A car accident can change everything in a matter of seconds. One moment you’re driving along Broward Boulevard, and the next, you’re dealing with medical bills, lost income, or the long-term impact of devastating injuries. You might be a safe driver, but other people on the road may not be. While you can’t control what others do, there are steps you can take to lower your chances of being in a serious crash.
If you’re wondering how to prevent a car accident in Plantation, Florida, this blog outlines practical steps you can take to stay safer on the road. From staying alert at intersections to understanding how your own insurance company handles claims, small decisions add up, and they could protect you and your loved ones from long-term consequences.
Why Car Accidents Happen in Plantation and Fort Lauderdale
Before going over how to avoid collisions, it’s worth looking at the conditions that make crashes more likely in the first place.
Plantation is a quieter neighbor of Fort Lauderdale, but drivers still face major risks. From busy intersections like Sunrise Boulevard to the congestion near Broward Mall, local roads see more collisions than many realize. Fort Lauderdale car crashes often spill into surrounding areas, including Plantation, and some of the same dangers apply:
- Distracted driving (texting, eating, or reaching for something)
- Speeding and aggressive lane changes
- Impaired driving from alcohol, drugs, or fatigue
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Ignoring traffic signals or stop signs
- Following too closely
Florida car accident laws require all drivers to carry minimum insurance coverage, including Personal Injury Protection (PIP). But just because coverage exists doesn’t mean you’ll automatically receive fair compensation. Some insurance companies may challenge claims or downplay the severity of your injuries, particularly in cases involving soft-tissue damage or pre-existing conditions.
Drive Defensively—Even in Familiar Areas
Now that you know what causes most crashes, what can you do to avoid becoming a statistic? You know the streets of Plantation well. Maybe you’ve driven the same route to work or school for years. But it’s often in familiar areas that drivers let their guard down. To reduce your risk of a car crash:
- Slow down when approaching intersections, even when you have the right of way
- Always use your turn signal, even in turn-only lanes
- Leave extra space behind other vehicles to avoid rear-end auto accidents
- Avoid driving in blind spots of larger vehicles
- Never assume another driver sees you
Many accident victims in Florida were stopped at a light or turning into a plaza when they were hit. Staying cautious even when the road seems quiet can prevent a serious collision and protect your right to file a personal injury claim if someone else is at fault.
Keep Your Focus on the Road, Not Your Phone
Another way to prevent accidents is to eliminate distractions behind the wheel. As mentioned earlier, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Broward County. While Florida law prohibits texting while driving, distraction goes beyond just using a phone.
Try the following:
- Turn off or silence notifications while driving
- Use hands-free calling if you must take a call
- Program your GPS before your car is in motion
- Avoid multitasking such as eating, adjusting the radio, or reaching for items can all increase the risk of an auto accident
Even short distractions have led to devastating injuries and fatalities throughout South Florida. Though Florida law permits the use of hands-free devices for calls and GPS in most situations, texting or manually entering information while driving is prohibited.
How the Legal Process Works After a Crash
Even with defensive driving and good habits, accidents still happen. That’s why it’s important to know how the legal system works before you ever need it.
Florida’s no-fault system allows you to recover benefits from your own insurance policy after a collision, regardless of who caused it. But these benefits are limited. PIP only pays 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, up to $10,000, but you must seek treatment within 14 days to qualify.
If your injuries are severe, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Florida law requires that your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold—a legal standard that may require medical documentation. If that standard is met, you can pursue damages such as:
- Medical expenses not covered by PIP
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Long-term care and rehabilitation
But before you even get to that point, what you do immediately after the crash can affect both your recovery and your claim.
What to Do if You’re in a Car Accident
If a crash happens despite your best efforts, knowing what to do in the moment can make a big difference in your physical recovery and legal case.
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Exchange insurance details and driver information
- Document the accident scene with photos
- Get medical treatment within 14 days to protect your PIP claim
- Request a copy of the accident report from the responding agency
- Contact a car accident attorney if you suffered serious injuries
Your medical records, the accident report, and other documentation will play a key role in supporting a personal injury law claim.
What to Expect When Insurance Companies Dispute Your Claim
Unfortunately, not every claim goes smoothly. You might expect the insurance company to pay fairly, but that isn’t always what happens.
Insurance companies, whether your own or the other driver’s, are not always eager to pay what a claim is truly worth. Car insurance companies often dispute fault, minimize injuries, or argue that your medical bills were unrelated to the crash.
This is why many accident victims turn to a personal injury law firm after they’ve been hurt. A lawyer for a car accident can handle the legal aspects of your case and build a strong argument for full compensation.
A lawyer may assist with:
- Organizing medical records and accident evidence
- Calculating car accident damages based on injuries sustained
- Dealing with settlement offers and negotiations
- Filing a wrongful death claim if a loved one passed away
- Taking your case to trial if necessary
Whether you’re dealing with property damage or a catastrophic injury, having someone handle the legal process can prevent you from settling for less than your case is worth.
Ready to Be Taken Seriously? Call an Attorney for Car Crash Plantation Residents Trust
At Cohen and Juda, you won’t get shuffled off to a case manager or stuck waiting for someone to call you back. You’ll work directly with seasoned attorneys who know how to pressure insurance companies and aren’t afraid to take your case to court.
We’ve spent decades fighting for people hurt in car crashes across Plantation and South Florida. Whether you’re facing lost income, medical expenses, or long-term injuries, we’re here to pursue full compensation and hold the at-fault driver accountable.
If you searched for an “injury lawyer near me” because you’re ready to take action, start with a firm that knows how to win tough cases. Call (954) 424-1440 or fill out our confidential online form to schedule your free consultation. No fees unless we win. Protect your rights, your health, and your peace of mind with Cohen and Juda.
Copyright © 2025. Cohen and Juda, P.A. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (post) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Cohen and Juda, P.A.
8211 W Broward Blvd, Suite 310
Plantation, FL 33324
(954) 424-1440
https://www.cohenandjudaflorida.com/
