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