If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a motor vehicle accident, slip and fall, or another incident caused by someone else’s negligence, you can file an insurance claim to collect compensation. We can help.
A serious accident can turn your life upside down in an instant, leaving you with painful injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and uncertainty about your future. Whether you’ve been hurt in a car accident, slip and fall, or another type of incident caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation for your losses. At Anidjar & Levine, we understand how stressful and frustrating it can be to deal with the aftermath of an accident, and we are here to help. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale accident claim lawyers will fight for your right to compensation, allowing you to focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
The legal process for filing an accident claim can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies that may try to minimize or deny your claim. At Anidjar & Levine, we are committed to providing compassionate, aggressive representation for our clients. We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather crucial evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With our team on your side, you can trust that we will handle every aspect of your case while you focus on recovery.
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we have extensive experience handling all types of accident claims in the South Florida area, including Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Hollywood, Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, and Hialeah. You can connect with our team today to learn more.
What Types of Accidents Constitute a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Claim?
Personal injuries occur in a wide variety of ways. Some of the most common personal injury cases in Fort Lauderdale include:
- Boat accidents
- Brain injuries
- Car accidents
- Child injuries
- Defective products
- Electric shock
- Head-on collisions
- Medical malpractice
- Motorcycle accidents
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Pedestrian accidents
- Rear-end accidents
- Side-impact collisions
- Slip and fall accidents
- Swimming pool accidents
- Truck and big rig accidents
Establishing an Accident Case in Fort Lauderdale
Almost all South Florida personal injury claims center on negligence. If you can show that another party acted negligently, and this action caused your injuries, you could have a valid personal injury claim.
Per Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), you generally have four years from the date of your accident to file an injury lawsuit. If an accident caused a loved one’s passing, you and your family generally have two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(d). However, the statute of limitations may be shorter in some cases, so it pays to contact us as soon as possible after getting hurt.
Complying with the statute of limitations is critical to your case. Failure to comply could mean you inadvertently relinquish your right to file a personal injury lawsuit, which could leave you unable to compel compensation. With sufficient notice, our legal team will make sure your lawsuit is filed within the allotted period.
How Much does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer from Our Team?
It costs you virtually nothing to hire a lawyer from our firm. That is because we work on a contingency-fee basis. In this arrangement:
- You do not pay us anything to get started on your case.
- We will take a percentage of your winnings as payment for our help.
- You do not pay our attorney’s fees if we do not win your case.
Your initial case review is free, as well. With our team on your side, the last thing you need to worry about is how you will pay for legal representation.
We Offer Free, No-Obligation Case Reviews
We offer a no-cost, no-obligation review of your accident so we can gather some basic information about your condition. We may ask:
- What injuries have you suffered? How have they affected your life?
- What medical treatments did/do you require?
- Did anyone see your accident happen?
- Have you already started the legal process?
You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about our law firm, our legal team, your case, and your legal options. There is no obligation to partner with us when you call.
How Can You Prove the Other Party Caused Your Injuries?
Proving negligence requires providing evidence that:
- The other party owed you a certain level of care, such as to keep the floor of a restaurant free from spills or to obey all traffic laws;
- The other party failed to provide this level of care;
- This caused you to suffer injuries in a fall, crash, or another accident; and
- You suffered actual physical or financial injuries because of the accident.
Proving negligence is critical to winning your personal injury case.
You Can Still Pursue Damages If You were Partially at Fault
In many cases, both parties contribute to an accident. If you acted in a way that contributed to your own injuries — texting while walking, for example — it might affect how much compensation you can obtain.
Florida law recognizes a pure comparative fault theory, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were 99 percent at fault. Yet, your percentage of fault will reduce your settlement.
Common Types of Accident Claims in Fort Lauderdale
Accidents can happen in a variety of situations, often when you least expect it. Understanding the common types of accident claims can help you determine if you have a case and what legal steps to take.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the most frequent causes of personal injury claims in Fort Lauderdale. Whether caused by distracted driving, speeding, or drunk driving, car accidents can lead to serious injuries like whiplash, broken bones, or traumatic brain injuries. Victims may be entitled to compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage. An experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate Florida’s no-fault insurance laws and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet the state’s threshold for serious injury.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere, from grocery stores to office buildings. Property owners in Fort Lauderdale have a legal responsibility to maintain safe conditions for visitors. If a hazard like a wet floor, uneven surface, or poorly lit area causes someone to slip and fall, the property owner may be held liable. Injuries from slip and fall accidents, such as fractures, sprains, or head injuries, can be serious and require extensive medical treatment. A slip and fall lawyer can help you file a claim to recover compensation for your injuries.
Workplace Accidents
Workers in Fort Lauderdale who are injured on the job may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, but in some cases, a third-party claim may also be an option. Workplace accidents can range from falls and equipment malfunctions to exposure to hazardous substances. While workers’ compensation typically covers medical bills and a portion of lost wages, a third-party claim can provide additional compensation if another party’s negligence contributed to the accident.
The Process of Filing an Accident Claim in Fort Lauderdale
The process of filing an accident claim in Fort Lauderdale involves several important steps, and understanding this process can help ensure that your rights are protected.
Reporting the Accident
After an accident, it is crucial to report the incident to the appropriate authorities. For car accidents, this means contacting the police and filing an official accident report. For slip and fall accidents, report the incident to the property owner or manager. For workplace injuries, notify your employer as soon as possible. Documenting the accident is an essential part of building a strong claim.
Gathering Evidence
Gathering evidence is one of the most critical steps in the accident claims process. Evidence may include photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, medical records, and police reports. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. An attorney can assist you in collecting and preserving key evidence to support your claim.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
After filing a claim, you will likely need to negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Insurance companies often attempt to settle claims for the lowest possible amount, which may not fully cover your medical bills or other losses. Having a lawyer on your side can level the playing field. Your attorney will handle negotiations, advocate for fair compensation, and if necessary, take your case to court.
Compensation Available for Accident Victims in Fort Lauderdale
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the circumstances of your case. Understanding what types of compensation are available can help you recover financially from your injuries.
Medical Expenses
One of the primary forms of compensation available to accident victims is for medical expenses. This can include hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care that may be needed due to your injuries. An attorney can help ensure that all medical costs are factored into your settlement or lawsuit.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This can cover the time you’ve already missed from work due to the accident as well as any future wages if you are unable to return to your previous job or earn the same income. In cases where your injury has permanently affected your ability to work, you may also receive compensation for loss of earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
In addition to economic damages, accident victims may also be entitled to compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. This includes compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries. Calculating pain and suffering damages can be complex, but an experienced lawyer can help determine an appropriate amount based on the severity of your injuries.
What Can You Expect When Filing a Fort Lauderdale Accident Claim?
Accidents can have devastating consequences for victims, as well as their families and friends. The physical and emotional pain and suffering, long hospital stays, medical expenses, and significant time off work can take a huge toll on everyone involved.
For many families, the steep medical bills and lost earnings resulting from an accident lead to a desperate financial situation. Luckily, the victims of Fort Lauderdale personal injury accidents can obtain compensation to cover their damages.
In many cases, we can recover compensation for your injuries by filing a third-party insurance claim based on the at-fault party’s auto liability, homeowners, or business insurance policy. However, for your claim to be successful:
We Must Gather Evidence to Support Your Accident Testimony
After analyzing your case, we go to work collecting evidence and calculating the value of your losses. Evidence varies from case to case but may include:
- Accident reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Your medical records
- Medical bills
- Documentation of missed work and lost wages
- Pictures of the accident scene and your injuries
- Videos of the incident, if possible
We Can Discuss Your Case with the Insurance Company
Based on the evidence we find, we will send a demand letter to the insurance company. This document lays out your case and provides proof of your economic and non-economic damages. It will also include information about:
- How your accident happened
- The details of your injuries
- The names of those involved
- How you want your case to be resolved
We Will Attempt to Negotiate a Settlement for Your Florida Accident Claim
In most cases, the insurance company contemplates your terms and comes back with a lower amount. This begins negotiations, which continue until we reach a fair settlement.
Occasionally, we cannot reach a fair settlement without taking further legal action. If the insurance company refuses to offer enough compensation to cover your losses, we can file a lawsuit to resolve your case.
This sometimes prompts it to offer a higher settlement amount. The American Bar Association (ABA) says that most cases are resolved in this manner. If your case does not conclude in this way, however, the court can decide on your case and award any deserved compensation.
How Can the Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyers at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Help You?
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we have a full team of personal injury lawyers and medical experts ready to investigate your case and represent you in and out of the courtroom. Our South Florida personal injury attorneys provide aggressive representation in both mediation and at trial.
We always try to settle personal injury cases before trial if the insurance company agrees to an adequate payout. Like you, we want to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. However, if the insurance company refuses to agree to a fair settlement, we will file a personal injury lawsuit to get you the compensation you deserve.
We believe in providing each client with individualized, detailed attention. Our attorneys are available to clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A member of our team is always available to answer any questions that arise. We devote our full resources to getting you the maximum compensation possible in your case.
Get the Attention to Detail You Deserve
When our law firm represents you after an accident, we make sure you get the focused personal support you need. We never stop fighting for you or the compensation you are entitled to.
To benefit your situation, we will offer:
- Communicative legal care and guidance
- Ongoing contact with your accident lawyer
- Prompt updates on the progress of your case
- Answers to your questions and concerns
- Timely responses to your calls and emails
- Help scheduling your upcoming appointments
- Help having your property repaired or replaced
We go the extra mile for you and for every client we represent. While we take care of the details and minutiae of your case, you can concentrate on getting better.
Read About Our History of Helping Previous Accident Victims
We are passionate about helping victims of negligence-based accidents recover damages. Injured clients our team has helped in the past say the following:
- Daniel R.: Sharp as a knife and fought hard against the insurance with my best interest in mind…very responsive and always kept in touch updating me about my case at all hours. I had very high expectations for my injury compensation, and he exceeded them beyond belief…I would highly recommend him!
- Rudy D.: From literally the day after the accident I have been in the extremely capable hands of this law firm. The medical providers I was sent to were top notch, and everyone involved with handling my case…did an excellent job as well…Their reputation is well deserved. Thanks, guys!
Read additional details on our client testimonials page and learn more about how hard our team works to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Local Resources for Accident Victims in Fort Lauderdale, FL
If you’ve been involved in an accident in Fort Lauderdale, several local resources can help you navigate your recovery and legal process:
- Fort Lauderdale Police Department
1300 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Phone: (954) 828-5700
Website - Broward Health Medical Center
1600 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: (954) 355-4400
Website - Broward County Clerk of Courts
201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Website - Florida Highway Patrol – Fort Lauderdale
2300 W Commercial Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: (954) 776-1800
These resources can provide important assistance as you navigate your accident claim in Fort Lauderdale.
Get Help from Our Legal Team Today
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine provides free consultations and case evaluations. If you suffered injuries because of another party’s negligence, call us to schedule a free consultation with a South Florida accident claims attorney today.
We Can Help.
