Sunrise Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents can disrupt lives in an instant, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional stress, and financial challenges. From dealing with medical treatments to repairing a damaged vehicle, there’s often much to handle after a crash. 

When injuries occur because of someone else’s recklessness, Florida law allows victims to pursue compensation for their losses. Knowing your legal rights and what steps to take can make this process easier and improve your chances of recovering damages. That’s where the skills of an experienced Sunrise car accident lawyer change the game.

Florida’s unique traffic laws and insurance requirements can sometimes complicate car accident claims. The state follows a no-fault insurance system, so personal injury protection (PIP) coverage plays a crucial role after an accident. 

PIP covers medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. However, there are limits to what PIP can cover. Victims who suffer serious injuries often need to go beyond their PIP coverage and file claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance to recover the full range of damages. This is especially important considering that car accidents are still the leading cause of death in many parts of the United States, including Florida, highlighting the serious impact these incidents can have.

Additionally, other factors, such as uninsured or underinsured drivers, can make obtaining enough compensation to cover all losses more challenging. Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country, creating more obstacles for accident victims. 

Understanding how insurance policies and state laws interact is essential to effectively resolving these types of claims.

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Why Choose The Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A.?

Choosing the right legal representation can significantly affect the outcome of a car accident case. The Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A., stands out for its personalized approach to helping clients. Every case is treated with care to address the individual’s unique needs.

Communication is a priority. The team remains accessible throughout each step of the legal process, ensuring your questions are answered promptly and clearly. You are never left in the dark about the progress of your case.

Another major advantage is knowledge of Florida’s legal system. With extensive experience handling car accident cases in Sunrise and across South Florida, the firm understands the specific strategies necessary to resolve claims in this area. Familiarity with local courts, judges, and insurers helps anticipate potential challenges and create effective solutions.

Proving a car accident claim often involves gathering strong evidence, negotiating aggressively with insurance companies, and, if necessary, going to trial. The firm prepares each case thoroughly, no matter the circumstances. This preparation ensures clients can secure fair compensation for their injuries, property damage, and other losses.

Lastly, the firm works on a contingency basis. This means there’s no fee unless compensation is successfully recovered. This arrangement allows clients to pursue justice without worrying about upfront legal costs.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Sunrise

Car accidents happen for many reasons, from human error to external factors like weather or road design. 

Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Distracted driving: Using a phone, eating, or adjusting controls while behind the wheel diverts attention from the road. Even a few seconds of distraction can have dangerous consequences.
• Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds reduces reaction times and increases the severity of collisions. Speeding is particularly dangerous in high-traffic areas or during poor weather conditions.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs significantly impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times, leading to crashes that might otherwise be avoided.
• Ignoring traffic signals: Running red lights or stop signs disrupts the flow of traffic and puts all road users at risk.
• Poor weather conditions: Rain, heavy winds, or fog can make roads hazardous. Reduced visibility and slick surfaces make driving more difficult, and accidents become more likely in these settings.
• Reckless driving: Aggressive driving behavior, such as tailgating, weaving in and out of lanes, or road rage, creates unnecessary risks that endanger everyone on the road.

Identifying the cause of an accident is essential for determining liability. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage often helps establish how the accident occurred.

Florida Car Accident Laws and Insurance Considerations

Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system. This means drivers must carry PIP insurance as part of their policy. PIP covers medical expenses, and some lost wages up to the policy limit, regardless of fault. 

However, this coverage does not address non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. For more serious accidents, victims may step outside the no-fault system to file claims against the at-fault driver. 

The injuries sustained must meet Florida’s “serious injury threshold.” Serious injuries include those that result in significant or permanent loss of a bodily function, significant scarring or disfigurement, or death. This often raises the question, When is death from a car accident considered ‘wrongful”? It typically applies when the death was caused by another party’s negligence, such as reckless driving, impairment, or failure to follow traffic laws.

Florida also requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of property damage liability (PDL) coverage to pay for repairs to another vehicle or property after an accident. Despite these requirements, many drivers either lack additional coverage or carry policies with insufficient limits to cover all damages. 

Dealing with an uninsured or underinsured driver may require bringing claims under your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.

Insurance companies often complicate the claims process, even when liability appears clear. Many adjusters seek to minimize payouts or delay settlements. Having a Sunrise car accident lawyer handle these negotiations can alleviate stress and allow you to focus on recovery.

Types of Injuries Common in Car Accidents

The severity of injuries varies depending on factors such as speed, vehicle type, and the circumstances of the collision. 

Common injuries include:

• Whiplash: Neck injuries are common in rear-end collisions. The sudden forward and backward motion can strain or damage muscles and ligaments.
• Broken bones: Fractures often occur due to the forceful impact of a crash and may require surgery or extensive recovery time.
• Head injuries: Concussions or TBIs can result from sudden blows to the head, often leading to long-term consequences.
• Back and spine injuries: Damage to the vertebrae or spinal cord can cause chronic pain or even paralysis in severe cases.
• Soft tissue injuries: Muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be torn or stretched during a collision, especially in high-impact or roll-over accidents.
• Cuts and lacerations: Shattered glass, loose objects, or debris can lead to significant cuts or wounds.

Some injuries may not appear immediately following the accident. Symptoms like pain, swelling, or dizziness can develop days or weeks later, making it important to seek medical attention promptly.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Sunrise

The days and weeks following a car accident are critical for protecting your health and legal rights. After the initial shock of the collision subsides, certain actions help strengthen your case and ensure recovery goes as smoothly as possible.

Follow up with medical care

Continue any treatment recommended by your doctor. Attend follow-up appointments and therapy sessions, even if you start feeling better. Neglecting medical care can hurt your recovery and weaken your case. 

If new symptoms develop, report them immediately. Some injuries, like back pain or headaches, may not show up until days or weeks after the accident. Keep a detailed record of treatments, medications, and any medical expenses. 

Save receipts, prescriptions, and bills from every healthcare provider you see. This documentation supports your claim for compensation.

Report the accident to your insurance company

Notify your insurance provider about the accident within the required timeframe, as stated in your policy. Provide them with basic details but avoid giving recorded statements until you have spoken with a lawyer. 

Keep all communication professional, and record every interaction with your insurer, including dates and the names of people you speak with. Review your policy so you understand what it covers, especially regarding personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured motorist (UM) claims. This knowledge prevents surprises during the claims process.

Gather and preserve evidence

Continue collecting evidence that supports your case. If you took photos at the scene, organize them by date and tag them with descriptions. If the police report has mistakes or missing details, request a copy and corrections. 

Follow up with witnesses you identified, and ask if they are willing to provide written or recorded statements about what they saw.

Track any changes in your condition over time. It can be useful to keep a journal of your symptoms, pain levels, and how the accident has disrupted your daily life. For example, note if you miss social events, struggle to work, or need help with routine tasks.

Maintain communication with your employer

Inform your workplace if injuries prevent you from working. Request documentation that confirms time missed due to the accident, such as absence reports or letters from your supervisor. 

These records are important when calculating lost wages as part of your compensation claim. If you are unable to meet job requirements due to an injury, ask your employer about temporary accommodations. These accommodations, if provided, should also be documented in case it becomes relevant to your case.

Work with a lawyer

Consult with a lawyer who can manage communication with insurance companies and investigate your legal options. Your Sunrise car accident lawyer will help you determine if the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for damages beyond your PIP coverage. 

They will also handle any challenges posed by uninsured or underinsured drivers.

Share all relevant documentation with your lawyer, including medical records, employment records, and communication with insurers. They will use this information to build a strong claim on your behalf.

Monitor the Status of Your Claim

Insurance claims often take weeks or months to process. During this time, stay informed about the status of your case. Respond quickly to any requests for documentation from your lawyer or insurer. 

If the insurer attempts to offer a settlement, review it carefully. Avoid accepting an offer until you fully understand the long-term medical costs or future losses you may incur.

Taking these steps in the days and weeks after a car accident allows you to protect your health, secure the needed evidence, and get closer to financial recovery. Remaining proactive ensures your case stays on track, giving you the best opportunity to obtain the compensation you deserve. In some cases, such as if the accident occurred while you were driving for work, you may also be asking, “Can I seek workers’ compensation?” An attorney can help determine if your situation qualifies under Florida’s workers’ compensation laws.

Recoverable Damages in Sunrise Car Accident Claims

Victims of car accidents often have the right to seek compensation for the losses they incur. 

These damages include:

• Medical bills: Coverage for treatments, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescriptions, and other healthcare-related costs.
• Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to injuries or recovery.
• Pain and suffering: Damages for emotional and physical distress resulting from the accident.
• Property damage: Costs related to repairing or replacing damaged vehicles.
• Loss of earning capacity: Victims may receive compensation for the inability to work or diminished earning potential for long-term injuries.

Each case involves unique circumstances, so the types and amounts of damages vary depending on factors like the severity of injuries and available insurance coverage.

Allow Us to Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident in Sunrise

Accidents are often stressful, but taking action quickly can help protect your rights and improve outcomes. Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims typically allows four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. 

However, the sooner a case begins, the better the chances of preserving evidence and creating a strong claim.

Call (954) 677-0155 to discuss your case today.

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