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Rollover car accident at the Fort Lauderdale Airport injures driver

August 16, 2023

by Injury Law Firm Auto Accidents Automobile Safety Multi Car Accidents Personal Injury Personal Injury Lawyer

Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue teams swiftly reacted to a car accident at the Cypress Garage of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport last Friday morning.

According to investigators, around 9 a.m., a driver collided with another vehicle on the third floor of the parking facility, causing her car to overturn.

The injured driver was promptly transported by paramedics to Broward Health Medical Center for critical medical care due to her serious injuries.

Concurrently, BSFR personnel diligently managed a gasoline spill resulting from the accident, ensuring the safety of all individuals present at the airport, including visitors and staff.

Officials from FLL stated that the incident was confined to a relatively small section and did not disrupt activities within the garage.

The Cost of a Car Accident: Why Hiring a Broward Attorney is Worth Every Penny

Car accidents are a nightmare, both emotionally and financially. From medical bills to vehicle repairs, the costs can quickly pile up, leaving you stressed and overwhelmed. That’s where hiring a Broward attorney comes in. With their expertise and knowledge, they can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, making every penny worth it.

When it comes to legal matters, it’s essential to have someone on your side who knows the ins and outs of the system. A Broward attorney specializes in car accident cases and understands the complexities involved. They will navigate the legal process, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and fighting for your rights, all while you focus on your recovery.

While some may hesitate to hire an attorney due to cost concerns, the truth is that their services can more than pay for themselves. By seeking professional legal help, you can maximize your chances of obtaining a fair settlement. Attorneys are skilled at assessing the true value of your case and advocating for your best interests. In the end, their expertise can make a significant difference in the compensation you receive and help you move forward after a car accident.

Don’t underestimate the importance of hiring a Broward attorney. Let them handle the complexities of the legal process so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life. The cost of their services is a worthwhile investment in the outcome of your case.

The financial impact of a car accident

Car accidents can have a significant financial impact on individuals involved. Medical bills can quickly accumulate, especially if the injuries sustained are severe. The cost of ambulance services, emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing treatments can be overwhelming. Additionally, property damage is another expense that often arises from car accidents. Whether it’s repairing or replacing your vehicle, the costs can be substantial. Lastly, car accidents can result in lost wages if you are unable to work due to your injuries. This loss of income can further exacerbate the financial strain.

The legal complexities of car accident cases

Navigating the legal process after a car accident can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with the intricacies of personal injury law. There are various legal complexities involved, such as determining liability, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and understanding the statute of limitations. Without proper legal representation, you may find yourself at a disadvantage when dealing with these complexities. This is where a Broward attorney can be invaluable.

The benefits of hiring a Broward attorney

Hiring a Broward attorney specializing in car accident cases can offer numerous benefits. Firstly, they have the expertise and knowledge of personal injury law, allowing them to navigate the legal process efficiently. They will gather evidence to support your case, including medical records, accident reports, and witness testimonies. With their negotiation skills, they can effectively communicate with insurance companies, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Their experience also enables them to assess the true value of your case, maximizing the settlement you may receive.

How a Broward attorney can help with insurance claims

Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting, as they often try to minimize the compensation they pay out. A Broward attorney can handle all communication with the insurance companies on your behalf. They will ensure that your rights are protected and that you are not taken advantage of. They understand the tactics insurance companies use to undervalue claims and can counteract them effectively. With their knowledge and experience, they can build a strong case that supports your claim and fights for the compensation you deserve.

The role of a Broward attorney in proving liability

Proving liability is a crucial aspect of car accident cases. It involves establishing who is at fault for the accident and should be held responsible for the resulting damages. This can be a complex task, as multiple factors come into play, such as traffic laws, eyewitness testimonies, and expert analysis. A Broward attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident, collecting evidence to prove liability. They will work with accident reconstruction experts, review police reports, and interview witnesses to build a solid case on your behalf.

Understanding the statute of limitations in car accident cases

It’s essential to understand the statute of limitations when filing a car accident claim. The statute of limitations sets a time limit within which you must file your claim; otherwise, you may lose your right to seek compensation. In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including car accidents, is four years from the date of the accident. However, it’s crucial to consult with a Broward attorney as soon as possible to ensure you meet all necessary deadlines and preserve your right to file a claim.

The potential costs of not hiring a Broward attorney

Some individuals may hesitate to hire a Broward attorney due to concerns about the cost of their services. However, the potential costs of not hiring legal representation can be far more significant. Without an attorney, you may be at a disadvantage when negotiating with insurance companies. They may try to undervalue your claim or deny it altogether, leaving you without the compensation you deserve. Additionally, without legal guidance, you may make mistakes during the legal process that can harm your case. Hiring a Broward attorney can help avoid these pitfalls and ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.

How to choose the right Broward attorney for your car accident case

Choosing the right Broward attorney for your car accident case is crucial to the success of your claim. Start by researching attorneys who specialize in personal injury law and have experience with car accident cases. Look for attorneys with positive reviews and a track record of successful settlements. Schedule consultations with potential attorneys to discuss your case and assess their expertise and compatibility. During these consultations, ask about their fees, payment structure, and their approach to handling car accident cases. Ultimately, choose an attorney who instills confidence and trust, as they will be your advocate throughout the legal process.

The value of investing in a Broward attorney for your car accident case

Don’t underestimate the importance of hiring a Broward attorney if you’ve been involved in a car accident. The costs of a car accident can quickly add up, leaving you financially burdened. By hiring a Broward attorney, you are investing in professional legal representation that can help you navigate the complexities of the legal process. They will fight for your rights, maximize your chances of obtaining a fair settlement, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. While there may be concerns about the cost of their services, the value they provide is worth every penny. Let a Broward attorney handle the legal matters, allowing you to focus on healing and rebuilding your life after a car accident.

You're in a Car Crash – What Florida Law Requires You to Do

Auto Accident in Plantation Leaves 2 Dead on Sunrise Boulevard

March 22, 2021

by South Florida Injury Law Firm Auto Accidents Automobile Safety Multi Car Accidents Personal Injury Personal Injury Lawyer

A deadly auto accident happened in Plantation Florida near 441 on NW 47th Avenue and Sunrise Boulevard.
Two people were killed in a sedan after being hit by an SUV.
The impact tore the sedan’s front and rear axles completely off.
Sunrise Boulevard was completely reopened just before 1PM

According to initial reports by Plantation police, the Honda sedan was attempting to turn from the eastbound lanes on Sunrise Boulevard with the intention of either going north on 43rd Avenue or making a U-turn to go west on Sunrise Boulevard. Lanes of West Sunrise Boulevard in Plantation were closed in both directions shortly after 5 a.m. By 9:45 a.m., only the two left lanes had remained closed.

The Honda can be seen missing its entire front end and almost appears to be split in half. The Mercedes SUV sustained significant front end damage. The accident is still under investigation by Plantation police and fire departments and charges are reportedly pending related to the accident.

Every driver has a responsibility to drive in a cautious and courteous manner. With so many drivers sharing Florida roadways, no amount of defensive driving can protect you from the negligent and reckless behavior of another driver.

For many Floridians, it isn’t if you will be involved in a crash, but when.

If you find yourself in a car accident, there are a number of different things that you should probably do. Get yourself medical help. Take pictures and gather evidence. Call a lawyer. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and even confused following a car accident. Let alone the concerns surrounding medical bills, repair needed and whether or not you will be able to return to work.

In fact, we’ve written guides about what to do after a crash. However, you don’t have to do many of those things. If you wanted to, you could skip a lot of them.

Not all of them, though. There are some things that Florida law actually requires you to do if you are involved in a crash. Below, we’re going to go over what those are.

Stop at the scene of the auto accident

Hopefully, this goes without saying, but you cannot simply drive away after the car crash. You must first stop and fulfill the other duties detailed below first. Otherwise, it could be classified as a hit and run.

If you leave a crash where someone else was injured, this is a third-degree felony, and you can face up to five years in prison or five years of probation, a $5,000 fine, and driver’s license revocation. If someone dies in the car crash, then it is a first-degree felony, with penalties of up to 30 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and driver’s license revocation. There is a mandatory minimum prison sentence of two years if you were driving under the influence.

If it is only property that was damaged, then it is a second-degree misdemeanor, with penalties of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Get help for anyone who has been injured

If the other person requires or requests medical treatment, you are obligated to provide “reasonable assistance.” This means things like transporting or making arrangements to transport the person to a doctor or hospital. Often, your best course of action is to call 9-1-1.

Move your car out of the way

If your car is blocking traffic, you are required to move your car or call for help, such as from a tow truck, if you are unable to do so.

Provide your name and address to the other driver

You must also show your driver’s license or permit and vehicle registration number if requested. In the situation where the other person is not able to receive that information, then you are required to report the crash.

Provide information to investigating police officers

You must share your driver’s license, vehicle registration, address, and other information. Don’t discuss fault at this point. Just answers questions honestly. You never know what the other driver may or may not have been doing.

Report the accident in some cases

You are required to report the accident to the local police department, sheriff, or the Florida Highway Patrol if there are injuries, death, or damage over $500. You are also required to do so if either driver is intoxicated.

You don’t have to file a crash report if the investigating officer does so, but you should confirm that they actually did so. Also, your crash report should include up-to-date information about your car insurance.

Once you do these things, you can be on your way if you wish. However, you could be missing out if the other driver’s negligence caused the accident. This is something that’s not always easy to tell when you’re involved. The best way to know for sure is to reach out to a knowledgeable Florida car crash lawyer and talk to them about your case.

COVID-19 Auto Accidents in South Florida

June 30, 2020

by South Florida Injury Law Firm Auto Accidents Automobile Safety Children Injuries & Accidents Multi Car Accidents Personal Injury Personal Injury Claims Personal Injury Lawyer Property Damage Wrongful Death

COVID-19 has created a dramatic shift in all of our lives and even on our South Florida roadways. With residents holed up at home, working remotely and running fewer errands than ever, rush hour traffic has dipped considerably. Shuttered bars and restaurants has meant fewer drunk drivers on the roads and less auto accidents.

Those who must and do go out may be under the impression that the roads are safer due to this dip in traffic congestion we’ve seen throughout the state. They have evidence to support that belief too.

Florida drivers were involved in 9,469 crashes in June compared to 31,128 in 2019.

However true, that belief for many drivers contributes to the most serious and fatal auto accidents that can happen.

The Need For Speed

A recent report by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) stated that many drivers across the U.S. are pushing the needle to speeds greater than 100 mph. FHP have also reported drivers are traveling at speeds of 20-40 mph over the posted speed limit on average.

“Law enforcement officials have the same mission as health care providers — to save lives. If you must drive, buckle up, follow the posted speed limit and look out for pedestrians and bicyclists. Emergency rooms in many areas of the country are at capacity, and the last thing they need is additional strain from traffic crash victims,” said GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins.

Caution Your Confidence

The roads may appear empty and safe for you to push the pedal a little further. Just a few MPH over the speed limit is no big deal, right?

Out of the 9,469 crashes in June, 54% were speed related and 37% of those were fatal.

Due to distracted driving, unsafe road conditions and a myriad of circumstances we’ve seen can happen here at The South Florida Injury Law Firm, we know the roads are never as safe as they may seem.

It’s difficult to foresee auto accidents, the injuries that can come from them and the lifelong effects they have. It can put even a bigger dent in finances that COVID-19 have already burdened so many with. It is even worse when you know somebody else through their negligence caused you suffering, and that’s why you need to fight hard to get compensated for your loss. Be cautious and remember these steps we’ve put together for you to be better prepared:

What to do at the scene of an auto accident during this time of COVID-19

Get medical attention for those who are injured.
Still Practice Safe Distance. Stay 6 feet away from the other driver.
If you are able to without discomfort, pay mind to and keep your mask on.
Get the name and the driver’s license of the driver of the car that caused the collision.
If the driver leaves, get the license plate number of the car. If this is not possible, at least get a description of the car including the make, model, color, and any descriptive information you can.
Call the police. If the car leaves, do not endanger yourself by following or chasing it. The police will do their best to track down the culprit.
Wait in a safe place for the arrival of the police.
If there are witnesses, try to get their names, contact information, and statements.
Take photos of the scene of the accident as well as of the damage to your car.

As soon as possible with auto accidents, make your own written statement about what happened. Include as many details as you can about how the accident occurred. Note exactly where the accident occurred, whether there were traffic lights or a stop sign, what you observed the other driver doing, and any other information that seems relevant.

If someone sustains a head wound, broken arm or puncture wound, the injuries are obviously serious, and medical assistance should be sought immediately. But many times, accidents result in aching or overall soreness. It can be tempting to shrug this soreness off, as the pain may even subside over the following days. Not seeking medical attention can be a major mistake.

Get an Attorney

When searching for the best personal injury lawyers in South Florida, or if you have experienced an auto accident or injury, be sure to check for experience, track record, and reviews from their past clients.

Our team have 100+ years of combined legal experience, so we’ve handled just about every kind of injury and accident case you can imagine. We also come from diverse legal backgrounds that help us when preparing for cases, counting a former public defender and a lawyer who worked for insurance companies and knows their tactics among our partners.

During this time, we urge you to be safe on the road and if you have been in an accident, know that you deserve to be compensated for your pain and suffering – and those responsible deserve to be held accountable for their actions. That was The South Florida Injury Law Firm’s goal when it was founded in South Florida in 1991, and it has remained the centerpiece of the firm’s mission ever since that time.

Helmets a Must, but Motorcycle Culture Still Discourages Them

May 7, 2014

by South Florida Injury Law Firm Motorcycle Accidents

It’s pretty hard to ignore the statistics surrounding helmet use and motorcycle accidents.

Head injuries are the most common cause of motorcycle fatalities, and even when motorcyclists survive a crash, injuries are generally more serious and long-lasting for riders and passengers who weren’t wearing helmets. According to estimates from the US Department of Transportation, wearing a helmet reduces a rider’s chance of dying in a crash by about 37%. A study by the Governor’s Highway Safety Administration also found that 44% of all people fatally injured in a motorcycle accident were not wearing helmets. Additionally, the GHSA found that wearing a helmet saved the lives of 1,829 riders in the course of a year.

With everything we know about helmet safety, it seems like a no-brainer that bikers should be using them. Unfortunately, many bikers are still unwilling to give up the feel of the wind in their hair when they ride. Riders who go helmetless argue that they’re exercising their freedom to choose, and that if they want to increase their odds of being in a fatal accident, it’s their right.

But it’s not just the individual rider who is being affected. If a motorcycle rider offers a ride to a friendand doesn’t have a helmet to offer him or her, then he or she is also at a greater risk for suffering a fatal head injury. Refusing to wear a helmet also sends a message to other riders that helmets are not a part of “true” motorcycle culture,perpetuating the idea that protective equipmentis ultimately optional.

The True Cost of Not Wearing a Helmet

It’s not just motorcycle riders and passengers who are affected by a rider’s failure to wear a helmet. Dr. Lori Terryberry-Spohr, a physician at the Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Nebraska, told The Economist that she can always tell which motorcycle accident victims weren’t wearing a helmet because they suffer internal bleeding and cell death across large areas of their bodies. Those helmetless riders who actually survive typically rack up about $1.3 million in direct medical expenses. As you might imagine, this far exceeds the insurance coverage that most motorcyclists have. Because of this, taxpayers end up footing about 63% of the bill.

If the loss of human life is not enough of an incentive, more states should be motivated to enact universal helmet laws based on the cost to their taxpayers. However, surprisingly few states have laws that require all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet.

States Shun Universal Helmet Laws

Currently, only 19 states and the District of Columbia have universal helmet laws. Three states – Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire – have no helmet laws whatsoever, meaning that even child passengers can ride along without a helmet. Every other state only requires helmets for riders under a certain age, usually 17 or 18. In Florida, riders can shun helmets as long as they’re 21 or older and carry at least $10,000 in insurance.

Some opponents of helmet laws say that they support the idea of wearing helmets, but that riders should come to the decision to wear a helmet on their own, without being forced into it by the government. They say that wearing a helmet is the smart thing to do, and responsible riders will realize that.

Unfortunately, not nearly enough riders are willing to wear helmets if they’re not legally required to. This week’s Daytona Beach Bike Week, one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the country, emphasized that fact. If you look through images of the gathering, it appears that the overwhelming majority of riders in attendance chose not to wear helmets. The event saw a total of four motorcycle accident fatalities, at least two of which involved head injuries to riders who were not wearing helmets.

States Need to Reassess Helmet Laws

The 33 states that do not currently have universal helmet laws should look to the 19 states that do andacknowledge the positive benefits this type of enforcement can have. The CDC has found that states with universal helmet laws have four times the cost savings of states that don’t. While a whopping 64% of riders in states without universal helmet laws choose to ride without helmets, only 12% of riders in states with universal laws go helmetless. As a result, the states with universal laws see fewer serious and fatal motorcycle injuries, which results in lower medical costs and loss of productivity costs.

It’s time that Florida, and all the other states with partial or no helmet laws, push to adopt universal laws. Of course, this change won’t happen overnight, and in the meantime it’s important that riders choose to wear helmets regardless of what state they live in. There may still be situations where riders get into accidents through no fault of their own, but by wearing a helmet, they can give themselves the best possible chance of surviving and recovering.

You’re Not Safe from Truck Accidents No Matter Where You Are

February 26, 2014

by South Florida Injury Law Firm Truck Accidents

When big trucks get into accidents, they not only tend to cause a lot of damage, but leave a wide swath of destruction,as well. Saying this shouldn’t be telling you anything new, because it’s pretty obvious that a large, heavy vehicle – especially one that’s moving fast – is going to plow through anything and everything in its path. But even knowing this, you would probably imagine that you’re in a pretty safe place if you’re sitting in your house. Unfortunately, as one homeowner recently discovered, there’s no place that’s safe from a big truck that’s out of control.

On February 19 in Cahokia, Illinois, a big truck veered off the road, ripped through two telephone poles, and slammed into a single-family home, knocking the house off if its foundation. And why? Because the driver experienced a “gag reflex” that caused him to lose control of the vehicle.

Luckily, the homeowner only suffered minor injuries, but they still had to go to that hospital. And you can absolutely bet that along with the physical trauma they sustained, they were suffering from shock. How else can you react to getting hit by a large truck when you’re not just out of your car and away from the road, but actually in your own home?

More than anything, it’s a reminder of just how dangerous big trucks can be and how far their reach can go.

Big Trucks Far More Dangerous Than Other Vehicles

Just how dangerous are big trucks? According to Popular Mechanics, there are a little over 5 million tractor trailers registered in this country and about three times as many semi trucks. In comparison, there are more than 240 million regular passenger vehicles out there on our roads.

Even using the higher number of around 15 million semis, that means that large trucks make up about 5.8% of total traffic. Despite this, they account for 1 out of every 8 motor vehicle fatalities in our country – that’s 12.5%, or more than double the deaths that they should be responsible for based on how many exist.And that’s only counting the fatal accidents; plenty of crashes occur like the one mentioned above where the homeowner escaped with only minor injuries,but the truck destroyed the house and wreaked havoc in the neighborhood.

Why Do Truck Accidents Occur?

Sometimes these accidents just happen,and it’s out of anyone’s control, as seems to be the case with the above truck driver’s “gag reflex” when he plowed into the house in Illinois. Unfortunately, recent reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show some alarming findings. Not only did both fatalities and injuries related to large-truck crashes go up from 2011 to 2012 (by 4% and 18%, respectively), there are reasons to believe that trucking companies aren’t being as selective as they should be when hiring drivers.

How so? Of the large truck drivers involved in fatal crashes, 12.9% had a previous accident on their record, 17.7% had been convicted of speeding, 8.2% had previously had their license suspended or revoked, and a few even had a drunk driving conviction on their record. If commercial trucking companies truly care about people’s safety, they’ll stop employing people with blemishes like these on their record.

Watch Out for Large Trucks – When You Can

There’s plenty of information out there about what people can and should do to minimize their chances of being involved in an accident with a large truck. But if, like the Illinois homeowner above, there was nothing else you could have done to prevent the incident, you at least have to be ready and willing to fight back against the trucking company and driver responsible.

It’s not going to be easy, because the company will want to do everything they can to protect their name and bottom line, so you have to get a truck accident lawyer on your side with a track record of success – and do it quick, because there are rules and regulations in these types of cases you won’t find in typical passenger car accidents.