Car Accidents

Have You Sustained Injuries in a South Florida Car Accident?

If you’re dealing with injuries due to a South Florida car accident, you’re likely facing mounting medical bills, lost wages from time off work, and property damage. With over 30 years of representing clients in automobile accidents, Cohen & Juda, P.A. understands the devastation and disruption these incidents can inflict on your daily life and we’re here to help you pursue compensation.

At Cohen & Juda, P.A., we offer a free consultation to learn more about your car accident injuries, involved parties, and other relevant details to evaluate your case and devise a tailored strategy. Contact us to speak with a knowledgeable and experienced car accident lawyer today.

South Florida car crash cases are often settled out of court. Working on a contingency basis, we offer support as we help you seek compensation. Has your life been negatively impacted due to a car collision that inflicted serious injuries? We can connect you with professional help for your injuries, investigate the factors that caused the car crash, formulate a strategy, and represent you personally. Focus on your recovery, knowing a seasoned car accident lawyer from Cohen & Juda, P.A. is handling the legal aspects of your case.

Key Takeaways We Address Below Regarding Car Accident Cases in South Florida

• Common car accident injuries: South Florida car accidents can cause various injuries, ranging from minor to severe. We have seen everything from a broken bone to damaged blood vessels and can help you find the right medical treatment while we seek compensation for your injuries.
• Causes of South Florida car accidents: From moving violations and speeding to mechanical failures and road debris, there are countless causes of South Florida car accidents with which we are familiar.
• What to do in the aftermath of an accident: Your actions immediately following a car crash have a direct impact on your case. We discuss what you should do right away for you and your passengers’ well-being and the viability of your case.
• Types of compensation you can pursue: Florida law allows plaintiffs to pursue economic and non-economic damages, which we address below.
• Statute of limitations: Florida passed tort reform in 2023, reducing the deadline for filing a personal injury claim, which we explain in more detail.

Common Injuries Sustained in South Florida Car Accidents

Depending on whether you were wearing a seat belt, your position in the car, and the manner in which you were hit, you could sustain various types of injuries from a South Florida car accident, including:

• Soft tissue injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Facial injuries
• Chest injuries
• Broken bones
• Back injuries
• Burn injuries
• Head injury/traumatic brain injury or other brain damage
• Damage to internal organs
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Severe injuries caused by a car accident, such as a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, broken ribs and other broken bones, internal bleeding, and even a heart attack can require ongoing medical treatment and impact a victim’s life in the short and long term. Have you or other passengers suffered extensive car accident injuries? Let Cohen & Juda, P.A. protect your legal rights after an auto accident as we pursue compensation on your behalf. From beginning to end, we will represent you personally.

Causes of South Florida Car Accidents

Car crashes in South Florida can occur for multiple reasons, including:

• Moving Violation — Serious crashes often take place when an at-fault driver ignores traffic signals, such as running red lights and stop signs.
• Human Error — A road accident can occur due to distracted driving in the form of texting, eating, talking to passengers, adjusting tech devices, and simply not paying attention.
• Speeding — When driving over the speed limit, a motorist increases the risk of a car crash because they cannot maneuver around curves or obstacles, stop at a safe distance, or react to unexpected road conditions. Speed limits exist for good reason; exceeding them can lead to tragedy, including fatal crashes and serious injury.
• Mechanical Failures — Car crashes can also be caused by defective or improperly maintained motor vehicles, leading to brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, steering problems, and other hazards.
• Treacherous Road Conditions — Improperly maintained roads, inadequate signage, and unexpected road obstacles can also contribute to car accidents.
• Bad Weather — South Florida storms and other inclement weather can form quickly without warning, especially in the summer, creating slick roads and low visibility.
• Fatigued Driving — Drowsy drivers who fall asleep at the wheel or can barely stay awake pose a significant risk of accidents.
• Drunk Driving — Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication impairs a driver’s capabilities, raising the risk of accidents and car accident injuries.

A car accident lawyer from Cohen & Juda, P.A. will investigate your car accident to determine its cause and the liability of the at-fault driver to strategize an approach to pursuing compensation.

Types of Florida Car Accidents We Handle

• Head-On Collisions — when these occur at high speed, they usually cause head trauma, neck injury, spinal cord injury, broken bones, and many others.
• T-Bone Collisions — when a car is hit broadside, the proximity to the passengers often leads to catastrophic injuries.
• Impact Injuries — these occur when a passenger strikes the dashboard, steering wheel, headrest, windshield, or other parts of the vehicle. Whiplash, head trauma, broken bones, and injury to internal organs are some of the common injuries we see.
• Penetration Accidents — open injuries such as cuts, lacerations, or punctures by metal and glass are also common, causing serious and painful wounds.
• Rollovers — a rollover can occur for many reasons, but it is often a serious crash. Whiplash, spinal cord injuries, and paralysis are almost always the consequence.
• Rear-End Collisions — at high speeds, rear injuries can cause whiplash and impact injuries, among others.

Sometimes, a car can roll over or collide with another, but a fault with the car exacerbates the problem. For example, failure of an airbag to deflate, a seat belt to tighten, or brake failure are all grounds to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer.

Other car accident cases we regularly handle include the following:

• Aggressive Driving Accidents
• Distracted Driving Accidents
• Drunk Driving Accidents
• Hit and Run Accidents
• Reckless Driving
• Speeding Car Accidents
• Texting and Driving Accidents
• Uninsured / Underinsured Driver Accidents
• Single Vehicle Accidents
• Multi-Vehicle Accidents
• Fatal Car Accidents

If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, you may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim against the party at fault and their insurance company.

What to Do After a South Florida Car Accident

If you have been in a car accident in South Florida, take the following steps immediately.

1. Remain at the Scene of the Accident

Remaining at the scene of the accident is crucial for legal and safety reasons. Check for immediate injuries to yourself, other vehicle occupants, and any involved motor vehicles.

Leaving the car accident scene before fulfilling your legal responsibilities could be considered a hit-and-run, exposing you to criminal charges, fines, or the possible revocation of your driver’s license.

After an emotionally charged event like a car accident, exercise caution and avoid making any statements the other party or insurance company could interpret as an admission of guilt.

2. Call 911

Call 911 right away, even if the accident seems minor. Having the police and emergency medical services respond to the scene is vital for the following reasons:

• Reporting the accident: The police will create a report of the accident, which can be helpful when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.
• Seeking medical care: If you or anyone else suffers a car accident injury, the police can call for an ambulance. Even if you don’t think you need immediate medical attention, seek an evaluation from a medical professional to rule out any hidden injuries because many car accident injuries do not manifest until later.
• Directing traffic: If the accident is blocking traffic, the police can direct traffic and keep people safe.

3. Exchange Details and Document the Accident

While you wait for law enforcement to arrive at the accident scene, follow these critical steps to capture all the necessary details for your insurance company and your car accident lawyer.

• Exchange Information with Other Parties: This information should include names, phone numbers, insurance details, driver’s license numbers, vehicle registration, and license plate numbers.
• Collect Witness Contact Information: Gather contact details from any witnesses. Their observations could be invaluable later on.
• Document the Scene: Take photographs of the accident scene from various angles, capturing vehicle damages and any visible injuries.
• Record Accident Details: Make note of the location, time, and date of the accident. Keep these details, along with any other documents and photographs, in a safe place for future reference.

While exchanging details with other drivers at the scene is important, avoid discussing the incident on social media platforms. Any posts you make could potentially be used against you if the other driver seeks legal representation from a car accident lawyer.

4. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel alright and were examined at the scene, seek medical care as soon as possible after the car accident. In Florida, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits under your auto insurance policy will only become active if you accept medical attention within 14 days.

Failing to seek medical care may lead to denial of benefits. Your medical records are crucial for your well-being and your car accident lawyer, who will want to build an airtight case if you file a personal injury claim.

5. Contact Your Insurance Company as Soon as Possible

Another crucial step following a South Florida car accident is to contact your insurance company immediately. While Florida is a “no-fault” state, meaning your own insurance company generally covers your medical expenses, contacting your insurer remains a critical step. Depending on your policy and policy limits, it may cover a rental vehicle and repair costs.

6. Take Medical Advice

Regardless of how your injuries affect you, follow your doctor’s instructions and attend follow-up appointments. Disregarding medical advice can be used against you to minimize your injuries and potentially invalidate your case.

Florida Car Accidents and Types of Compensation

Individuals who have suffered car accident injuries in Florida can pursue various types of compensation to help cover damages, categorized as economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages

• Medical Bills and Expenses — Covers all related medical costs, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatments.
• Lost Wages — Compensates for income lost due to the inability to work, such as wages, bonuses, and other financial benefits.
• Loss of Earning Capacity — Accounts for reduced earning capacity and potential future earnings, considering factors like disability and reduced job opportunities.
• Funeral and Burial Costs — In cases of fatal accidents, these costs become part of the economic damages.
• Vehicle Damage — Covers repair or replacement costs for the damaged vehicle and any other affected property.
• Special Damages — Includes specific financial losses such as transportation costs, home care expenses, and any other out-of-pocket costs incurred.

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and Suffering — Compensates for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and the overall decrease in quality of life.
• Emotional Distress — Addresses psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, fear, and PTSD.
• Loss of Consortium — Compensates for the negative impact the accident has on the victim’s relationships with their spouse, including loss of companionship and intimacy.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life — Covers the inability to participate in activities or hobbies previously enjoyed because of injuries or trauma due to the accident.
• Disfigurement or Disability — Compensates for permanent scarring, disfigurement, or disabilities acquired.
• Wrongful Death Damages — Family members of victims of fatal crashes may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.

Statute of Limitation for Florida Car Accident Lawsuits

In 2023, Florida passed tort reform, which changed the statute of limitations for personal injury cases to two years from four years. Due to these changes in the statute of limitations, the majority of personal injury cases, including car accident cases, must be filed within two years of the date of injury.

This law also put Florida on a modified comparative negligence system. Under this system, if a jury determines that a plaintiff is more than 50 percent responsible for their injury, they are not eligible to recover damages. Every case is unique and exceptions may apply, so consult a car accident lawyer at Cohen & Juda, P.A. to schedule a free consultation to review the details of your case.

Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer to Help with My Insurance Claim or Auto Accident Case?

Car accident injuries can negatively affect every aspect of your life. From physical trauma and ongoing medical treatment to lost wages and an inability to work, the dire consequences not only impact you, but every family member who relies on you.

The representation of an experienced Florida car accident lawyer allows you to focus on your recovery while they evaluate your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your best interests. Furthermore, a skilled car accident lawyer possesses extensive knowledge of the law and its nuances, enabling them to pursue the appropriate compensation based on the unique details of your case.

At Cohen & Juda, P.A., We Will Represent You Personally in Your Car Accident Case

With over 30 years of experience, Cohen & Juda, P.A. has successfully represented clients throughout South Florida who have sustained injuries or lost loved ones in car accidents and wrongful death lawsuits. If you have been in a car accident, dealing with the aftermath is tough enough; finding the right representation to pursue economic and non-economic damages on your behalf should not present another challenge.

At Cohen & Juda, P.A., we’re more than just your car accident attorneys — we’re your advocates during a tumultuous time. Let us protect your rights and fight for fair compensation while you focus on healing and recovery. Give us a call today at (954) 424-1440 or complete our online form to schedule a FREE consultation with a dedicated car accident lawyer.

We will represent you personally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a South Florida car accident?

After a South Florida car accident, prioritize your safety and the safety of others involved. Seek medical attention for any injuries, report the accident to the authorities, exchange contact and insurance information with the other party, and document the scene by taking photos.

What types of compensation can I recover in a South Florida car accident personal injury claim?

In a South Florida car accident personal injury claim, you may be able to recover various types of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, rehabilitation costs, and loss of future earning potential. However, every case is unique, so it’s wise to consult a knowledgeable and experienced car accident attorney who can evaluate the details of your specific case and devise a strategy accordingly.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident in Florida?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. Adhering to this deadline is crucial for preserving your right to seek compensation through legal action.

Should I hire a personal injury lawyer for my car accident case in Florida?

Hiring a personal injury lawyer for your car accident case in South Florida is in your best interest, especially if you’ve suffered significant injuries. A skilled car accident attorney can navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, gather evidence, and advocate for your rights as they pursue fair compensation.

Can I seek compensation for my car accident injuries through a personal injury claim in South Florida?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in South Florida due to someone else’s negligence, you can pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other related damages through a personal injury claim.

How can I determine if I have a valid personal injury claim after a car accident in South Florida?

To determine if you have a valid personal injury claim after a South Florida car accident, consider whether the accident was caused by another party’s negligence. If the other driver breached their duty of care and caused your injuries, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Consult a South Florida car accident attorney, who can explain your rights and guide you through the process.