Top Causes of Personal Injury Claims in Fort Lauderdale: Insights from 2025

In Fort Lauderdale, the most frequent causes of personal injury claims arise from traffic-related incidents, particularly those involving cars, pedestrians, and bicycles. Recent data shows a troubling consistency in these events, with Broward County recording over 40,000 crashes annually. This means that every day, an average of 110 accidents occur on our local roads.

It’s not just drivers at risk; pedestrians, cyclists and everyday individuals are just as exposed, and the numbers aren’t improving.

Each accident brings pain, uncertainty, and a complex legal process that leaves you frustrated or overwhelmed. You shouldn’t have to fight insurance companies or figure out these new laws on your own. 

Call the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. for clear answers and real support. Your consultation is free: (954) 677-0155.

The Leading Causes of Fort Lauderdale Injury Claims: Data-Backed Insights

1. Motor Vehicle Collisions: Passenger Cars, Trucks, and Motorcycles

Motor vehicle crashes make up the majority of personal injury cases in Broward County. Major highways like I-95 and State Road 84, plus intersections such as Andrews Ave. & Sunrise Blvd., are hotspots for serious wrecks. The city of Fort Lauderdale itself contributes significantly to the statistics, with over 6,200 collisions and a high fatality rate, making it one of the more dangerous cities for drivers.

Top causes include:

• Distracted driving (cell phone use, GPS)
• Speeding
• Failure to yield
• Driving under the influence

A persistent and troubling trend is the high number of hit-and-run accidents. In one recent year, over 11,700 drivers fled the scene of a crash in Broward County according to the Florida Crash Dashboard, leading to dozens of deaths and leaving victims to deal with the consequences alone.

All Florida drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. Severe injuries or fatalities allow for claims against the at-fault party beyond PIP limits, including damages for pain and suffering (see Florida Statutes 627.736, 627.737).

2. Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Fort Lauderdale consistently ranks among the most dangerous metro areas for pedestrians and cyclists. The FLHSMV’s Crash Dashboard shows that in one recent year, Broward County had 860 pedestrian crashes (resulting in 60 deaths) and 768 bicycle crashes (16 deaths) .

Why so common?

• Urban sprawl and high traffic volumes
• Poorly marked crosswalks
• Inadequate bike lanes
• Driver failure to yield at intersections

Florida law (Section 316.130, Florida Statutes) places a duty of care on both drivers and pedestrians, but liability frequently falls on the motorist in cases where a pedestrian or cyclist is struck in a marked crosswalk or bike lane.

3. Rideshare and Delivery Vehicle Accidents

Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and other app-based drivers are involved in a growing number of collisions. Florida law now mandates minimum insurance coverage for rideshare drivers: up to $1 million liability when the driver has a passenger or is en route (Florida Statutes 627.748).

Complicating factors:

• Determining when a driver was “on the app” can affect which insurance applies (personal vs. company policy).

• Multiple parties (driver, rideshare company, other drivers) may share liability.

4. Slip, Trip, and Fall Injuries

Falls remain a leading cause of ER visits and personal injury claims. The Florida Department of Health reports thousands of hospitalizations from unintentional falls each year in Broward County.

Main contributors:

• Poorly maintained sidewalks
• Wet floors in retail stores
• Broken handrails in stairwells

Under Florida Statute 768.0755, property owners may be liable if they knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix it.

5. Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Florida is among the top states for dog bite claims. According to the Florida Department of Health, there are about 600 dog bite-related ER visits annually in Broward County .

Section 767.04, Florida Statutes, holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries their pets cause, even if the dog has never shown aggression before.

6. Workplace Injuries

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported over 12,000 nonfatal workplace injuries in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach area in one recent year. Industries with the highest injury rates include construction, transportation, and healthcare.

Most injured workers must file a claim through Florida’s workers’ compensation system (Florida Statutes 440), but additional third-party claims may be possible in cases involving defective equipment or third-party negligence.

7. Boating and Watercraft Accidents

Fort Lauderdale’s waterways see a high rate of boating injuries. Florida leads the nation in boating accidents, with Broward County among the top counties for incidents. In one year, Florida reported 735 boating accidents, including 65 fatalities statewide, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Common causes:

• Operator inattention or inexperience
• Alcohol use
• Excessive speed
• Failure to follow navigational rules

8. Medical Malpractice

Medical errors are a significant source of claims. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation tracks thousands of malpractice claims each year in the state, including those related to misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and medication mistakes.

9. Defective Products

Injuries from unsafe products (vehicles, electronics, children’s toys) also generate claims. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, hundreds of injuries and recalls are reported annually. Product liability claims may involve manufacturers, distributors, or retailers.

10. Assaults and Negligent Security

Claims sometimes arise from assaults on business or residential property where security measures were inadequate. Florida Statute 768.0705 addresses the liability of property owners for criminal acts by third parties if “reasonable” security precautions were not taken.

11. Wrongful Death

When fatal accidents occur—car crashes, workplace incidents, drownings, or violent crimes—Florida law allows families to pursue wrongful death claims under Florida Statutes 768.16-768.26.

12. Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Florida has one of the nation’s largest elderly populations, with Broward County home to dozens of nursing and assisted living facilities. Neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and financial exploitation are all recognized bases for personal injury claims against nursing homes or long-term care providers. Common warning signs include unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, rapid weight loss, and changes in mood or behavior.

State and federal regulations, including those enforced by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), set strict standards for care. Failure to meet these standards may result in both administrative sanctions and civil liability.

13. Construction Site Accidents

South Florida’s construction boom means more workers are exposed to hazardous conditions. Common claims include falls from scaffolding, equipment malfunctions, electrocution, and injuries from falling objects. 

While most construction injuries fall under Florida’s workers’ compensation law (Florida Statutes Chapter 440), there are situations where a third-party personal injury lawsuit is possible. Examples include claims against contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers if their negligence contributed to the injury.

OSHA data shows construction remains one of the most dangerous industries statewide.

14. Premises Liability Beyond Slip and Fall

Premises liability claims extend beyond the typical slip, trip, and fall case. Property owners may be held liable for injuries related to:

• Swimming Pool Accidents: Drownings, near-drownings, or injuries caused by lack of fencing, broken gates, or inadequate supervision.

• Elevator/Escalator Accidents: Malfunctioning elevators or escalators in malls, apartment buildings, or hotels.

• Poor Lighting or Security: Injuries from assaults or accidents in poorly lit parking lots or buildings.

Florida law (Section 768.075) places a duty on property owners to keep their premises reasonably safe for guests and the public.

15. Foodborne Illnesses

Restaurants, grocery stores, and catering companies can be liable if customers are injured by contaminated or spoiled food. Claims can arise from outbreaks of salmonella, E. coli, norovirus, or other foodborne pathogens.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Florida Department of Health regularly monitor and investigate foodborne illness outbreaks.

Compensation may be available for hospital bills, lost wages, and long-term health effects.

16. Product Recalls and Defective Products

Personal injury claims are common after recalls of defective or dangerous products, from cars and electronics to medical devices and children’s toys. Liability may extend to the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer under Florida’s product liability laws.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) publish regular recall lists, and injury victims may rely on these reports as evidence in a claim.

17. Weather-Related Accidents

Fort Lauderdale’s location exposes residents to hurricanes, tropical storms, and flooding. Personal injury claims may result from:

• Premises Liability: Slip and fall accidents on wet, poorly maintained, or debris-filled walkways after storms.

• Car Accidents: Collisions during severe weather, particularly if another driver was reckless given the conditions.

• Negligent Property Maintenance: Injuries caused by falling branches, unsecured debris, or building failures during storms.

While weather itself isn’t grounds for liability, negligence in preparing for or responding to dangerous weather can be.

18. Public Transit Accidents

Injuries on Tri-Rail, Broward County Transit buses, and other forms of public transportation can lead to claims against the responsible government agency or transit authority. Claims may involve:

• Bus or Train Crashes
• Slip and Falls at Stations
• Assaults Due to Inadequate Security

These cases have special notice requirements and shorter timelines for making a claim under Florida’s sovereign immunity laws (Florida Statutes 768.28).

What You Can Do From Home to Strengthen Your Position

The accident is over, and you are dealing with the consequences at home. While we handle the legal work, there are things you can do to help document the reality of your injuries and losses.

Don’t Rely on Memory Alone. Create a Pain and Symptom Journal.

Insurance adjusters look for detailed, consistent records. A simple notebook can become a powerful piece of evidence.

What to Track: Note your pain levels each day (on a scale of 1-10). Describe the type of pain (e.g., “sharp, shooting pain down my right leg” or “dull ache in my lower back that gets worse when I sit”). Also, record how the injuries affect your daily life: difficulty sleeping, inability to lift groceries, needing help with chores.

Do Organize All Paperwork. Don’t Let It Pile Up.

Every bill, receipt, and letter is a piece of your financial story.

What to Keep: Get a folder and keep everything related to the accident: medical bills, co-pay receipts, prescription costs, letters from any insurance company, and pay stubs showing your lost wages. This helps build a clear picture of your financial damages.

Don’t Discuss Your Case on Social Media. Do Protect Your Privacy.

Insurance companies routinely search social media profiles for anything that can be used to question your injury claim. A photo of you at a family barbecue could be twisted to argue you aren’t as injured as you claim.

The Best Approach: Set your profiles to private and avoid posting anything about your accident, your recovery, or your daily activities until your case is resolved.

FAQ for Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Claims

My accident happened at a dangerous intersection in Fort Lauderdale. Does that help my case?

It can. If an intersection like those on State Road 84 or I-95 is known for a high number of accidents, it can sometimes be used to show that a driver should have been exercising extra caution. However, the primary focus will still be on the specific actions of the at-fault driver in your incident.

What happens if I was in a hit-and-run accident?

In this situation, you would typically turn to your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) coverage on your auto insurance policy. This is coverage specifically for this type of event. If you don’t have it, the path to recovery is more difficult, but not impossible.

I was injured by a drunk driver. Does that change my claim?

Yes. Beyond the standard compensation for medical bills and lost wages, an accident caused by a drunk driver may open the door to pursuing punitive damages. These are intended to punish the offender for reckless behavior and are separate from your other damages.

How long will my personal injury case take with the new 2025 rules?

While the new procedural rules aim to speed up the court process, it doesn’t mean your case will settle overnight. A straightforward claim might resolve in a few months, while a complex case that goes to trial could still take a year or more. 

Why are Florida insurance premiums so high?

Florida’s high insurance rates are partly a reflection of the high number of accidents, widespread fraud, a high volume of uninsured drivers, and the risk of severe weather. Unfortunately, these high rates don’t always translate into fair or fast payments when you have a legitimate claim.

A Clear Path Forward with the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A.

The legal landscape in Fort Lauderdale is not what it was a few years ago. You need a legal team that understands the new laws and how to build a case designed to withstand the challenges they present. We will pursue the maximum compensation available for you under the law.

Don’t let a deadline pass or a new rule stand in the way of your recovery.

Call us today for a free, confidential discussion about your case at (954) 677-0155.