Car Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
With year-round sunshine and warm weather, Florida is not only a great place to live but also one of the most visited destinations in the United States. In one recent year, more than 118 million people traveled to Florida, with over 17 million choosing Greater Fort Lauderdale as their vacation spot.
With so many drivers on the road, it’s no surprise that car accidents are common. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Broward County reported 41,755 motor vehicle crashes in a single year. These accidents left 25,361 people injured and resulted in 245 tragic fatalities.
Car crash injuries are often severe, requiring costly medical treatment, long recovery times, and missed work. The financial and emotional toll can be overwhelming. An experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help you seek compensation to ease these burdens and protect your rights.
If you suffered serious injuries or your loved one was killed in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, don’t wait to get legal guidance. For more than 50 years, Rosen & Ohr, P.A. has been helping accident victims throughout South Florida. Call us today or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
Most car accidents in Fort Lauderdale are the result of driver negligence. In many cases, one or more motorists act carelessly, making a collision unavoidable. Every driver has a duty to operate their vehicle safely, and when that duty is breached, serious crashes and injuries can occur.
Some of the most frequent causes of car accidents in Fort Lauderdale include:
- Improper Turns – Unsafe or illegal turns that put other drivers at risk.
- Failure to Yield or Obey Traffic Signals – Ignoring stop signs, red lights, or right-of-way rules at intersections.
- Unsafe Lane Changes – Swerving or merging without signaling or checking blind spots.
- Tailgating – Following too closely, often leading to rear-end collisions.
- Speeding – Driving above the posted limit or too fast for road conditions.
- Reckless Driving – Aggressive maneuvers, weaving through traffic, or road rage behaviors.
- Distracted Driving – Texting, using a phone, or other distractions behind the wheel.
- Driver Fatigue – Drowsy driving, which can impair reaction times and decision-making.
- Drunk Driving – Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
- Drug-Impaired Driving – Driving while impaired by illegal drugs or prescription medication.
Not all crashes are caused by driver error. Some accidents stem from mechanical failures or defective parts. In these cases, a vehicle manufacturer or maintenance provider may be held responsible. Dangerous or poorly maintained roads can also lead to accidents, meaning a city, county, or state agency could share liability.
No matter the cause, an experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can investigate your case, determine who is at fault, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Types of Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
Car crashes in Fort Lauderdale happen in many different ways, and some types are more likely to cause severe injuries. The most common include:
- Rear-End Collisions – Often caused by distracted driving or tailgating.
- T-Bone or Side-Impact Accidents – Frequent at intersections when drivers run red lights or fail to yield.
- Head-On Collisions – Less common but among the most dangerous crashes.
- Rollover Accidents – Common with SUVs and trucks, often leading to life-threatening injuries.
- Truck Accidents – Collisions with large commercial vehicles on highways like I-95 or I-595 can be devastating.
- Motorcycle Accidents – Riders in Fort Lauderdale face a high risk of catastrophic injuries.
- Pedestrian, Bicycle & Scooter Accidents – Growing traffic and tourism make these accidents more common in busy areas.
- Multi-Vehicle Accidents – Pileups are complex and often require accident reconstruction to determine fault.
If you were hurt in any of these types of crashes, an experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can investigate your case, handle the insurance companies, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
Proving Negligence in a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident
To recover compensation after a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, you must prove that another party’s negligence caused your injuries. Under Florida law, the plaintiff has the burden of showing, through evidence, that the defendant was more likely than not responsible for the crash.
Florida follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were awarded $100,000 but found to be 45% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $55,000.
Insurance companies often try to take advantage of this law by shifting as much blame as possible onto accident victims. Adjusters may pressure you to give a recorded statement or sign documents that hurt your case. Remember: their priority is protecting the company, not you.
Before speaking to any insurer, consult with an experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer. Your attorney can protect your rights, handle communications, and build the evidence needed to prove negligence and maximize your recovery.
Compensation After a Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale
If you were injured in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly, but victims should ensure that any settlement covers both current and future costs related to the crash.
When a case proceeds to trial, victims who prove their claims may be awarded different types of damages. These generally fall into three categories:
- Economic Damages – Tangible financial losses such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages – Compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, or loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages – Awarded in rare cases involving extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct, such as drunk driving. Florida law (Statute § 768.72(2)) requires clear and convincing evidence to support these claims.
Every car accident case is different, and the amount of compensation you may recover depends on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the crash. An experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can review your case, negotiate with insurers, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
How a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer at Rosen & Ohr Can Help
Were you or a loved one seriously injured in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale? Don’t face the aftermath alone. The sooner you have experienced legal representation, the stronger your case will be.
At Rosen & Ohr, P.A., our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers have been fighting for injury victims across South Florida for more than 50 years. We can immediately investigate your crash, gather critical evidence, identify all liable parties, and handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. Our goal is to recover the maximum compensation available for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Call our office today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. One of our attorneys will review your case and explain your legal options. In addition to car accident claims, Rosen & Ohr also handles personal injury cases involving slip and falls, premises liability, nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, negligent security, construction accidents, product liability, and more.