All accidents are stressful to the drivers and passengers involved, and they can happen anywhere. Intersections, however, are often the cause of collisions, as drivers can misunderstand or neglect the traffic signals and right-of-way. A Fort Lauderdale intersection accident lawyer can help you through your case and to file a claim.
Impacts at intersections can involve multiple cars and a range of injuries. One negligent driver can send several people to the hospital and rack up expensive medical bills for all involved. If you have been the victim of a driver who has caused a crash at an intersection through unsafe behavior, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries and damages.
Filing a civil lawsuit might be necessary to get a fair recovery, but it can also be a daunting task. An attorney in Broward County can help you navigate the legal proceedings and advice you on all of your options. Seeking the help of an experienced accident lawyer can be critical to take on the driver whose negligence has injured you.
Choosing the Right Fort Lauderdale Intersection Accident Lawyer
You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistakes. It is important to take the first step toward getting what you deserve and contact an attorney. Lisa S. Levine can discuss your individual case with you and determine your options. Time is a factor in these cases, so don’t hesitate to begin the process of filing your lawsuit. Lisa S. Levine and her legal team can take over the stress of pursuing your case, and ensure that all proceedings are handled properly.
Lisa S. Levine P.A. has years of experience representing clients with personal injury claims throughout Southeast Florida. She’s helped hundreds of clients in cities like Fort Lauderdale, Weston, Sunrise, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, and Davie. Our firm can analyze your details in a relaxed environment, so call today at (954) 256-1820 or send an online message to schedule your free consultation.
Injury Victim
Common Causes of Intersection Crashes in Broward County
Intersections can be confusing at times, but more often than not a collision is the result of a driver ignoring a sign or signal. Several actions can lead to an accident at an intersection, like:
- Running a red light
- Not yielding on a left turn
- Running a stop sign or yield sign
- Turning with obscured view
- Neglecting to carefully observe other vehicles
Any of these causes, and others, can easily lead to a collision. Studies find that 96% of accidents are caused by the actions of drivers, not through a fault of the intersection’s layout.
Elements of a Negligence Lawsuit for an Auto Accident
For any case accusing a driver of negligence in Florida, certain elements must be proven to the court. Unlike a criminal case, these aspects don’t have to be proven “beyond a reasonable doubt”, but they do have to be established as more likely having occurred than not. These four aspects are:
Duty – The driver must have had a duty to drive with a certain level of safety. This duty is inherent for every driver of a vehicle.
Breach – The driver must have failed to carry out this duty, and therefore cause unsafe conditions for others on the road
Causation – The injuries that are being claimed were in fact caused by the accident in question
Damages – Damages must have been sustained during the collision, and the requested compensation must be appropriate. These can include medical bills, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses incurred as a direct result of the accident.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Intersection Accidents
How Will Comparative Negligence Affect My Intersection Accident Claim in Florida?
In Florida personal injury claims, comparative negligence is used to assess to what degree each party is at fault in an accident. If you are found partially liable for the accident you were injured in, then the amount of compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault you are assigned.
For example, you are hit broadside by another car in an intersection, but the courts determine that you were 10% at fault for the accident. If you are awarded $100,000 in damages, that amount will be reduced by the 10% that you were found to be at fault. If the court determines you were more than 50% at fault, you will be ineligible for recovering damages.
What Items Should I Keep in My Car in Case I’m Involved in an Intersection Accident?
Car accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence. No matter how safely you drive, an intersection accident can happen due to other driver’s negligence. It’s smart to be prepared by keeping a few key items in your car or in your possession while driving, such as:
– A cell phone with a camera
– Pen and paper
– Medical information card with insurance numbers, allergies and conditions that may require special attention
– Emergency contact names and phone numbers
– First aid kit
– Small road cones
– Emergency flares
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Florida Car Accident Claim?
Statute of limitations refers to laws that limit the amount of time a person has to file a lawsuit. These laws vary by state and the type of lawsuit you are filing. In Florida, you have generally have 2 years from the date of a car accident in which to file a claim in civil court. When that time limit passes, you lose the ability to seek compensation.
There are rare exceptions to this, such as some cases in which an injury related to the accident isn’t discovered until later.
How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Intersection Accident Claim?
There are many factors that affect how long an auto accident case will take, such as the severity of the accident and how many parties are involved. Some cases may settle quickly in just a few weeks, while others may take a year or longer and go to trial.
Broward County Car Accident Resources
Broward County Civil Court – This is the Broward County Clerk of the Courts home page. Here you’ll be able to find case results, addresses and phone numbers, court services, forms, online services and frequently asked questions.
Florida Department of Transportation – This Florida DOT website offers information on the department itself, the safety office, statistics, travel information and locations for FDOT facilities.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – On the NHTSA website, you can find links and resources for driving safety, vehicle safety, research, data and laws & regulations.
Get Help After an Intersection Accident in Broward County
Trust Fort Lauderdale intersection accident lawyer Lisa S. Levine and her legal team with your case. They can handle all of the legwork and proactively pursue a positive resolution for you. Insurance companies, paperwork, uncooperative defendants, and confusing tasks can be stressful, but we can minimize that burden for drivers in Florida cities like Miramar, Plantation, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Weston, and Pembroke Pines. No matter how difficult of complicated your circumstances are, we are ready to undertake your cause.
Call us today at (954) 256-1820 to start pursuing the compensation that you’re rightfully owed.
