Injured in a Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale? Here’s What to Do Next

Every day, drivers in Fort Lauderdale face the risk of car accidents on busy roads like I-95, Sunrise Boulevard, and Broward Boulevard. With heavy traffic, distracted drivers, and unpredictable weather, crashes are unfortunately common. If you were injured in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, knowing what steps to take can make all the difference in protecting your health, your rights, and your financial future.

Whether it’s a minor collision or a serious crash, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Car accidents can happen in seconds—but the consequences can last a lifetime. Some of the most common causes of crashes in the Fort Lauderdale area include:

• Distracted driving
  • Texting, using a GPS, or eating behind the wheel
• Speeding
  • Especially dangerous on highways and local streets with heavy pedestrian traffic
• Drunk or drug-impaired driving
  • Alcohol and substance use impair reaction time and judgment
• Reckless driving
  • Aggressive lane changes, tailgating, and road rage
• Weather-related hazards
  • Slick roads and poor visibility from heavy rain
• Failure to yield
  • Particularly at intersections or when merging onto highways

Understanding the cause of your crash is key to determining who may be liable and whether negligence played a role in your injuries.

If you've been hurt in a crash in Fort Lauderdale, these steps can help protect both your health and your legal case:

• Call 911
  • A police report can serve as important evidence later on
• Seek medical attention immediately
  • Even if injuries seem minor, symptoms like whiplash or internal bleeding can appear later
• Take photos and videos
  • Document vehicle damage, your injuries, skid marks, and the overall scene
• Get contact and insurance info
  • Collect driver’s license, plate numbers, and insurance details from all parties involved
• Speak to witnesses
  • Gather names and contact information in case you need statements later
• Avoid admitting fault
  • Do not apologize or speculate about who was responsible
• Do not speak to the other driver’s insurance company without a lawyer
  • Insurers may try to pressure you into settling quickly for less than you deserve
• Contact a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer
  • A lawyer can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and advocate for your best interests

Some injuries may be immediately obvious, while others develop over time. Victims of car accidents often experience:

• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Broken bones or fractures
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Internal injuries or bleeding
• Cuts, bruises, and burns
• Psychological trauma such as anxiety or PTSD

These injuries may require weeks, months, or even years of treatment—and you shouldn’t be left paying the price alone.

If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills
  • Emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, medications
• Lost income
  • Wages lost while recovering, and future earning potential if you can’t return to work
• Pain and suffering
  • Physical pain, emotional distress, reduced quality of life
• Property damage
  • Vehicle repairs or replacement
• Loss of consortium
  • Impact of the injury on your relationships and family life
• Wrongful death damages
  • If a loved one passed away due to the crash, surviving family members may have the right to file a claim

A Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney will help calculate the full value of your claim and fight for maximum compensation.

Why You Need a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer

Even if fault seems obvious, insurance companies may delay, deny, or underpay your claim. Having a legal advocate ensures:

• Proper investigation and documentation
  • Your attorney will gather accident reports, medical records, surveillance footage, and more
• Clear liability assignment
  • Proving negligence is essential to winning your case
• Accurate valuation of your damages
  • Lawyers understand how to account for future medical needs and non-economic losses
• Tough negotiations with insurers
  • Insurers are more likely to offer a fair settlement when you’re represented
• Trial readiness
  • If the other side won’t settle, your lawyer can take your case to court

Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case.

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

Under Florida law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s best to act as soon as possible. Early action allows your lawyer to:

• Preserve evidence while it’s still fresh
• Collect accurate witness statements
• Avoid complications caused by missed deadlines

Delaying your claim could weaken your case or even cause you to lose your right to compensation altogether.

Since 1963, Jerome Wolfson, Esq. and the team at Wolfson & Leon have proudly served car accident victims across Florida:

• Miami
• Fort Lauderdale
• Orlando
• Tampa
• Jacksonville
• West Palm Beach
• Fort Myers
• Cape Coral
• Sarasota
• Clearwater
• Tallahassee

Let us help you get back on the road to recovery. Call (305) 285-1115 today, and our team will handle your case with the personal care and attention you deserve.