Fort Lauderdale Auto Accident Attorney — Protecting Your Rights After a Crash
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in Broward County. Whether it’s a rush-hour pileup on I-95, a rear-end collision on I-595, or a distracted driver running a red light on US-1, the aftermath of an auto accident can leave you dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and a wrecked vehicle. I’m Eric J. Goldman, and I represent auto accident victims throughout Fort Lauderdale and South Florida. My job is to handle the legal battle so you can focus on your recovery.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, call me at (954) 536-7557 for a free consultation. I’ll explain your options and fight for the compensation you’re owed.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance and PIP System
Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state, governed by Florida Statute 627.730 through 627.7405. Under this system, every Florida driver is required to carry at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. After an accident, your own PIP policy covers your initial medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash.
However, PIP has significant limitations:
- PIP only covers 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, up to the $10,000 policy limit.
- You must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident, or you risk losing your PIP benefits entirely.
- If your injuries are not deemed an “emergency medical condition,” your PIP benefits may be capped at just $2,500.
For many accident victims, $10,000 doesn’t come close to covering their actual losses. That’s where the right to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver becomes critical.
When You Can Sue the At-Fault Driver
Florida law allows you to step outside the no-fault system and file a negligence claim against the responsible driver when your injuries meet a specific threshold. You may pursue a claim for full damages — including pain and suffering — if you suffered:
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Death
Determining whether your injuries meet this threshold requires experienced legal analysis. I work closely with medical professionals to document the severity of my clients’ injuries and build the strongest possible case for full compensation.
Common Auto Accidents in Broward County
Fort Lauderdale’s roadways are among the busiest and most dangerous in Florida. I regularly handle cases involving:
- I-95 accidents — High-speed rear-end collisions, lane-change crashes, and multi-vehicle pileups on South Florida’s most heavily trafficked highway.
- I-595 accidents — This east-west corridor connecting I-75 to the coast sees heavy commercial truck traffic and frequent accidents, especially near the express lane entrances.
- US-1 (Federal Highway) accidents — Pedestrian strikes, intersection collisions, and T-bone crashes along this busy commercial corridor through Fort Lauderdale.
- Sunrise Boulevard and Commercial Boulevard crashes — High-traffic arterial roads with frequent red-light running and distracted driving incidents.
- Rideshare accidents — Uber and Lyft accidents present unique insurance complications that require an attorney who understands the layered coverage involved.
- Hit and run accidents — Florida has one of the highest hit-and-run rates in the nation. I help victims identify all available insurance coverage when the at-fault driver flees.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale
The steps you take immediately after a crash can significantly impact the strength of your legal claim. Here’s what I advise:
- Call 911 — A police report is essential evidence. Florida law requires you to report any accident involving injuries, death, or property damage exceeding $500.
- Seek medical treatment within 14 days — This is not just good health advice; it’s a legal requirement to preserve your PIP benefits under Florida’s no-fault statute.
- Document everything — Take photos of the vehicles, the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signals, and your injuries. Get names and numbers of witnesses.
- Do not give recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance company — Anything you say can and will be used to minimize your claim. Let me handle all communication with the insurers.
- Call Eric J. Goldman, P.A. — The sooner I’m involved, the better I can preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Damages You Can Recover in an Auto Accident Case
When your injuries meet the serious injury threshold, you may be entitled to recover damages beyond what PIP covers, including:
- The full cost of all past and future medical treatment
- 100% of your lost wages and future lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
Insurance companies will do everything they can to undervalue your claim. I know their tactics because I’ve been fighting them for years, and I won’t let them shortchange you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use my own PIP insurance even if the other driver was at fault?
Yes. Under Florida’s no-fault system, your own PIP coverage is your first source of benefits after any car accident, regardless of fault. However, if your injuries are serious enough to meet the legal threshold, you can then pursue a separate claim against the at-fault driver for damages that go far beyond PIP limits.
What is the 14-day rule for PIP in Florida?
Under Florida Statute 627.736, you must seek initial medical treatment within 14 days of your accident to qualify for PIP benefits. If you wait longer than 14 days, you may forfeit your entire $10,000 in PIP coverage. This is one of the most important deadlines in Florida auto accident law.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident in Florida?
Under Florida Statute 95.11, you generally have four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, and two years for wrongful death. However, evidence fades and witnesses’ memories weaken over time. I recommend contacting my office promptly after your accident.
What if the other driver didn’t have insurance?
Florida, unfortunately, has a high rate of uninsured drivers. If the at-fault driver had no insurance or insufficient coverage, I’ll explore every available option, including your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, to make sure you’re compensated.
Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?
Not without consulting an attorney first. Initial settlement offers from insurance companies are almost always far below the true value of your claim. Call me at (954) 536-7557 before signing anything or accepting any offer.
Injured in a Car Accident? Call Today.
If you’ve been hurt in an auto accident in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, or anywhere in South Florida, I want to help. As your personal injury attorney, I’ll investigate the accident, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for every dollar you’re owed. I also handle complex negligence claims involving reckless and careless drivers. Call Eric J. Goldman, P.A. at (954) 536-7557 for a free consultation today.