Car Accidents

Respected Broward County Personal Injury Lawyer Dedicated to Ensuring Accident Victims Recover the Compensation They Need and Deserve

Car accidents can turn your life upside down in an instant. One moment you’re driving as usual, and the next, you’re dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and insurance companies that don’t have your best interests at heart. If you’ve been injured in a crash, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. At Russell D. Bernstein, P.A., we understand what you’re going through and are here to help. When you need a car accident lawyer to fight for the compensation you deserve, our firm is ready to stand by your side.

Florida Car Accident Statistics

Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in Florida. According to recent reports, the state sees hundreds of thousands of crashes each year. Many of these accidents result in severe injuries or fatalities, making Florida one of the most dangerous states for drivers. For example, there are over 390,000 reported car accidents in Florida each year, resulting in more than 250,000 injuries. and roughly 3,000 fatalities each year. 

Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Florida

Car accidents can happen for many reasons, but some causes are ore common than others. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Florida include:

• Distracted Driving – Texting, talking on the phone, and other distractions significantly increase the likelihood of a crash.
• Speeding – Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions is a leading cause of serious accidents.
• Drunk or Impaired Driving – Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s reaction time, judgment, and motor skills.
• Reckless or Aggressive Driving – Tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and road rage can lead to devastating crashes.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Signals – Running red lights and stop signs are major contributors to intersection accidents.

When another driver’s negligence causes an accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. However, you shouldn’t trust the at-fault driver’s insurance company to willingly offer you the compensation you need to cover all your accident-related expenses. 

Why You Can’t Trust the Insurance Company

Dealing with an insurance company after a car accident can be frustrating and overwhelming. While they may seem cooperative at first, their primary goal is to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line—not to ensure you receive full compensation. Adjusters may pressure you to accept a lowball settlement, delay your claim with unnecessary paperwork, or even try to blame you for the accident to reduce their liability. Without an experienced attorney on your side, you could end up settling for far less than you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Florida

While every accident is different, knowing what to do after a crash will protect your health and your ability to pursue a personal injury claim against the responsible party. Below are the most important things to keep in mind if you’re involved in a Broward County car accident:

1. Call 911 – Always report the accident to law enforcement.
2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, injuries can appear hours or even days later.
3. Document the Scene – Take photos of the accident, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
4. Get Witness Information – If there are witnesses, collect their contact details.
5. Speak to a Car Accident Attorney – Before speaking with insurance companies, consult a car crash lawyer to protect your rights.

While the moments after an accident are often described as a blur, this time is also very important because the actions you take after an accident can have a major impact on your ability to recover compensation.

Florida Car Accident Laws and Regulations

Understanding Florida car accident laws and regulations is essential when bringing a personal injury lawsuit in Broward County. Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning that after most accidents, drivers must first turn to their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to cover medical expenses, regardless of who caused the crash. The current coverage requirement in Florida is $10,000, which is often insufficient to cover a victim’s injuries. However, if your injuries are serious, then you may be able to bypass PIP coverage and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

It’s also important to understand Florida’s comparative negligence rule, which provides that if you are partially at fault for an accident, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you were in a crash where the other driver was speeding, but you were also found to have been texting at the time, the court might determine you were 30% at fault. If your total damages were $100,000, your compensation would be reduced by 30%, meaning you would receive $70,000 instead of the full amount. However, if you were found to be more than 50% responsible, you would be barred from recovering any compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Florida?

If you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident, time is critical. Under Florida law, the statute of limitations for most car accident claims is two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

To ensure your claim is filed on time, it’s essential to speak with a Broward County car accident law firm as soon as possible.

Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer to Maximize Your Claim

Handling a car accident claim on your own can be overwhelming. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, leaving victims with far less than they need for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. An experienced auto accident attorney can help by:

• Investigating the accident and gathering critical evidence
• Negotiating with insurance companies to maximize compensation
• Filing a lawsuit if a fair settlement is not offered
• Ensuring all legal deadlines and requirements are met

At Russell D. Bernstein, P.A., our Broward County car accident attorney has the experience and dedication needed to fight for your rights. If you need a car accident settlement attorney, our firm is ready to help you take on the insurance companies and work toward the compensation you deserve.

Speak With a Knowledgeable Broward County Car Accident Lawyer for Help With Your Case

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t wait to get legal help. At Russell D. Bernstein, P.A., we are committed to helping accident victims recover the compensation they need to move forward. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case with an experienced Florida car accident lawyer. You can reach us by calling 954-401-3899 or through our secure online contact form.