Category: <span>Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys</span>

South Florida Personal Injury Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus

What is an accident?

accident: an undesirable or unfortunate happening that occurs unintentionally and usually results in harm, injury, damage, or loss; casualty; mishap.

In Law: such a happening resulting in injury that is in no way the fault of the injured person for which compensation or indemnity is legally sought.

Obviously no one expects to be in an accident, but the odds of being in a motor vehicle accident in Florida are higher than you might think.

According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Department (FLHSMV) there were 401,179 crashes on our roads in 2021. Google says there are 21.22 million people living in Florida so if you do the math it works out to one crash for every 52.8 residents. That’s not one-in-a-million like we would like to think.

Your chances of being in a car crash can be reduced significantly if you observe traffic laws: Never text while you are driving, obey the posted speed limit, and never drive when you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Maintain your vehicle’s safety systems and make sure your brakes and other components are checked according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

When Florida drivers are involved in an accident there is often a lot of confusion and uncertainty about what to do. We recommend you read our blog “Ten Things to do After a Car Accident”

The FLHSMV maintains a “Crash Dashboard” where you can break down crash data by county, type of accident, etc and you may visit the site by clicking here.

Questions about any accident? We’re here to help. We’re available 7 days a week by calling 954-356-0006

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Fort Lauderdale Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Click Here to Download an Accident Checklist

There are some things we don’t like to think about, like having an accident. We think that accidents only happen to “someone else” and we go about our day. The truth is that the car insurance industry statistics say that a driver will file a claim for a collision every 17.9 years. It’s true that careless drivers are likely to be involved in more accidents and careful drivers will probably have less, but some day a careless driver may crash into you while you’re sitting at a stop sign. What will you do?

Steps to Take After a South Florida Car Accident

You should keep this list where you can get to it quickly because we are all likely to be a bit flustered after an accident and forget.

1. Stop! Never leave the scene of an accident, even a minor one. You can be charged with leaving the scene of an accident if you do.
2. Call for Emergency Help. If anyone seems to be injured, even slightly, call for paramedics. Internal injuries can be serious even though they can’t be seen. The best thing is to get people medically checked out right away.
3. Protect the Scene. Make sure one accident doesn’t turn to two by trying to get out of the way of other traffic, turn on flashers, and use road flares if you have them.
4. Call the Police. Often people will try to exchange insurance information and deal with the situation later but this has often proved to be a bad decision. Have the police document the incident and it may help in the future.
5. Take Notes. Observe everything around the accident and write down the details. License plates, the address, names of witnesses. Anything you see that might help later should be recorded right after the accident.
6. Take Pictures. If you are able to take pictures, take many. Get views of damage to vehicles and damage to you if you are injured.
7. Exchange Information and Cooperate with the Police. Answer the questions you are asked, but do not admit any fault. Never speculate about things that may or may not have contributed to the accident.
8. Keep a File. Keep all information related to the accident in a central location like a file folder or an envelope. All your notes, police reports, everything. Documentation is important and people often tell us “I threw that out, didn’t think it was important.” Everything is important.
9. Report the Accident. Call your insurance company and tell them what happened. Sometimes an insurance company will offer to “cut you a check” soon after an accident but that may preclude any further claims. Speak with an attorney first.
10. Protect Your Rights. An automobile, motorcycle, or truck accident is an unfortunate and sometimes tragic event that hopefully you never have to deal with. If you do it’s very important to follow a course of action that protects your rights to compensation for your injuries, damages, and pain and suffering. Have the phone number of an experienced accident attorney stored in your phone and call.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been advising clients about accidents in south Florida for over 20 years. Every step you take should be thought out and planned to protect your rights, and we’ll help you if that time comes. Call us at 954-356-0006 and we’ll respond to your questions and concerns immediately.

Six Types of Auto Insurance Policies to Consider

Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys

The Covid-19 crisis has caused many people to look at their finances and make decisions about what they need and what they can afford. I know people who have cut out things like Netflix and going out to eat, but automobile insurance is a must-have commodity. Still, you want to get the best coverage and get the lowest price. Can it be done?

We aren’t insurance agents, so we can’t recommend any particular company or coverage but we encounter people every day who have been involved in motor-vehicle accidents and we have learned that many people have very inaccurate ideas about what they need, what’s covered, and what happens after a theft or an accident. Many people buy minimal insurance and then expect maximum coverage, which is unreasonable.

Here are the six basic types of vehicle coverage:

• Collision Coverage | Collision coverage covers your vehicle if you’re involved in a crash. How much it will cover depends on how much you want it to cover – if you want 100% replacement value that will cost more than 50%. It’s you choice and keep in mind it will cover your vehicle but not the other one, nor the stationary object if that’s what was involved.
• Comprehensive Coverage | This is the insurance that will cover the thing or things you collided with in the accident. It is wide-ranging coverage and can cover everything from theft to vandalism to hail and floods.
• Liability Coverage | This is required in most states and covers damage or injuries to other objects or people and the amount of coverage depends, once again, on how much money you want to spend. Most states require at least $10,000.
• Medical Payments Coverage | The previous types of coverage will take care of damage to other things and people but may not cover your medical bills. Some people look to rely on their own health insurance but you should check and make sure that will work out in case of an accident.
• Personal Injury Protection Coverage (PIP) | This coverage is available in certain states and most often it is a minimum coverage required by law in some states to cover medical expenses.
• Underinsured (UIM) and Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage | If you are involved in an accident and the other driver has no insurance, and is at fault, you may be unable to collect for damages unless you pay for this coverage. Considering there are millions of drivers in Florida with no insurance at all, it’s is a good idea to have this type of insurance.

Note: Florida is one of a handful of states which does not require bodily injury coverage and this illustrates why it is vital to carry UM/UIM coverage

Once again, because we aren’t insurance agents we can’t break down the reasons you should or should not have all these types of insurance but we highly recommend taking the time to address your needs with a licensed agent. Never assume your coverage will include, for example, the cost of a rental car. Don’t assume all your medical bills will be paid if you have a lengthy stay in the hospital and/or require surgery. Hospitals are expensive!

Accidents involving motorcycles often result in very serious injuries and yet often the riders purchase only basic insurance. Medical Payments Coverage might be a good investment if you own a motorcycle.

Keep in mind that south Florida is ranked as a high-risk area for driving and it is also rated as one of the most expensive areas for cost of car insurance. Do extensive research and then make your decision carefully.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has represented hundreds of victims of auto, truck, and motorcycle accidents since 1992 and we know how to deal with insurance companies to make sure they pay what is specified in their policies. We do not charge a fee for our consultations or for representing clients unless there is a settlement or judgement. Please call us at (954) 356-0006 seven days a week.

Protect Your Rights: Always Consult with an Experienced Attorney if you are Involved in a Car, Truck, or Motorcycle Accident

Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys

You’ve been in an accident but you’re not sure who was at fault for the accident and you are also not completely sure if you injuries are serious to warrant a call to an attorney. A friend tells you, “just let it go, it’s not worth all the trouble.” Friends don’t always give good advice.

Every accident has the potential to be serious because circumstances can change, issues can arise from hidden damage property, and injuries may also manifest as serious weeks after the actual accident.

Here is a fact: The United States Constitution and Florida law give people who have been injured in accidents the right to seek compensation from those responsible. Very few people, however, understand the statutes which apply to negligence and personal injuries which is why attorneys are available to help. Florida law imposes a “duty of care” on people and businesses which means that we all have to follow duties in certain circumstances and if someone fails to, and causes injury to someone else, they can be determined to be negligent. Everyone who drives an automobile in Florida is expected to drive in a reasonable and safe manner, obeying all traffic laws and maintaining their vehicles so they operate safely. If an individual drives with no brakes, for example, and they crash into the rear of your car causing injury, you have the right to sue for damages, pain, and suffering.

If a company does not maintain their property in a safe condition and someone is injured, they may be found to be negligent. If a professional person such as a physician does not treat a patient with the duty of care all doctors are expected to use, they may be negligent or be guilty of medical malpractice. Understanding the responsibilities everyone assumes under the law and the rights of citizens to seek compensation for damages is why personal injury attorneys exist.

In many accidents, there is negligence by more than one party. Known as comparative negligence, one party may be 75% responsible and the other 25%. This is an area best reviewed by an experienced attorney. Many people feel that if they were even minimally responsible for an accident, they do not have a case, and this is incorrect. Call an attorney.

Products that are defective and cause injury fall into a category called strict liability which is different than negligence. Anyone who sells commercial products in Florida is responsible to sell a safe product and if it is not there may be a liability for injuries caused by defect(s).

Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys

Most attorneys, including those at Lazarus & Lazarus do not charge victims for an initial consultation, nor do they collect any fees until a case is concluded. Our primary goal is to obtain justice for people who have been injured, lost time from work, and had property lost or damaged in an accident or because of a defective product. If you’re not sure about whether you have a case or not, call. We’re here to help.

A phone call to Lazarus & Lazarus at (954) 356-0006 is free as is your consultation, and all communication with our office is completely confidential.

The Process of an Auto Accident Injury Case

Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys

If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor. Eleanor Roosevelt

We work hard to have a nice life and provide for ourselves and our families and we do our best to stay safe at home, at work, and on the road. But sometimes life takes a turn for the worse, and we become confused about what to do. Certainly the past few months have been stressful for everyone, and no one saw it coming, but many of us are starting to see a return to normal.

Life can change in an instant.

Car accidents fall into the category of sudden changes. There is nothing good about them, the minimum result is stress and car damage and at the other end of the spectrum are painful serious injuries. But the good news is that with some solid advice and experienced help you can navigate through the experience of being in an auto accident with reduced turbulence and financial turmoil.

What Happens After a Car Accident?

1. First there is an investigation if the accident is serious. It’s important to make sure you and everyone else receives medical care if needed. It is also important to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities while not talking too much. Answer questions truthfully and as accurately as possible at the scene but never speculate or admit any guilt. The time for assigning fault comes later when the facts are more clear.
2. Call an attorney and notify your insurance company. An experienced accident injury attorney will immediately start to protect your rights regarding medical treatment and damages to your vehicle. Insurance companies love to collect premiums but they are not always as attentive to payment for damages. Your lawyer will make sure you’re getting the care you deserve.
3. It will take a little time for your attorney to sort out the facts from the crash, the extent of injuries, insurance coverage, and other issues. While this is going on the best thing for you to do is remain calm, stay available, and don’t talk about the accident with others. Definitely do not post on social media about the accident, it’s just not a good idea to do so. The advantage of having an attorney is that you can focus on you, your family, and your life. The attorney does all the work.
4. Every case is different. Some are settled rather quickly and some take a little longer. Some cases need negotiations with insurance companies and some need to go to court. You can be assured that with the Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus our goal is to move quickly, efficiently, and with your best interests our primary goal.

There will be bumps along the way as we travel through life, but with help from friends, family, and dedicated professionals almost any problem can be worked out.

Our track record for personal service to our clients and monetary results speaks for itself and our client reviews are available online at www.avvo.com. If you have been involved in an accident you probably have questions, and we are here to help. Consultations with our firm are always free and confidential. We are available 7 days a week at (954) 356-0006.

You’ve been involved in an accident and you aren’t really sure what to do. There are an average of 1100 crashes per day in Florida, so you’re not alone. Perhaps you’re injured and can’t work, your car is damaged, you have bills to pay and your family and friends are all telling you what to do. It’s a very frustrating situation and you feel like you’re powerless. You’re not.

The first thing you’ll want to do is reach out to an experienced accident and personal injury attorney. Someone who will take your side and is committed to helping you. This situation is new to you but we have been helping people through these difficult times for 27 years and we understand. Personal injury attorneys in almost all cases do not charge for an initial consultation, and that is where you will begin to understand what steps to take to protect yourself, and why.

So take a deep breath, believe that everything is going to work out, and read on…

Initial Consultation

The initial consultation is where we sit down with you and we get to know each other. Chances are we’re going to be working together for some time until everything is resolved so it’s important we meet. If you are unable to visit our office we can meet someplace that’s convenient for you. Here are some things to be prepared for:

Be Ready to Talk. Before we meet you should try to write down some notes about the accident. When and where did  it happen? Who was involved? It’s important to be straightforward and honest. Remember that everything you say to your attorney is completely confidential and we are prohibited from ever disclosing anything you tell us. We ask that our clients be honest from the start because we need to make sure all the facts are out in the open so we can do our job.

Bring Evidence. If you took any pictures or have witnesses, bring what you can so we understand the situation as completely as possible. Don’t try to investigate the accident yourself, that’s a job for the police if they’re involved and it’s also our responsibility. We handle any follow up as far as gathering evidence you may not be aware of.

Be Ready to Discuss Money. Our job is to make sure you get the money you are entitled to for your physical, mental, and emotional injuries and for damages to your property. You may have future damages related to your ability to work. We will speak with you about anything that involves money because we want you to have a very clear expectation about your case. We believe in a completely honest dialogue and will always give you the truth.

Our initial consultation is free, and in most cases we do not charge any attorney fees until your case has concluded. We talk about all money issues up front.

Be Ready to Discuss Time. Sometimes cases settle very quickly and others take longer. We will do everything in our power to expedite your case so you can move on with your life.

Finally, we ask you read our online reviews before we meet and see what other clients have said about our service and commitment to them. We are a small firm with a big heart and a powerful reputation for fighting very hard for all our clients. We know you need to be in touch with us throughout you case and so we do that. You can always reach us if you need to talk.

Click here to read our reviews.

Choosing an attorney for your accident case is a big one. You can begin the process by calling 954-356-0006, and thank you.