Being involved in a car accident can completely upend your life, leaving you to deal with physical pain, mounting medical bills, and insurance companies looking out for their bottom line. Whether your crash happened during a congested commute on I-95, at a busy intersection on Hollywood Boulevard, or while running errands along Sheridan Street, the days following a collision are often overwhelming. At Altman Law Firm, Jeffrey S. Altman and his team understand the stress you are facing. We are dedicated to helping injury victims in Hollywood and throughout Broward County navigate the complexities of Florida auto accident laws, from Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claims to serious bodily injury disputes.
Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means after a car crash, you must first turn to your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage to pay for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. However, PIP often only covers a portion of your costs. If you suffered a severe injury, Florida law may allow you to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. This is a critical threshold, and understanding whether your injuries qualify can make a significant difference in how your claim is handled.
Hollywood sees a mix of heavy local traffic, tourists, and daily commuters traveling between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. This density frequently leads to rear-end collisions on Pines Boulevard, dangerous T-bone crashes on US-1, and hit-and-runs in crowded parking lots near the beach. We investigate the specifics of how your accident occurred, gathering evidence to establish liability. If the other driver was distracted, speeding, or under the influence, we work to hold them accountable under the modified comparative negligence standard in Florida.
It is important to remember that you do not have unlimited time to take legal action. Florida has strict statutes of limitations for personal injury claims, which dictate the deadline for filing a lawsuit. Additionally, under PIP rules, you generally must seek initial medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to access your benefits. Delaying medical care or waiting too long to explore your legal options can severely impact your ability to seek compensation. We encourage reaching out to a legal professional promptly to help preserve critical evidence.
First, prioritize your safety and health by seeking medical attention, even if you feel fine initially. Call law enforcement, such as the Hollywood Police Department or Florida Highway Patrol, to file an official accident report. If possible, document the scene with photos and get contact information from witnesses. Finally, consider speaking with an attorney before providing recorded statements to an insurance adjuster.
Under Florida law, PIP covers 80 percent of reasonable and necessary medical expenses up to $10,000, provided you seek treatment within 14 days of the crash. It does not cover everything. If your medical costs exceed this amount or you sustain a serious injury, you may need to pursue compensation from the bodily injury liability insurance of the at-fault driver.
Hit-and-runs and accidents with uninsured motorists are unfortunately common in South Florida. If you have Uninsured Motorist coverage on your own auto policy, you can typically file a claim with your own insurer to help cover medical costs and lost wages. We often help individuals identify all available avenues for coverage when the at-fault driver lacks insurance.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still pursue a claim even if you were partially at fault for the accident, but any compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be more than 50 percent responsible for the crash, Florida law typically bars you from recovering damages from the other party.
Personal injury lawyers typically handle car accident matters on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, attorney fees are deducted as a percentage of any financial recovery at the end of the process, rather than charging upfront hourly rates. We invite you to reach out for a consultation to discuss the details of fee structures.
If you have been injured in a Hollywood car accident, you do not have to handle the insurance companies alone. Contact Altman Law Firm today to discuss your legal options. Call (305) 373-3730.