Sunrise and the Anatomy of Broward County’s 41,000+ Annual Car Crashes

Sunrise plays a significant role in the more than 40,000 vehicle crashes that happen in Broward County each year. This is a result of specific road designs, traffic patterns, and driver behaviors concentrated in our area. 

After a crash, you are left dealing with the consequences: the pain, the mounting bills, the calls from insurance adjusters. The process of seeking compensation is complicated by Florida’s comparative fault rules and strict deadlines for filing claims. 

If you’ve been injured in a crash in Sunrise, call the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. at (954) 677-0155 for a direct conversation about your situation.

Why Are There So Many Crashes in Broward County?

The Sheer Volume of Traffic

As one of Florida’s most populous counties, Broward is home to nearly two million residents and a destination for millions of tourists each year. This density means our roads, from major interstates to local streets, are constantly congested. More cars, trucks, and motorcycles sharing the same space naturally increases the probability of a collision.

A Culture of Aggressive Driving

There is a nationwide trend of increasingly aggressive driving, and South Florida is no exception. According to one study, aggressive driving behaviors like speeding and tailgating contributed to over half of all fatal crashes over a four-year period. This includes actions like weaving through traffic, cutting off other drivers, and failing to yield the right of way—behaviors that turn a routine commute into a high-stakes gamble.

The Constant Distraction

In an age of constant connection, the temptation to use a mobile phone while driving is a leading cause of accidents. Research shows that a significant percentage of drivers admit to reading or sending texts while behind the wheel. Taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds while traveling at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded. In the eyes of the law, this is a form of negligence that can make a driver financially responsible for the harm they cause.

The Anatomy of a Florida Road

Major arteries like Sunrise Boulevard and I-95 are designed to move a high volume of traffic quickly. However, this design, with its multiple lanes, frequent commercial entrances and exits, and complex interchanges, also contributes to more severe accidents when something goes wrong. High speeds mixed with sudden stops and merging traffic is a recipe for disaster.

Ground Zero: Which Sunrise Roads See the Most Wrecks?

While crashes can happen anywhere, certain roadways in and around Sunrise have earned a reputation for being particularly dangerous.

Sunrise Boulevard

It should come as no surprise that Sunrise Boulevard has been consistently identified as one of the county’s most dangerous roads for serious and fatal crashes. The reason is a perfect storm of risk factors: extremely high traffic volume, a constant stream of cars entering and exiting shopping plazas, and a series of major, conflict-prone intersections. 

Intersection Dangers

Intersections are natural points of conflict where the paths of vehicles cross, and they are where a large number of accidents occur. Major crossroads, such as the intersection of Sunrise Boulevard and Federal Highway or A1A and Las Olas Boulevard in the wider Fort Lauderdale area, are notorious for collisions. These incidents are frequently caused by drivers running red lights, making improper turns, or failing to yield to oncoming traffic.

Beyond the Boulevards

The danger isn’t confined to major thoroughfares. Local streets in Sunrise and surrounding communities present their own unique risks. Factors like increased golf cart usage, residential cut-through traffic from drivers avoiding main roads, and poorly lit streets can all lead to unexpected and serious accidents. No matter how familiar you are with a road, the negligence of another driver can change your life in an instant.

The Days and Weeks After the Crash: A Timeline of Your New Reality

The First Wave: Medical Bills and a Dwindling Bank Account

Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is supposed to be the first line of financial aid, but its $10,000 limit is easily exhausted with shocking speed, especially after a serious injury.

The Second Wave: The Insurance Adjuster’s Call

Soon after the crash, you will get a call from the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster. They will likely ask for a recorded statement. Be aware that anything you say can and will be used against you later—perhaps an innocent comment admitting you were tired or distracted for a moment. 

The Lingering Pain

Beyond the financial stress is the physical reality of your injuries. It’s the pain that flares up on cold mornings or the ache that sets in after sitting for too long. It is the experience of having a doctor spend fifteen minutes examining you before delivering a diagnosis that rewrites your ability to work, care for your family, or enjoy the life you had before the crash.

Florida’s 2025 Traffic Laws: What You Need to Know

To secure compensation after a crash, you must show that the other driver was legally at fault. 

The Foundation: Proving Negligence

The legal concept of negligence is the foundation of every personal injury claim. In simple terms, it means a driver had a duty to operate their vehicle with reasonable care, they failed in that duty, and that failure directly caused your injuries. Florida Statutes Chapter 316, also known as the State Uniform Traffic Control Law, defines what “reasonable care” looks like on the road. This includes specific rules such as:

• Staying in Your Lane: F.S. §316.089 requires drivers to stay within a single lane as much as possible.
• Keeping Right for Slower Traffic: F.S. §316.081 mandates that slower-moving vehicles use the right-hand lane, allowing others to pass safely.

The Complication: Florida’s Comparative Fault Rule

Florida uses a legal doctrine called modified comparative fault. Think of the total compensation for your injuries as a pie. The insurance company for the at-fault driver will look for any reason to argue that you were also partially to blame for the accident. If they succeed, the percentage of fault assigned to you is the slice of the pie you do not receive. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your final award is reduced by 20%. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation at all.

New Laws on the Books for 2025

Florida’s traffic laws are constantly evolving to address new challenges on the road. Recent changes reflect a statewide effort to curb dangerous driving behaviors.

• The “Super-Speeder” Law: Responding to a major cause of fatal crashes, Florida has increased the penalties for extreme speeding. Drivers caught going over 100 mph or more than 50 mph over the speed limit now face criminal charges, potential jail time, and significant fines.
• The “No Wake” Law: Relevant during Florida’s heavy rainy season, a new law allows local governments to designate flooded streets as “no wake zones.” This makes it illegal to drive at a speed that creates a wake damaging adjacent property, reinforcing the principle that drivers must adapt to current road conditions.

What Can You Do From Home to Protect Your Claim?

While your primary focus should be on your health, there are simple, practical steps you can take from home to help protect your legal rights and lay the groundwork for a successful injury claim.

Create a “Crash File”

Get a folder or box and keep every single piece of paper related to the accident in one place. This includes the driver exchange information, the police report, all medical bills and records, receipts for prescriptions and medical equipment, photos of your car and your injuries, and any letters or emails from insurance companies. 

Keep a Simple Journal

This isn’t for the insurance company; it’s for your legal team. On a simple notepad or calendar, jot down notes each day about your pain levels, your medical appointments, and any specific ways the injury impacts your daily life. For example, note if you were unable to lift your child, cook a meal, or sleep through the night because of the pain. This detailed record becomes a powerful tool for demonstrating the full extent of your suffering and losses.

Understand Your Own Insurance First

Before you deal with the other driver’s insurer, get a handle on your own coverage. Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy is your emergency financial first aid. We will help you understand its limits and what it covers. You also need to know the details of your health insurance and whether you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) coverage, which can be a lifeline if the at-fault driver has little or no insurance.

Do Not Post on Social Media

Assume that the insurance company is always watching (because they are). Investigators will search your social media profiles for anything they can use to downplay your injuries. A single photo of you at a family barbecue or a comment about feeling “okay” could be twisted and used to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. The safest course of action is to refrain from posting anything about your accident or your recovery until your case is resolved.

FAQ for Sunrise Car Accident Claims

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Broward County?

In Florida, recent law changes have shortened the time limit, known as the statute of limitations. For most car accident injury claims, you now have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation forever.

The insurance company already offered me a settlement. Should I take it?

You should be very cautious about accepting an early settlement offer. Initial offers are almost always low and are designed to close your claim quickly and cheaply before the full extent of your injuries and financial losses are known. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot ask for more money later, even if you need further medical treatment. It is always wise to have any offer reviewed by an attorney.

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney for a car accident case?

At the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A., we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs or attorney’s fees. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you, either through a settlement or a court verdict. Our fee is a percentage of the total recovery.

Do I have to go to court to get compensation?

Probably not. Most car accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations with the insurance company. A settlement avoids the time, expense, and uncertainty of a trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we are fully prepared to take your case to court to pursue the compensation you are entitled to under the law.

Where do I file my car accident police report in Sunrise?

You can file a police report for an accident that occurred in Sunrise by contacting the Sunrise Police Department. For non-emergency incidents, you can visit the police station at 10440 W Oakland Park Blvd or call their non-emergency line at (954) 764-4357. For accidents with injuries, always call 911.

How do Sunrise courts handle car accident lawsuits?

Most car accident cases from Sunrise are filed in the Broward County Circuit Court, located in downtown Fort Lauderdale (201 SE 6th St). Small claims under $8,000 may be heard in county court.

Which hospitals in Sunrise handle emergency treatment after a crash?

Major hospitals serving Sunrise include HCA Florida Westside Hospital (8201 W Broward Blvd, Plantation) and Broward Health Medical Center (6401 N University Dr, Tamarac). Both have emergency departments for accident injuries.

Your Recovery Is the Priority. Let Us Handle the Rest.

Our role at the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. is to take this entire process off your plate. We manage the paperwork, communicate with the insurance companies, and build a strong case on your behalf so you can concentrate on getting better.

You have a limited time to act to protect your rights. For a straightforward assessment of your case and to understand your options, call us today at (954) 677-0155.