With its sunny weather, sandy beaches, and vibrant atmosphere, Pompano Beach, Florida, is a sought-after destination for residents and visitors alike. However, amidst its allure, the roads of Pompano Beach can be treacherous.

If you find yourself involved in a car crash in this area, you join the ranks of many. Broward County alone experiences thousands of collisions annually, highlighting the pressing need for a Pompano Beach car accident lawyer who will ensure your rights are protected.

People injured in car crashes face a myriad of challenges, from physical pain and medical treatments to financial strain and emotional distress. The aftermath of a crash can be overwhelming, impacting not only the victims but also their families. In such trying times, having an experienced car accident attorney in Pompano Beach can make all the difference.

Why Are There So Many Car Accidents Occurring in Pompano Beach, Florida?

As a bustling city in the heart of Broward County, Pompano Beach experiences its fair share of car accidents. According to a report from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in Broward County, there were 16,300 car crashes in 2023, resulting in a staggering 24,395 reported injuries.

Some of the most common causes of car crashes in Pompano Beach include:

Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of accidents in Florida, distracted driving contributes to thousands of crashes annually. Whether it’s texting, eating, or adjusting the radio, anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road can have serious consequences.

According to a 2022 report, there were more than 56,000 distracted driving accidents in Florida in 2021, resulting in 331 fatalities. These accidents often lead to serious injuries and can be prevented with increased awareness and responsible driving habits.

Drowsy Driving: Fatigue impairs a driver’s ability to make quick decisions and react appropriately to changing road conditions. This can result in veering into other lanes, rear-end collisions, and other dangerous situations.

Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit not only increases the likelihood of a crash but also magnifies the severity of injuries. High-speed collisions can lead to devastating consequences for all parties involved. If you have been involved in an accident with a speeding driver, contact a Pompano Beach car accident lawyer at Schilling & Silvers Property and Accident Attorneys today.

Bad Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, and other adverse weather conditions can make driving challenging. Reduced visibility and slippery roads contribute to an increased risk of accidents.

Failing to Obey Traffic Signals: Running red lights or failing to stop at stop signs can lead to dangerous intersection accidents. These collisions often result in side-impact crashes, causing serious injuries to drivers and passengers.

Drunk Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver’s ability to operate safely. Drunk drivers pose a severe risk to themselves and others on the road.

In Florida, drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher are considered drunk drivers. These individuals are more likely to cause accidents and face legal consequences for their actions.

Teen Drivers: Teenage drivers have a higher accident rate than adults, with distractions often playing a significant role in accidents. While mobile phone use is frequently associated with distracted driving, distractions caused by passengers can also contribute to accidents.

Night Driving: The risk of a fatal car accident is significantly higher at night than during the day. Reduced visibility, glare from headlights, and impaired depth perception can make driving at night dangerous.

Running Red Lights: Intersections are common sites for accidents, particularly when drivers disregard traffic signals. Running red lights can lead to severe collisions, often resulting in injuries and fatalities.

Florida is a “No-Fault” State, How Will That Impact My Pompano Beach Car Crash Claim?

In essence, Florida’s “no-fault” law dictates that in the aftermath of a car accident, both parties turn to their respective auto insurance policies to file claims, regardless of who was at fault for the incident.

This system aims to streamline the process of seeking compensation for injuries and damages incurred during a collision. For a better understanding and obtaining of maximum compensation, involve an attorney in your case.

To comply with this law, all Florida drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance as part of their car insurance policy. This coverage serves as a safety net, providing financial assistance for medical expenses and other related costs, regardless of fault.

Florida Statutes § 627.7407 outlines the specifics of this law, detailing the requirements and procedures for PIP coverage in the state.

Coverage Offered by No-Fault Insurance For Drivers in Pompano Beach, Florida

Your PIP insurance is designed to cover several key areas following a car accident:

Medical Treatment: PIP covers expenses related to your medical treatment resulting from the accident. This includes hospital bills, doctor visits, surgery costs, and necessary medical procedures.
Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, PIP can provide compensation for the income you’ve lost during your recovery period.
Incidental Expenses: Additionally, PIP may cover other expenses directly related to the accident, such as childcare costs if your injuries prevent you from caring for your children.

Florida Car Insurance Requirements

In compliance with Florida law, drivers must maintain specific levels of car insurance coverage:

Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Florida drivers are mandated to carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage. This insurance is crucial for covering medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers.
Property Damage Liability (PDL): A minimum of $10,000 in PDL coverage is also required. This insurance covers damages to other people’s property for which you are liable, such as repairs to another driver’s vehicle in an accident.

Comparative Negligence in Car Crash Claims in Pompano Beach, Florida

Understanding comparative negligence laws is crucial for anyone involved in a car accident in Florida. Our Pompano Beach car accident attorneys understand how these laws play a significant role in determining how compensation is allocated among parties deemed responsible for the incident, and can help with your case.

What Are Florida’s Comparative Negligence Laws?

Comparative negligence laws in Florida come into play when more than one party shares responsibility for an accident. These laws help determine the degree of fault for each party involved, influencing the distribution of compensation.

Under this modified system:

Barred Compensation: Individuals deemed more than 50% responsible for causing their injuries will be barred from recovering compensation. This rule does not apply to claims based on medical negligence.
Partial Compensation: Individuals found to be 50% or less responsible for their injuries can still recover compensation. However, the total amount awarded will be reduced based on the percentage of fault, as determined by a jury.

Who Can Be Held Liable For My Pompano Beach Car Crash Injuries?

When a car accident occurs in Pompano Beach, Florida, determining liability becomes crucial for seeking compensation for injuries. Several parties might be at fault in such situations:

Another Driver

The driver of another vehicle involved may be liable, whether you were driving, walking, or cycling. If you were a passenger, the driver responsible for the crash might be accountable. Avoid admitting fault before consulting a Pompano Beach car accident lawyer.

Vehicle Manufacturer

If the accident resulted from a vehicle defect or component flaw, the manufacturer or designer could share responsibility. Even if the defect didn’t cause the crash directly but worsened injuries, the manufacturer might still be liable.

Those Responsible for Road Conditions

Poor road conditions like blind curves or potholes can contribute significantly to accidents. Entities responsible for road design and maintenance could be accountable if negligence led to the collision.

Driver’s Employer

If the driver was on the job during the accident, their employer might bear liability for damages. An attorney can investigate to identify parties responsible for the driver’s negligent actions.

Is it Necessary to Hire a Lawyer After a Minor Car Accident in Pompano Beach, Florida?

Following a minor car accident, you might wonder if hiring an experienced auto accident attorney is necessary. While the incident may seem minor at first, there are critical reasons to consider consulting with a legal representative to ensure your rights are protected and options are clear.

Hidden Injuries

Even in minor accidents, hidden injuries like soft tissue damage or concussions can emerge later. Consulting an attorney ensures you don’t miss opportunities to hold the negligent party accountable for medical costs.

Florida Car Accident Laws

Florida operates as a “fault” state, meaning the responsible driver is liable for damages. Comparative negligence laws, however, determine damages based on each party’s liability percentage.

Handling Disputes

Being blamed for an accident or facing insurance tactics can be challenging. A lawyer helps dispute false claims and ensure fair compensation.

Acting Swiftly

Florida’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Consulting an attorney promptly ensures compliance with legal timelines.

In summary, consulting with an experienced Pompano Beach car accident attorney ensures your rights are protected, hidden injuries are addressed, and you navigate Florida’s car accident laws effectively.

Why Evidence is So Important in Car Accident Claims in Pompano Beach, Florida

Following a car accident in Pompano Beach, Florida, the importance of gathering compelling evidence cannot be overstated. Such evidence plays a pivotal role in establishing the sequence of events, determining fault, and ultimately securing fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Here’s why each type of evidence is crucial:

Photos: Capture external and internal damage, accident location, weather conditions, and any visible injuries.
Witness Testimony: Gather names and contacts of witnesses. Their statements can support your case in court.
Police Report: Contains crucial details about the accident, including fault, citations, and injuries.
Interrogatories and Depositions: Written questions and recorded testimonies were used for evidence gathering.
Black Box Data: Records vehicle speed, airbag deployment, and other crash details, aiding in establishing fault.

Documenting Damages

Medical Records: Show medical treatments, hospitalizations, and therapies, proving the extent of injuries.
Expert Witness Testimony: Physicians’ statements on injuries and their impact on your life help assess case value.
Intangible Losses: Evidence of pain, suffering, and emotional distress establishes non-economic damages.

Do I Have To Contact the Police After a Car Crash in Pompano Beach?

In the State of Florida, reporting a car accident, no matter how minor is a crucial step with potential legal ramifications. Even seemingly minor collisions require immediate attention, especially when property damage, bodily injuries, or fatalities are involved. Here’s why contacting the police is imperative:

Supporting Your Insurance Claim

Swiftly reporting an accident bolsters your insurance claim. A car accident resulting in property damage, injuries, or death necessitates a police report as per Florida statutory duties. If you’re unsure whether to report an accident, seeking legal counsel from an attorney is wise.

Preventing Future Issues

Proactive reporting helps avoid future complications. The legal team at Schilling & Silvers Property and Accident Attorneys has a stellar reputation for adeptly handling such cases.

Why Report?

Even in minor accidents, injuries can manifest days or weeks later. Neck strains, spine issues, or vehicle damage may not be immediately apparent. A police report is vital for linking injuries and damages to the accident.

Without a police report, insurance claims face delays and reduced payouts. Insurers conduct extensive investigations without this documentation, potentially hindering your claim.

Legal Requirements

Under Florida Statute 316.061, drivers involved in accidents must:

Contact the Police: Call authorities to the scene, ensuring proper documentation.
Report Within 10 Days: Regardless of method (online or in-person), accidents must be reported within this timeframe.

What is My Case Worth If I’ve Been Injured in a Pompano Beach Crash?

When facing the aftermath of a car accident in Pompano Beach, understanding the potential value of your case is essential. A legal representative can assess various factors to determine the compensation you may recover.

Recoverable Damages Include:

Medical Expenses: Covering all medical bills, such as doctor visits, hospital charges, medications, therapy costs, and ongoing treatments. Future medical costs for continued care or rehabilitation will also be considered.
Property Damage: Compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle if it was damaged in the accident.
Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to time off work for recovery. Providing pay stubs to demonstrate lost earnings.
Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries lead to a reduced ability to work or return to your previous employment, you may recover for the long-term impact on your income potential.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident and injuries.
Loss of Motor Function: Even minor losses in motor skills due to the accident can have lasting effects. Expert testimony may establish the extent of these losses.
Loss of Executive Function: For professionals in high-income roles, a loss in cognitive skills due to head injuries can significantly impact earning potential. Demonstrating the impact on your career and lifestyle is crucial.
Emotional Damages: Long-term emotional distress stemming from physical injuries or changes in lifestyle. Scarring, loss of self-confidence, and diminished social skills may also be compensated.

Alarming Amount of Hit-And-Run Accidents in Pompano Beach, FL

Hit-and-run accidents plague the streets of Pompano Beach, significantly adding to Broward County’s car crash statistics. Recent 2023 data reveal a staggering 12,434 hit-and-run crashes in Broward County alone, resulting in 27 fatalities and 2,525 reported injuries. These numbers paint a grim reality of the dangers faced by drivers and pedestrians alike.

In Florida, approximately 1 in 4 vehicle crashes are hit-and-runs, where drivers opt to flee rather than take responsibility. The repercussions are often severe, from grave injuries to tragic deaths—often affecting and injuring pedestrians, who are frequent victims.

Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents

As Pompano Beach car accident lawyers, our legal team recognizes that these incidents are not only hazardous but also illegal in Florida. Over the past five years, the state has witnessed nearly 516,000 hit-and-run accidents, leading to 1,250 deaths—an average of 250 fatalities annually—and about 1,100 severe injuries yearly.

In 2022 alone, hit-and-runs claimed 144 pedestrian and 50 bicyclist lives. Though the overall fatality rate decreased from the previous year, these accidents still comprised a staggering 73% of hit-and-run deaths. Shockingly, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities rose by 3%.

Legal Ramifications of Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents fall under both civil and criminal categories, depending on the circumstances of the incident.

Criminal Lawsuits

These are pursued when a driver violates the law, including hit-and-runs, reckless driving, or collisions involving impaired driving. The state prosecutes these cases, leading to penalties such as fines, jail time, and license suspension.

Civil Lawsuits

Victims (plaintiffs) in civil lawsuits seek compensation for damages caused by another driver’s negligence. This includes property damage, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

In hit-and-run cases, a judge may order the negligent driver to pay punitive damages as punishment and deterrence. To secure compensation, plaintiffs must seek help from a legal representative to demonstrate the driver’s actions directly caused the accident and resulting injuries.

Penalties for Hit-and-Run Drivers

If a hit-and-run driver is apprehended, they can face severe penalties under Florida law:

For damage to personal property only: The offending driver may be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to 60 days in jail and a maximum $500 fine.
If the victim sustains personal injuries: The offending driver can face charges of a second- or third-degree felony, which could result in up to 5 years in prison and a maximum $5,000 fine.
In cases where a victim dies: The driver can be charged with a felony in the first degree, carrying a penalty of up to 30 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 4 years.
For drivers under the influence: If the hit-and-run driver was intoxicated, the mandatory minimum sentence is 2 years in prison. Additionally, their driver’s license may be revoked, regardless of the circumstances of the accident.

Reasons for Hit-and-Run Incidents

Drivers flee the scene of accidents for various reasons, making it challenging for victims to pursue compensation. Some common reasons include:

Driving under the influence: Hit-and-run drivers may fear DUI charges and attempt to avoid arrest.
Lack of insurance: Uninsured drivers may flee to evade legal consequences for driving without coverage.
Outstanding warrants or legal issues: Drivers with warrants or prior violations may leave to avoid further legal entanglements.
Fear and panic: In moments of stress, drivers may make impulsive decisions, including fleeing the scene of an accident.

For more information on these types of accidents and others, contact the legal team at Schilling & Silvers Property and Accident Attorneys today.

Pompano Beach, Florida

In Pompano Beach, Florida, new downtown projects are underway, promising a vibrant future for the city. However, with construction ongoing, there’s a heightened risk of car accidents in the area. Drivers should be cautious and mindful of changing road conditions during this phase.

Once completed, these projects will bring new businesses and attractions, leading to increased traffic in downtown Pompano Beach. This growth underscores the importance of drivers staying vigilant on the roads.

For car accident victims in Pompano Beach, Florida, here are some local resources to help with vehicle repairs and maintenance:

Sunshine Auto Center: Sunshine Auto Center offers reliable auto repair services in Pompano Beach. Their experienced technicians provide a wide range of automotive repairs, from routine maintenance to major repairs.
Primetune Auto Repair: Primetune Auto Repair is a trusted auto repair shop serving Pompano Beach residents. They specialize in various auto services, including brake repair, engine diagnostics, and electrical system repairs.
The Auto Spot: The Auto Spot is a reputable auto service center located in Pompano Beach. They offer comprehensive auto repair and maintenance services, from oil changes to engine repairs.
Poirier’s Auto Service: Poirier’s Auto Service is a family-owned and operated auto repair shop serving the Pompano Beach area. They have been providing top-notch automotive services for years, including brake repairs, suspension work, and more.

Experienced Pompano Beach Auto Accident Lawyers

Schilling & Silvers has a proven track record of representing clients with dedication and skill. With years of experience handling a variety of car accident cases, they understand the complexities of Florida’s legal system.

Schilling & Silvers are committed to providing personalized attention to each client, striving for the best possible outcomes in every case. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you can rely on Schilling & Silvers to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Areas near Pompano Beach, Florida, that we serve include Fort Lauderdale, Hialeah, Hollywood, Miami-Lakes, and more.

Pompano Beach Car Accident Attorney