Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer

Our team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers will always put your needs first. If you or a loved one suffered losses due to a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, our team will seek compensation on your behalf.

You don’t have to worry about negotiating with insurers, proving fault, or gathering evidence to prove your case. We will handle all of those obligations for you.

You can get answers to these questions today:

• Do you need a lawyer for a Fort Lauderdale car accident?
• Has our firm recovered compensation in the past?
• What should you do after being in a collision?
• How can our Fort Lauderdale firm calculate your expenses?
• What is Florida’s “serious injury” threshold?
• How does Florida’s no-fault insurance system work?
• Are car accident settlements taxable in Fort Lauderdale?
• What types of factors could have caused your car accident?
• What types of injuries merit compensation in Florida car accidents?

Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Claim?

Having a lawyer following a collision can benefit your interests in numerous ways. We can help you by:

• Negotiating a fair settlement
• Investigating your case and presenting its evidence
• Reviewing state and local laws
• Providing you with updates
• Notifying you of potential offers
• Proving negligence

We have been helping people since 1995. We handle most of our claims on a contingency-fee-basis. We don’t require payment to get started on your case. You only pay us if we recover compensation.

Our Firm has Recovered Compensation for Clients in Your Position in the Past

Eighty-five percent of cases we handle are resolved through insurance negotiations. Even if your case goes to the courtroom (which most do not), we will stand by your side throughout all necessary proceedings.

Some of our multi-million-dollar outcomes include:

• We secured $5 million for our claimant who suffered injuries due to a defective car.
• We won $3 million for our client who filed a case against Bridgestone and Ford.
• We recovered $2.2 million for our client who was hit as a pedestrian.

You might have seen our team speak on popular news outlets, like USA Today, 60 Minutes, CNN, and Inside Edition. We are committed to our clients’ well-being. With us on your side, you can expect familial, compassionate representation.

What Should You do After Being in a Collision?

Your actions following your Fort Lauderdale car accident can significantly affect your claim. It also helps to understand the financial recovery process itself. The following measures could promote your case’s overall outcome:

File Your Case Within the Appropriate Deadline

First and foremost, you’ll need to file your suit within the legal time limits. Florida Statutes §95.11(3)(a) grants you four years to file your car accident lawsuit.

This may seem like a long time, but it’s imperative not to wait until the last minute. Should you miss the deadline, you could be barred from seeking compensation in court.

We can assess your situation, explain your options, and file your case in accordance with the four-year deadline.

Keep and Gather Important Evidence

The following evidence can support your right to compensation:

• Photos of the accident scene, your vehicle, and your injuries
• The police report
• Video footage
• Eyewitness statements
• Statements from your doctor

If you do not have these pieces of information, do not worry. Your car accident lawyer serving Fort Lauderdale can gather them for you. They may be able to use other documents than those listed above.

Follow Through with Your Medical Treatment Plan

Seek immediate medical care following your collision. You should also:

• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Stick to your treatment plan
• Document all of your appointments
• Keep a running list of all medications
• Keep track of all the doctors, physical therapists, and other practitioners you see
• Ask for copies of your medical records, bills, and other reports

If you incurred a serious injury, keep records of how your condition impacts your daily life. These records help us determine the value of your pain and suffering.

How does Our Fort Lauderdale Firm Calculate Your Expenses?

Here are the steps that our team will take to calculate the value of your accident-related losses, such as your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering:

We Start by Totaling Your Monetary Damages

We will first estimate the value of your claim by adding up your economic damages. These types of damages are relatively straightforward to calculate.

We will use the following documents in our calculations:

• Emergency room and hospital bills
• Diagnostic tests, treatments, and physician’s bills
• Receipts for prescriptions and any medical devices you’ve required
• Receipts for your medical-related transportation costs
• Your employment records
• Repair estimates for your vehicle
• Any other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident and your injuries

We may also consult with economists to learn more about your anticipated expenses.

We Then Add Up Your Non-Financial Losses

Leave it to our team to determine the cost of your non-financial losses. These damages are calculated based on:

• The extent of your injuries
• Your age
• Whether you will have a long-term disability
• How much your injuries have affected your relationships
• How much time you missed from work
• Your quality of life
• Your mobility

Florida does not put a cap on non-financial damages.

How does Fort Lauderdale’s No-Fault Insurance System Work?

Per Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, motorists must carry:

• A minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage
• At least $10,000 in property damage liability coverage

Your PIP coverage will pay for your financial losses regardless of who is responsible for the accident. If your injuries pass the serious injury threshold, then you can pursue compensation from a third party.

We understand that insurance matters can get complicated. Rather than schooling yourself on these issues, let our team handle the claims process.

What is Florida’s “Serious Injury” Threshold?

Florida Statutes §627.7407 says that Florida is a no-fault state. To recoup damages following a collision, you generally file a claim with your own insurer. However, Florida Statutes §627.737 allows drivers to collect compensation from at-fault drivers, assuming they meet certain criteria.

This is called the “serious injury threshold,” and it applies when you experience at least one of the following:

• Bone fractures
• Significant disfigurement
• Permanent limitation of a bodily organ
• Significant restriction of a bodily function
• Partial or total disability for at least 90 days

If any of these conditions apply, you may file a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. Unlike your PIP benefits, these claims allow you to receive compensation for general damages such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress.

Are Car Accident Settlements Taxable in Fort Lauderdale?

Some portions of your car accident settlement are taxable. Pain and suffering, for instance, may be subject to taxation. However, federal law protects those who seek economic damages for injuries. You won’t be taxed for damages like medical bills and lost wages.

If you have any questions about taxation in Fort Lauderdale, ask your attorney.

Common Factors That Cause Car Accidents That You Can Include in Your Claim

Most collisions are the result of driver negligence. More specifically, here are some factors that may have contributed to your crash:

Speeding

Speeding is both dangerous and illegal. Driving over the limit increases your risk of being in a collision. Nearly one-third of all car accidents can be attributed in some way to speeding, per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Road Rage

Road rage makes motorists impulsive and dangerous while driving. They may behave in a manner that is aggressive, unsafe, and threatening.

Drunk Driving

Florida Statutes §316.193 prohibits drinking and driving. If you were hurt by a drunk driver, we can pursue compensation regardless of whether they went to jail.

Distracted Driving

According to the NHTSA, driver error is the leading cause of non-fatal traffic accidents in the United States. Florida outlaws certain types of distracted driving, such as texting and driving. We can subpoena the other driver’s phone records to determine if this was a factor in your accident.

Inclement Weather Conditions

The NHTSA says that poor weather conditions are a leading contributor to motor vehicle crashes. Examples include heavy rain, wind, and fog. Motorists are expected to adjust their driving to meet these conditions. Otherwise, they could be found negligent.

You Can Seek Compensation for Your Injuries Following a Car Accident in Florida

If you suffered injuries in a motor vehicle crash, you could be entitled to seek compensation. Whether they will heal in a matter of days or a matter of weeks, if you incurred medical expenses, you could be compensated for those costs.

Some injuries that could qualify for compensation include: 

• Head trauma and skull fractures
• A broken pelvis
• A herniated disk
• Whiplash

Call the Attorneys at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers to Learn More

Learn more about working with a car accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale today. You can complete a free case review where you can explore your options at no obligation.

Call or text Chalik & Chalik (954) 476-1000