Davie Car Accident Attorney

An unexpected car accident in Davie, Florida, can disrupt your life. The expenses from potential medical bills, repairs to your car, as well as the stress from dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming.

An experienced Davie car accident lawyer can help guide you through the legal process and support you during these challenging times.

Imagine you are taking your dog for a check up at Pet Express Animal Hospital and you are rear-ended on S. University drive by an aggressive driver who was tailgating you so closely they didn’t have time to stop when a light turned red.

Or perhaps you are dropping your child off at Davie Elementary School and you are involved in a head-on collision with a distracted driver going the wrong way on SW 39th street.

While these are hypothetical situations, accidents like these are not uncommon. An experienced car accident attorney in Davie, Florida, understands, and can help you recover damages and get your life back on track.

Do Car Accidents Occur Often in Davie, Florida?

With it’s bustling and busy streets, and a population of more than 110,000 people, car crashes in Davie, Florida, are an unfortunate reality. In 2022, there were a staggering 40,837 crashes in Broward County. Of those 23,317 involved injuries and 288 resulted in a fatality. 

The data underscores several critical points. Firstly, the surge in total injury crashes from 18,984 in 2020 to 23,071 in 2021, as outlined in the report, isn’t just a statistical spike. It represents the tangible challenges faced by every driver, pedestrian, and resident navigating Broward County’s roads.

Secondly, the rise in fatalities from 268 in 2020 to 288 in 2022 is a distressing trend, emphasizing the need for comprehensive measures to enhance safety protocols and reduce the severity of accidents. Addressing the root causes, such as distracted driving and speeding, becomes paramount in curbing these tragic outcomes.

The legal team at Schilling & Silvers Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers understands that the aftermath of an auto accident in Davie, Florida, can be physically, emotionally, and financially distressing.

For immediate legal assistance from an experienced Davie car accident lawyer contact our law firm today. We offer free case evaluations and are never too busy to answer any questions you may have.

What Are Some of the Factors Contributing to All These Car Accidents in Davie, Florida?

The causes of car crashes are multi-faceted. One notable factor is the city’s high activity level, making it a bustling urban center. Additionally, the city attracts a large number of tourists and visitors, many of whom need to familiarize themselves with the local roads. This lack of familiarity often leads to confusion and, subsequently, accidents.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Davie, Florida, include:

  1. Speeding: Speeding significantly increases the risk of accidents by compromising a driver’s ability to navigate turns and reducing reaction time.
  1. Failing to Obey Traffic Lights: Disregarding stop signs or running red lights can lead to severe side-impact crashes, especially dangerous for occupants of smaller vehicles. This includes drivers in Davie racing to “beat” the red light.
  1. Texting While Driving: Illegal in Florida, texting while driving contributes to 1.6 million annual crashes, emphasizing the risks associated with distracted driving.
  1. Drunk Driving: Whether exceeding legal blood alcohol content or under the influence of substances, impaired judgment poses a severe risk on the road.
  1. Bad Weather: Inclement weather conditions, common in Florida, increase accident risks by making roads slippery and reducing visibility.
  1. Fatigued or Drowsy Driving: Long hours at work or commuting in heavy traffic contributes to falling asleep behind the wheel, resulting in slower reaction times and compromised attention.

To learn more about the leading causes of auto accidents, contact an experienced Davie car accident attorney today. Our legal team offers free consultations.

What is Negligence in an Auto Accident Claim in Davie, Florida?

Understanding the concept of negligence is critical when it comes to auto accident in Davie, Florida, because it often determines who is liable or legally responsible for the damages. Negligence is failing to act with the care a reasonable person would have exercised in the same situation.

Our legal team is often asked about Florida’s car crash laws and Florida’s new pure comparative negligence laws in particular. What these laws mean is that the court considers each person’s level of fault in the accident when deciding how much compensation to give.

Even if you were partly to blame for the accident, you could still get your money back. However, the court will reduce the money you get by the amount they found you at fault.

For example, if the court decided you were responsible for 20% of the damage and the total compensation was $100,000, they would award you $80,000. Proving negligence in a Florida car accident involves four elements:

  • You were owed a duty of care – The defendant (the person getting sued) had a legal obligation to drive carefully and obey traffic laws.
  • Breach of that duty – The defendant did not uphold this duty of care (for example, by speeding, running a red light, etc.).
  • Causation as a result of that breach – The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the accident and the plaintiff’s (the person who is suing) injuries.
  • You suffered damages – The plaintiff suffered injuries or losses as a result.

Collecting evidence to support these elements can be difficult, which is where a skilled and experienced Davie car accident lawyer can help. They can help gather the evidence you need, such as police reports, witness testimony, and medical records, to build a strong case and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Car Accident in Davie, Florida?

Determining who is responsible for a car accident can be a complex task. Nevertheless, in Florida, the concept of comparative negligence is used. This implies that the liability for the accident can be distributed among several parties based on their respective percentage of fault.

To navigate this process and identify potentially responsible parties, it is advisable to seek the guidance of  a skilled legal representative in maneuvering through this intricate process and pinpointing potentially responsible parties, including:

  • The driver(s) of other vehicles involved in the crash
  • Government agencies responsible for road maintenance or signage
  • Manufacturers of defective car parts
  • Any other party whose actions or negligence contributed to the accident

What Types of Davie Car Accident Claims Does Your Firm Handle?

Our legal team is well-versed in a range of car accident cases in Davie, Florida, adeptly navigating the intricate details of each scenario to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients. Here are some of the specific types of auto accident claims we handle:

  • Rear-end accidents – Often caused by tailgating or distracted driving, rear-end collisions can lead to severe injuries such as whiplash. The team investigates these incidents thoroughly to determine liability and secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
  • Wrong-way accidents – These horrifying crashes often transpire on one-way streets, highway ramps, or divided highways and frequently involve drivers who are impaired, disoriented, or unfamiliar with the local traffic patterns. The devastation caused by these accidents is often substantial, with a high likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities. Establishing liability usually involves demonstrating the at-fault driver’s negligence, often related to impairment or recklessness.
  • Taxi Accidents: with many companies such as Yellow Cab, Turo, Sunshine Broward, Black Diamond Transfers, and others with drivers working long shifts in the city these accidents are not uncommon. We also handle accidents involving shuttles, limos, and more.
  • Highway accidents – A skilled car accident attorney in Davie, Florida, will be well aware that major highways in and around the city, like US 1, US 27, and US 441, along with Interstates I-75, I-95, and I-595 in Broward County, experience high traffic and have a high risk of accidents. These incidents can be particularly complex, with multi-vehicle pile-ups, high-speed impacts, and severe injuries or fatalities. Investigating these accidents requires a meticulous review of accident reports, witness testimonies, and sometimes reconstruction of the accident scene.
  • Head-on collisions – Primarily caused by reckless or distracted driving, these accidents often lead to severe injuries or fatalities due to the substantial force of impact. Proving liability in these cases frequently involves demonstrating that the at-fault driver crossed the center line or entered a one-way road in the wrong direction.
  • Distracted driving accidents – Activities like texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or even engaging in intense conversations can divert a driver’s attention from the road, leading to accidents. Identifying distraction as the cause of an accident usually involves gathering evidence such as mobile phone records, witness accounts, or in-vehicle data.
  • Intersection Accidents – With many dangerous intersections in Davie, Florida, the risk of intersection accidents is very high.
  • Speeding accidents – Exceeding the speed limit is a common cause of accidents and often results in more severe crashes due to the increased force of impact. Proving speeding typically involves using police reports, traffic camera footage, and sometimes expert testimony regarding the physical evidence at the accident scene.
  • T-bone accidents: also known as “broadside collisions” these types of crashes often occur at intersections and can cause serious damages.
  • Rideshare Accidents: Accidents with Lyft, and other rideshare companies such as Uber happen all the time in the city. Whether you were a passenger or simply involved in a crash with a rideshare vehicle a skilled personal injury lawyer from our law firm can help.

Can I Handle My Own Case, or Should I Hire a Davie Car Accident Lawyer?

While it’s technically possible to handle your claim without the assistance of a legal representative, it’s not always the best idea. After an auto accident, you might consider taking on the claim process yourself to save on legal fees. However, the process can be complicated and challenging, particularly when serious injuries are involved.

The legal landscape of car accidents involves understanding Florida’s “pure comparative negligence” laws, dealing with insurance companies, and sometimes going to court. You must also understand how to calculate a fair settlement, including quantifying non-economic damages like pain and suffering, which isn’t always straightforward.

It might make sense to handle your claim in specific scenarios, such as when injuries are minor, the fault is apparent, and the other side cooperates. However, even in seemingly simple cases, unexpected complications can arise.

For example, the at-fault party’s insurance company may dispute liability, or your injuries might be more severe than initially thought. Having a knowledgeable legal representative on your side can be invaluable in such scenarios. They can navigate the complexities of the legal system, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for your rights in court if necessary.

How Will Florida's No-Fault Laws Impact My Car Accident Claim in Davie, Florida?

As outlined in Florida Statute § 627.737, Florida is a no-fault state, which means that each driver’s insurance company will pay for their medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault for the accident up to a certain amount. However, there are situations where you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver if your injuries are considered “serious” under Florida law.

Under Florida law, injuries are considered “serious” if they result in death, debilitating injury, or severe property damage. Persuasive injuries are those that a reasonable person would consider potentially life-threatening or catastrophic. For example, a broken bone or a deep cut would likely meet Florida’s serious injury threshold, while a small bruise or cut would not.

Property damage is also considered “serious” if it is extensive and would require significant repairs. In short, the seriousness of an injury will be evaluated based on its effects on the victim’s health and well-being, as well as the extent of any property damage. If you have been injured in an accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately and to speak with an experienced Davie car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.

What Factors Could Affect My Car Accident Settlement in Davie, Florida?

The settlement amounts for car crash claims in Davie, Florida, can be influenced by various factors. These factors can significantly affect the final amount that a victim may receive in their settlement.

One of the main factors is the severity of the injuries sustained in the accident. A minor injury with a quick recovery might mean a smaller settlement, while more severe or permanent injuries could result in much larger payments. The need for ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term impact on quality of life are all factors the courts consider when determining a settlement amount.

Another critical factor is the extent of property damage. For instance, if a car got totaled in an accident, the court would consider this when calculating the settlement.

The insurance policies of both parties involved in the accident will also play a crucial role in the settlement amount. The victim’s insurance policy limits and the at-fault party’s coverage can impact the final payout.

Medical expenses are another significant factor. For instance, ambulance rides to a hospital like HCA Florida University Hospital can be very expensive, and emergency room visits can cost thousands, depending on the required treatment. It’s also essential to consider factors such as lost wages due to missed work, pain and suffering, and decreased earning capacity due to injuries. These elements will get evaluated when determining a fair and comprehensive settlement for a car accident claim in Florida.

Is There a Time Limit to File a Car Accident Claim in Davie, Florida?

Florida’s statute of limitations for car accident claims is two years. This means individuals have a two-year window from the date of the accident to initiate legal proceedings. It’s a critical time frame that, if missed, can lead to severe consequences, including dismissal of the case and forfeiting the right to compensation.

Attempting to file a lawsuit beyond this two-year limit can result in the defense moving for dismissal, and the court denying the case. Individuals may be barred from filing any related lawsuits, regardless of the circumstances or the strength of their claims.

While navigating the consequences of a car accident can be overwhelming, understanding the local statistics, common causes, and legal considerations can empower you to make informed decisions. Remember, a skilled and experienced Davie car accident attorney can be your invaluable guide through this challenging process, ensuring you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.

Davie, Florida

Davie, Florida, has abundant resources for those needing auto repairs, a couple of which include:

Davie Garage has been serving the area for over 50 years. Their automotive service center can handle major repairs, tune ups, and basic maintenance. Their shop is at 4301 SW 64th Avenue
Davie, Florida 33314.

Kovak Automotive offers a wide range of repair and maintenance service. They are located at 2770 Davie Road | Davie, FL 33314.

The V Shop does complete automotive care and maintenance. Their experienced mechanics serve all makes and models. You can find them at 4651 SW 51st St, Unit 806, Davie, FL 33314.

Local Auto Repair is a full-service repair shop and they can get your car taken care of after an accident. Their shop is at 4790 SW 83rd Terrace
Davie, FL 33328.

Experienced Auto Accident Attorneys in Davie, Florida

When it comes to navigating the complexities of a car accident claim in Davie, Florida, experience matters. Our experienced Davie car accident lawyers have an impressive track record of providing high-quality representation in auto accident cases and will guide you every step of the way.

We bring our wealth of experience and depth of legal knowledge to the table to help our clients effectively advocate for their rights. Known for our dedication and tenacity, our team strives to deliver the best possible results for our clients, ensuring that every client receives the compensation they deserve.

If you’ve been involved in a car wreck, you can trust our legal team to provide the expert guidance and support you need. Read our client testimonials here.

Locations near Davie which our legal team serves includes Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Plantation, Coral Springs, Miami Gardens, Miramar, Hialeah, and more.