Coconut Creek offers more than just the world’s largest butterfly park. It became the first city in Florida to earn the title of a certified Community Wildlife Habitat.
The city also features a vibrant shopping scene and over 1,400 businesses, which drive its strong economy. Located northwest of Broward County, it enjoys a warm, tropical climate that attracts tourists and residents. But why would you need a Coconut Creek car accident lawyer?
With all the growth and heavy traffic, car accidents are unfortunately common in Coconut Creek. Residents who commute to Miami, just 37 miles away, or travel within the city often face challenging driving conditions.
As such, the butterfly capital of the world sees its share of accidents, including rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, sideswipes, and T-bone accidents. The aftermath of these accidents can be emotionally and financially devastating, especially when the damages are severe.
However, the good news is that a professional Coconut Creek car accident lawyer from Madalon Law can help. We can guide you through the process and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Our Coconut Creek car accident lawyers understand your case’s emotional and financial impact and can take the reins when you cannot. Whether it’s for your pain and suffering, lost wages, or medical bills, we can ensure the best outcome for your case.
A car accident doesn’t come with a warning. The incident is usually violent and unexpected, leading to damages that can take years to recover. At Madalon Law, we specialize in helping clients involved in various accidents. These include regular ones such as:
Drunk or Driving
The Promenade is a fantastic hot spot in Coconut Creek. With all of its great restaurants and bars, this is a popular destination. Unfortunately, there are some who get behind the wheel when they should instead be calling an Uber or Lyft.
Drunk driving is still a major problem on America’s roads. Nearly 40 years ago, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) raised awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. Their efforts, along with stricter laws, have made a difference. However, impaired driving, including drugged driving, is still a serious issue.
DUI is an offense under Florida law. Anyone with impaired “normal faculties” or a blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of .08 or higher can be prosecuted as a criminal if they cause a car accident. You have a right to compensation for their negligence.
Get compensation for losses with an experienced Coconut Creek car accident lawyer. They can protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Road Rage/Reckless Driving
It happens to the best of us. An angry or distracted driver can quickly lose control of their vehicle. Whether it’s stress or a sudden distraction like a dog running across the road, a moment’s weakness can cause a serious accident. On high-speed highways such as Parkway and Sample Road, it can trigger a domino effect, leading to a pileup.
All accident victims are entitled to compensation if a deliberately reckless or distracted driver caused their injuries. They were in the wrong, not you. Why should you pay out of pocket for damages caused by their negligence?
Driver Negligence
Drowsy driving leads to more hospital visits than you realize. A tired driver has a slow reaction time, so they don’t see sudden road hazards till it’s too late. This means they might not brake in time, miss essential signs, or struggle to stay in their lane.
In addition to slower reflexes, lack of sleep also impacts their judgment. They may make risky decisions, like speeding or failing to notice changes in traffic. These poor choices can easily lead to accidents, sometimes with severe consequences.
In extreme cases, after driving for long hours, a driver could even fall asleep at the wheel. This is especially dangerous on high-speed highways. A sleepy driver can veer out of their lane or run off the road entirely. The consequences of this can be catastrophic, as the driver may not regain control in time.
Drivers have a duty of care to prevent accidents. They should ensure they are aware and awake behind the wheel. This includes taking regular breaks, resting before long trips, and especially pulling over if they feel tired.
Speeding
Speeding is a major factor in many car accidents. Nearly 20% of all crashes involve drivers exceeding the speed limit. Driving too fast can cause a driver to lose control over their vehicle, especially when they hit a slippery patch or sandy roads. The faster you drive, the less time you have to react to sudden changes or obstacles, increasing the chances of an accident.
Other drivers aren’t the only ones in danger from speeding drivers. If something unexpected happens, like another car suddenly stopping or a pedestrian crossing the road, there might not be enough time to avoid a collision. In these situations, every second counts, and speeding reduces the time to make a safe choice.
In addition, speeding can make it more difficult to stop in time. This is especially true in adverse weather conditions like rain or snow, where the road is slick. The faster a driver goes, the longer it takes to safely slow down or stop, which increases the risk of a crash.
Ignoring Right of Way Rules
The Florida Driver License Handbook provides guidelines on who must yield in different traffic situations. Intersections are where confusion often occurs, increasing the risk of accidents. There are two main ways to determine right-of-way: traffic controls (like signs, signals, and lane markings) and Florida’s default right-of-way rules.
Here are some fundamental legal rules for yielding at intersections:
Disregarding right-of-way laws can lead to serious accidents. A driver who fails to yield and causes an accident because of it can be considered negligent. However, your Coconut Creek car accident lawyer must prove the other driver’s fault to recover compensation. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
Running Stop Signs
One of the most common causes of car accidents in Florida is failure to stop properly at stop signs. According to Florida Statutes 316.123, a stop sign violation is a noncriminal traffic infraction punishable as a moving violation. Drivers must come to a complete stop before the limit line at a stop sign in Coconut Creek. If there’s no limit line, drivers must stop before any crosswalk lines.
A simple slow-down or rolling stop is not enough to comply with the law. In fact, slowing down and briefly looking both ways before continuing without fully stopping is a violation. It increases the risk of accidents, especially at intersections, where other vehicles or pedestrians may not expect a driver to keep going.
Failure to stop at a stop sign can result in serious accidents. Drivers may miss oncoming traffic or pedestrians, leading to collisions. This is a common cause of intersection accidents in Coconut Creek, Florida.
In most cases, drivers may misjudge the situation or assume they can make it through an intersection without fully stopping. You deserve compensation if you were injured because a driver failed to stop completely at the sign.
Illegal U-Turns
Florida Statute 316.1515 is a key law regulating U-turns in the state. It allows U-turns as long as they’re safe and don’t disrupt traffic. Drivers can generally make U-turns on most streets unless a sign specifically bans them. However, it’s essential to understand the details of this law to avoid tickets and stay safe.
Florida law gives drivers the freedom to make U-turns in many situations. You can create one at an intersection or mid-block if it’s safe and doesn’t interfere with traffic. For example, U-turns at green lights are legal in Florida, unlike in some other states.
There are exceptions. U-turns are prohibited on highways, hills, or curves with limited visibility. You also can’t make a U-turn if a “No U-Turn” sign is posted.
Always remember that U-turning drivers must yield to oncoming cars, pedestrians, and other vehicles. This is especially true at two-way stops where drivers going straight have the right-of-way.
Compared to other states, Florida’s U-turn laws are more relaxed. But safety is a priority. While legal in many cases, U-turns should always be made cautiously to avoid accidents. You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve been injured in a crash caused by someone making an illegal U-turn.
These accidents often happen because the other driver fails to follow the law or yield properly. An experienced Coconut Creek car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and build a strong case. Don’t let someone’s reckless U-turn put your future at risk—reach out for legal help today from Madalon Law.
There are several reasons behind car accidents. However, the collision type often gives clues about what went wrong. Each kind of accident presents different risks and consequences. Common ones that can be caused by driver negligence include:
Head-On Collisions: When Negligence Becomes Fatal
Head-on collisions are usually deadly, often resulting from significant driver errors. Common examples of negligence leading to these accidents include distracted driving, impaired driving, or veering into oncoming traffic due to fatigue. A driver texting while drifting across lanes or someone under the influence losing control can cause catastrophic head-on crashes.
In most cases, a head-on collision suggests that a driver failed to remain in their lane or misjudged passing opportunities. These errors can have tragic consequences. Their victims often suffer severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or multiple fractures.
When driver negligence is to blame, determining fault is straightforward. However, the consequences are often permanent, so aim for maximum compensation with a lawyer’s help.
Rear-End Collisions: Following Too Closely or Distracted Driving
Rear-end accidents are usually caused by a driver’s failure to maintain a safe following distance. Negligence like speeding, tailgating, or ignoring the road are common causes of these collisions. For instance, a driver texting or distracted by their phone may not notice the car ahead slowing down, leading to a rear-end crash.
Another frequent cause is aggressive driving – a motorist follows too closely, reducing the time and space needed to brake safely. In most cases, the rear driver is considered at fault because they failed to exercise caution.
However, negligence on both sides can also play a role—like a driver who suddenly brakes without reason or fails to signal. Even if it seems minor, rear-end collisions can cause long-term neck and back injuries, often requiring medical attention and legal action.
T-Bone Collisions: Ignoring Traffic Signals and Speeding
T-bone, or side-impact collisions, are caused by drivers disobeying traffic signals or signs. Running a red light or stop sign is a clear negligence with severe consequences, especially at busy intersections. A driver who speeds through a yellow light, trying to beat the red, can cause a devastating side-impact crash, injuring passengers in the struck vehicle.
Another common cause is failure to yield. For example, a driver turning left at an intersection without checking for oncoming traffic places others at risk. This negligence often leads to disputes about who had the right of way. But in many cases, the driver who ignored traffic laws is held responsible.
Injuries from T-bone accidents can range from broken bones to life-threatening internal trauma that requires ongoing medical care.
Sideswipe Accidents: Failing to Check Blind Spots
Sideswipe accidents usually happen when drivers fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes. This negligence can cause one vehicle to drift into another, scraping or colliding with the side. These accidents are prevalent in heavy traffic or highways, where constant lane changes require vigilance.
Reckless driving can also lead to sideswipe collisions. For example, drivers who weave in and out of traffic without signaling can brush against another car. While these crashes are often less severe than head-on or T-bone collisions, they can still cause significant damage if one vehicle loses control. A sideswipe might also escalate into a multi-car pileup.
Pedestrian Accidents: Failing to Yield and Distracted Driving
Pedestrian accidents often result from a driver’s failure to yield or from distracted driving. Negligent behavior like speeding through crosswalks, ignoring stop signs, or not paying attention to the road can cause tragic outcomes. For example, a motorist distracted by their phone or radio may miss a pedestrian entering the crosswalk.
Impaired driving can also cause pedestrian accidents. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, so they may not yield or stop in time. Even when pedestrians are cautious, they are vulnerable to such drivers.
The injuries in these cases are often severe, ranging from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries. Determining fault is usually straightforward, as traffic laws protect pedestrians. However, proving negligence requires careful investigation and determined personal injury attorneys.
The injuries you sustain in a car crash can range from minor to severe, depending on the accident type. These injuries can significantly impact your life, often with lasting consequences, regardless of severity. Some of the most common car accident injuries our attorneys frequently handle include:
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries resulting from car and motorcycle accidents, particularly rear-end collisions. It happens when the head is forcefully thrown forward and backward, like a whip cracking. This sudden motion can seriously damage the neck, affecting ligaments, tendons, muscles, facet joints, and discs.
Symptoms typically develop within 24 hours of the accident. Victims often experience neck pain and stiffness that worsens with movement.
Many have a reduced range of motion, making it difficult to turn or tilt the head. Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue are also frequent complaints. These symptoms can vary from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the injury.
Several factors increase the likelihood of whiplash. Rear-end collisions are a primary cause, especially when vehicles travel at higher speeds. The position of the head at the time of impact also matters. If the head is far from the headrest, there’s more room for it to snap backwards, heightening the risk of injury.
While many recover from whiplash, others may suffer long-term effects, including chronic neck pain, radiating shoulder or arm pain, and persistent headaches. If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by someone else, a Coconut Creek car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and ongoing care.
Lacerations
Lacerations are a common injury in car accidents, often caused by shattered windshields, deployed airbags, seatbelt restraints, and contact with sharp or hard surfaces. These cuts can range from minor scrapes to severe wounds, including de-gloving injuries (the skin tears away, exposing underlying tissue).
Minor lacerations may heal with basic medical care. However, severe wounds often require surgical intervention and an extended recovery period.
The severity of lacerations depends on the crash type. Broken glass, torn metal, and other debris can cut deep, particularly in high-impact collisions. Airbags and seatbelts, while essential for safety, can also cause lacerations, especially if deployed at high speeds. Victims thrown from vehicles are at an even higher risk of sustaining serious wounds.
Lacerations can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. Severe injuries may result in permanent disfigurement or reduced functionality in the affected area. Long-term impacts can include nerve damage, limited mobility, and chronic pain.
You may be entitled to compensation if someone else’s negligence resulted in lacerations in a car accident. A Coconut Creek car accident attorney can help you pursue damages. This includes medical treatment, surgical procedures, and long-term effects like scarring or impaired function.
Bruising
Bruising is a typical car accident injury. While most bruises heal within a week or two, some may indicate serious damage. Seat belts are the main culprits in this regard. While they can protect you against severe injuries, a strong enough impact can cause them to dig into the skin, causing serious bruising.
This is why some bruises can be more profound than they appear and may even penetrate to the bone. They can be signs of internal bleeding, especially if it turns into a hematoma or contusion. Bruises on the head are particularly concerning. These may indicate brain injuries, which can worsen quickly.
You should be especially cautious if any signs appear after a bruise: loss of motion, numbness, weakness, or tingling. Increased swelling or pain, nausea, and vomiting are also concerning.
Headaches, vision problems, or bruises that don’t improve after a week—or seem to get worse—should not be ignored. Blood in the urine, a racing pulse, fever, or shallow breathing are additional warning signs.
Loss of motion, particularly in the legs, is another red flag. Bruises caused by impacts to the head or abdomen are particularly concerning and may signal more serious underlying injuries. A lawyer can help by determining faults and ensuring accountability for maximum compensation. They can also gather medical records and evidence to support your case.
Facial Injuries
Facial injuries from car accidents can be serious, as the face contains the brain and vital sensory organs. The eyes, nose, mouth, and ears are vulnerable to damage.
Facial fractures may not heal properly, causing disfigurement. Deep cuts often require stitches and can leave permanent scars. Additionally, eye injuries from debris or blunt force can cause blindness.
Soft tissue injuries to muscles, tendons, or ligaments may impair function or cause deformities. Serious burns may need skin grafts and cause scarring or discoloration.
Additionally, facial deformities can permanently alter your appearance. Tooth loss is common, requiring dental work to repair or replace missing teeth.
These devastating injuries can have lasting financial and emotional consequences. However, a lawyer can help you seek compensation for medical bills, surgeries, and long-term care. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and ensure you get fair compensation for pain, suffering, and permanent disfigurement.
Negligence is a simple but powerful concept. It means someone didn’t act as a reasonable person would in that situation.
In car accidents, it means that a driver failed to behave responsibly, harming others. This could include property damage, injuries, or even prove fatal. Florida’s legal system uses this to determine fault in accidents and how compensation is calculated.
Florida’s “Pure Comparative Negligence” Rule
Florida operates under a system known as “pure comparative negligence.” This means that after an accident, both drivers can share the blame. Each driver’s share of fault will affect how much compensation they can receive. For example, if one driver was 80% responsible for the accident, they can still recover 20% of their damages from the other driver.
Take this scenario for example:
Driver A stops at a red light. Driver B speeds through the intersection and hits Driver A. However, it turns out Driver A was texting at the time. An insurance company investigates and finds out that Driver A was 20% at fault because their distraction delayed their reaction. In this case, if Driver A’s total damages were $100,000, they would only receive $80,000 after the 20% deduction.
This system ensures that even if drivers are partly to blame, they can still receive compensation. However, insurance companies may try to increase your share of fault to reduce their payout. That’s why having a skilled attorney on your side is crucial. Your lawyer can investigate to prove that your responsibility is minimal or nonexistent so you can recover more.
Critical Elements of Negligence in Car Accident Cases
Negligence isn’t just a vague accusation. It’s built on specific legal elements. To succeed in a negligence or personal injury claim, you must prove four key elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. Let’s break down each of these in simpler terms.
Duty of Care
Every driver must act responsibly on the road. This is known as the “duty of care.” It means drivers must follow traffic laws, drive safely, and ensure their vehicles are in good condition. This duty extends to protecting other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and even property.
For example, drivers must obey traffic lights and signals before changing lanes and remain within the speed limit. By following these rules, drivers help prevent accidents. Doing so otherwise causes accidents for which they are at fault.
Breach of Duty
A breach of duty is when a driver acts in a way that a reasonable driver wouldn’t. Running a red light, speeding, or driving under the influence are common examples of this violation.
For instance, if they run a stop sign and hit another motor vehicle, they violate their duty to stop and check for oncoming traffic.
Proving a breach of duty often involves evidence, like traffic camera footage, witness statements, or police reports. A Coconut Creek car accident attorney can source these for you, so you don’t have to.
Causation
Causation connects the duty breach to the accident. It’s not enough to show that a driver broke a traffic law—you must prove their actions caused your injuries. This can be straightforward, like when a driver runs a red light, causing a crash. But you may need expert testimony and detailed evidence in more complex cases.
Causation has two parts. First, “cause-in-fact” refers to the direct cause of the accident. If the crash hadn’t happened without the driver’s breach, then they are the cause-in-fact.
Second, “proximate cause” looks at whether the consequences of the breach were foreseeable. For example, if a speeding driver hits a pedestrian, it’s foreseeable that their actions would cause injuries.
Damages
Losses caused by a car accident are called damages. These can be both financial and non-financial. Economic damages include medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages. These are concrete costs that can be documented.
Non-economic damages are more subjective. They include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment in life. While harder to calculate, these damages are just as real. For example, a person who suffers permanent injuries may not be able to enjoy hobbies or daily activities like they used to.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Together, these elements—duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages—form the foundation of a negligence claim. You must prove each one to win your case.
Navigating a negligence claim can be complicated, especially when insurance companies try to shift blame. A skilled attorney can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf. They know how to build a strong case, proving the other driver’s negligence and reducing your share of fault.
Your lawyer will also ensure you claim the full extent of your damages. This includes economic costs like medical expenses and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. With a strong case, your attorney can maximize your compensation, helping you move forward after the accident.
Florida’s PIP Law and How It Impacts Your Coconut Creek Car Accident Case
In 1971, Florida introduced a no-fault car insurance system that simplified accident claim management. The goal was to reduce the need for public assistance and ease the burden on the court system by limiting lawsuits. Instead of determining fault, each driver relies on their own insurance to cover medical expenses and lost wages after a crash.
Florida is one of the few no-fault states in the U.S. Under this system, every driver must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. If an accident happens, regardless of fault, the driver and passengers can quickly access financial support through it.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) helps pay immediate expenses after an accident. This can include medical bills, lost wages, and necessary services. The insurance covers 80% of medical costs and 60% of lost income up to the policy’s limit.
For example, if your medical bill is $5,000, PIP will pay $4,000. If you lose $1,000 in wages, PIP reimburses $600. Additionally, it covers 100% of costs for services like child care, house cleaning, or meal preparation if you are severely impaired from injuries.
PIP also provides a death benefit of up to $5,000 to help families cover funeral and related expenses.
Who is Covered by PIP?
PIP insurance covers more than just the policyholder. It also covers family members in your household and children riding in your car or a school bus. Whether you’re driving, a passenger, a pedestrian, or a cyclist hit by a vehicle, the insurance applies.
A passenger not covered by your PIP coverage may be covered by their policy. Nonresidents usually only need PIP if their vehicle has been in Florida for 90 days within a year. If they don’t get coverage, they could face license suspension and lose driving privileges in Florida.
When PIP Isn’t Enough
Although PIP covers many expenses, it has limits. If an accident causes serious injuries, you may step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver.
This option is available for permanent or severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, loss of a major bodily function, or significant scarring. You can seek additional compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term care in these cases.
A Coconut Creek personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim and secure fair compensation.
Nonresidents are typically exempt from Florida’s PIP requirement. However, if their vehicle is in Florida for over 90 days within 12 months, they must get PIP insurance. These 90 days don’t need to be consecutive.
If they don’t comply, their driving privileges can be suspended, and their home state will be notified. This can create problems beyond Florida, so frequent visitors should know this rule.
Is Minimum PIP Coverage Enough?
Florida law requires a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage. However, this amount may be insufficient in a serious accident. Medical expenses can quickly exceed that limit, especially if you need hospitalization, surgery, or long-term rehabilitation.
For example, an ambulance ride, emergency room care, and follow-up treatments can quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars. Lost wages and household expenses can further strain your finances if you’re out of work for an extended period.
But what if your PIP coverage is insufficient for damages? In that case, a Coconut Creek personal injury lawyer can help recover the difference and possibly more from the at-fault party. Contact Madalon Law car accident attorneys for a FREE consultation.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
First, check for injuries after a Coconut Creek car accident. Ensure you and others involved are okay, then call 911 for medical help if needed. Stay calm and wait for emergency responders to assess the situation.
Never leave the accident scene, as it can cause legal issues. Cooperate with the police when they arrive and file a report. It will serve as crucial evidence for your case.
Exchange contact and insurance details with the other party, including names, phone numbers, driver’s licenses, and insurance info. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information as well.
Document the accident scene by taking photos or videos of the damage, injuries, and surroundings. This evidence will be helpful for your claim.
Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to see a doctor. Injuries like whiplash or soft tissue damage may not be immediately apparent, and seeing a doctor creates a record that can help protect your claim.
Should I Release Medical Records to Another Driver’s Insurance Adjuster?
Insurance adjusters from the other driver’s company may request your medical records, but be cautious. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible. While they may need specific records, they don’t need your medical history. They can use unrelated information against your case, so only share case-relevant info.
You are only required to share medical records directly related to the accident. This includes records showing treatments you received for injuries from the crash. To protect yourself, work with an attorney who can check the request and ensure only the needed records are shared. They can protect your rights and ensure the insurance company cannot get irrelevant information.
Also, speak with an insurance adjuster in your lawyer’s presence. Even though they are your insurer, their goal is to minimize the payout. Only provide facts. Your Coconut Creek car accident lawyer can coach you so you don’t say anything that can negatively affect your claim.
If I Don’t Feel Hurt After an Auto Accident, Do I Have to See a Doctor?
Even if you don’t feel injured immediately after an accident, always get checked by a doctor. Some injuries, especially those related to soft tissues or whiplash, might appear hours or days later. Waiting too long to see a doctor can make it harder to prove your injuries were caused by the accident.
Insurance companies and opposing attorneys may argue that the treatment delay means your injuries aren’t severe or were caused by something else. Seeing a doctor immediately creates a record of your injuries, strengthening your case. It also ensures you get the proper treatment.
Do I Have to Report a Car Accident?
Yes, in Florida, you must report any car accident that involves significant property damage, injury, or death. If the accident causes damage of at least $500 to any vehicle or property, or if anyone is injured or killed, you must report it to the authorities.
The police will arrive at the scene and file a report after you report it. However, you are still responsible for filing the report within 10 days of the accident. You can file it with the Florida Highway Patrol, the sheriff’s office, or your local police department, depending on where the accident occurred.
Failing to report an accident can result in fines or legal trouble. Additionally, failing to report the accident could hurt your ability to file an insurance claim or pursue a legal case. So, always report an accident that meets the criteria under Florida law.
Can I Be Held Liable If Someone Else Was Driving My Car?
Yes, in Florida, vehicle owners can be held responsible for accidents caused by someone else driving their car. This is because of the “dangerous instrumentality doctrine,” making car owners liable for the negligence of anyone they allow to drive their vehicle.
So, you may be financially responsible for damages if the person driving your vehicle gets into an accident. This includes accidents caused by reckless driving, speeding, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, there are some exceptions, and a legal professional can clarify your responsibilities based on accident specifics.
The doctrine applies to all vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and golf carts. There has been ongoing debate about whether all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are covered under this doctrine. However, it’s expected that courts will consider ATVs as dangerous instrumentalities as well.
What Should I Not Do After an Auto Accident in Florida?
After an auto accident, there are several things you should avoid doing to protect yourself legally and ensure your claim process goes smoothly.
First, never leave the accident site. If you leave, especially if someone is injured, it could be considered a hit-and-run, which is a criminal offense. Stay with your vehicle and immediately call emergency personnel if anyone is hurt.
Second, don’t leave your vehicle in a dangerous spot. If possible, move it to a safe location to prevent further accidents. If you can’t move your vehicle, call someone for help.
Third, don’t skip calling 911. Even if there are no injuries, it’s essential to have the police investigate the incident. They’ll write a report that could determine liability later on.
It’s also important not to ignore injuries. Some injuries, like whiplash, may not show up immediately, and others may seem minor but could be more serious. See a doctor as soon as possible to avoid complications.
Finally, don’t admit fault at the scene. Even if you feel responsible, wait for the police investigation to determine liability. In Florida, comparative negligence allows you to recover damages even if you share some fault.
What Are Punitive Damages in a Car Accident Personal Injury Settlement?
Punitive damages are a special kind of compensation awarded in personal injury cases. They go beyond compensating the victim for actual damages like medical bills or lost wages. Instead, they are meant to punish the defendant for their particularly reckless or malicious behavior.
Punitive damages, also known as “punishment damages,” are meant to punish the defendant and prevent others from acting recklessly. However, they are not given in every case. To be awarded punitive damages, your lawyer must prove the defendant was grossly negligent.
For example, if the defendant was drunk driving, texting while driving, or speeding excessively, they might face punitive damages. These actions go beyond typical mistakes. In such cases, the court may decide the defendant should be punished, and others should be warned about the dangers of such behavior.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit or Claim for Car Accident Damages?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims from a car accident is four years. This means you have four years from the accident date to file your lawsuit. The court will likely dismiss your case, and you won’t be able to recover damages if you miss this deadline,.
The sooner you file your claim, the sooner you can get the compensation you deserve. There are exceptions, but waiting too long can seriously affect your case. If you’re unsure about your deadlines or need help with the process, consult with a lawyer as soon as possible. They can guide you and ensure that your case is filed on time.
Life is precious, and we often only truly understand its value once everything changes instantly. An accident, injury, or unexpected event can turn everything upside down. At Madalon Law, our mission is to guide you through the hardest times of your life. We are here to help you rebuild—not just physically but emotionally as well.
Our Coconut Creek Car Accident Lawyers fight to hold the reckless accountable for their actions. We make sure they take responsibility for everything you’ve gone through. Most importantly, we fight for change in each personal injury case. This includes slip and fall accidents and medical malpractice cases.
We work hard to hold those responsible accountable so no one else has to experience the same pain and suffering. These accidents are always preventable. With a stellar record of success, we work to ensure that responsible parties are accountable.
Reach out to the Coconut Creek Car Accident Lawyers of Madalon Law today. Let us help you rebuild your life and fight for the justice you deserve. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Most people are not aware of how the law works, the rights they have and the amount of compensation they can be entitled to after they have been injured in an accident that was the result of another party’s negligence. The obstacles and confusion that follow an accident and an injury can seem overwhelming.
