Hollywood’s pristine coastline, tropical weather, and proximity to cruise terminals and airports make it a popular spot for residents and tourists. But the roads jammed up, especially during rush hour and peak season.
Drivers can become careless and cause accidents with other motorists. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motor vehicle accident caused by a negligent driver, you shouldn’t have to pay your medical bills and other accident-related expenses.
Discuss your case with a Hollywood car accident lawyer at Kaiser Romanello, P.A., and let us help you get justice and the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Kaiser Romanello, P.A., Hollywood Car Accident Lawyers, for Your Car Accident Claim?
At Kaiser Romanello, P.A., we understand the moments following a collision can overwhelm and confuse you. We provide accident victims in Hollywood, Florida, with the dedicated and experienced legal representation they deserve during these challenging times.
With a proven track record of success, our team of experienced car accident lawyers is committed to helping you navigate the complex legal landscape, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
We deeply understand Florida’s laws and regulations regarding personal injury claims, making us the go-to choice for individuals seeking justice after a car accident. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case consultation, and let us explain how we can help.
How Common Are Car Accidents in Hollywood, Florida?
Motor vehicle accidents happen too often in Florida. Nearly 276,500 car crashes were reported in the state last year, resulting in 176,029 injuries and 2,331 fatalities, according to the latest statistics from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). The Hollywood area had 28,249 car accidents, 17,264 injuries, and 135 fatalities.
What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Hollywood and Broward County?
While car accidents can occur anywhere along the roadways, they often occur at intersections.
Here are some of the most dangerous intersections in and around Hollywood where most accidents occur:
- U.S. Route 441 at Pembroke Road
- Pines Boulevard at Flamingo Road
- NE 26th Street at Federal Highway
- Atlantic Boulevard at Federal Highway
- U.S. Route 27 at Griffin Road
- West Oakland Park Boulevard at Northwest 50th Avenue
- Sunrise Boulevard at Andrews Avenue
Do I Have a Car Accident Case?
To succeed in a car accident negligence case, the plaintiff (the injured party) must demonstrate that the defendant’s negligence was responsible for their damages.
To prove negligence, you must establish the following four elements:
- Duty of Care: The first element is that the driver had a legal duty to exercise a reasonable standard of care while operating their vehicle. In most cases, this duty of care is automatically owed to other drivers, pedestrians, and anyone else sharing the road.
- Breach of Duty: The second element involves demonstrating that the driver breached their duty of care by failing to act as a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances. This could involve speeding, running a red light, failing to yield the right of way, or driving recklessly.
- Causation: You must prove the driver’s breach of duty— their actions or negligence—caused the accident. This may require expert testimony or analysis.
- Damages: The final element is establishing that the accident resulted in damages, typically in the form of physical injuries, property damage, or other losses. In a car accident case, these damages can include medical bills, vehicle repair costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and more, depending on the severity of the injuries.
You may recover compensation for your losses through a personal injury claim or lawsuit if you can prove these elements.
Who May You Hold Liable for a Car Accident in Hollywood?
You might hold various parties liable for a car accident. In some cases, an accident victim may seek compensation from multiple parties. Here are some of the parties you could hold liable for a car accident:
Driver
The most common liable party is the driver whose negligence or recklessness caused the accident. This can include speeding, running a red light, driving under the influence, or any other form of reckless driving.
Vehicle Owner
If the at-fault driver is not the vehicle’s owner, you may hold the owner liable. This is often the case if the owner negligently entrusted the vehicle to someone they knew was an unsafe or inexperienced driver.
Employer
If the at-fault driver acted within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident, you may hold their employer liable. This typically applies to accidents involving commercial vehicles or company cars.
Government Entities
In cases where the condition of the road was a significant factor in the accident, you can hold a government entity responsible for maintaining the road liable. This can include issues like poorly maintained roads, missing or malfunctioning traffic signs, or dangerous road design.
Manufacturers
If a defect in the vehicle caused a car accident, you can hold the manufacturer or the manufacturer of a specific component, such as brakes or airbags, liable. This could involve manufacturing defects, design defects, or failure to warn consumers about potential risks.
Mechanics and Repair Shops
If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure that resulted from negligent maintenance or repairs by a mechanic or repair shop, you can hold them liable.
Passengers
You can hold the passengers in a vehicle liable if they engaged in behaviors that contributed to the accident, such as distracting the driver or encouraging dangerous actions.
Florida Car Accident Laws
Several Florida laws can affect the outcome of a car accident case and the amount of compensation injured victims can recover. Here are a few important ones:
Florida is a No-Fault State
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, so it doesn’t matter who caused the accident. When a car accident injures someone, their own auto insurance covers their medical bills. They can also collect compensation for lost earnings if they miss work due to injuries.
Because Florida is a no-fault state, the state requires all drivers to carry a minimum of $10,000 per accident in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. To claim this benefit, however, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident.
Car accident injuries can result in catastrophic injuries. The accident victim’s injuries may exceed their policy limits in these circumstances. Under Florida law, injured parties may file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance for the cost of any reasonable medical expenses and lost earnings that exceed their policy’s threshold.
Florida also doesn’t allow accident victims to sue at-fault drivers for pain and suffering damages unless their injuries are significant and qualify as permanent under Florida statute, which is defined as:
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
Florida’s Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit in a car accident case.
The statute of limitations gives you two years from the accident to file a lawsuit in a Florida court to seek compensation for injuries, property damage, and other losses resulting from the accident. If you fail to file a lawsuit within these two years, the court will likely dismiss your case.
A few exceptions can shorten or lengthen this timeframe, so contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident so you don’t miss any critical deadlines.
Florida’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Comparative negligence allocates damages when more than one party causes an accident. In cases of shared liability, the court will assess the degree of fault for each party involved in an accident and assign a percentage of fault to each based on their actions leading up to the accident. However, their award for damages will decrease by their percentage of fault.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence standard with a 50 percent bar, which means a plaintiff can only recover damages if they are 49 percent or less at fault for the accident.
This drives home the importance of limiting your conversations with insurance companies and never admitting fault after an accident, even if you think you are partly to blame. Insurance companies may use your words against you to devalue your car accident claim. As always, leave discussions with the insurance company to your lawyer to protect your rights.
How Can a Hollywood Car Accident Lawyer Help with My Car Accident Claim?
A lawyer can help you with your car accident claim by providing legal expertise and guidance. Here are some ways in which a Hollywood car accident lawyer from Kaiser Romanello, P.A., can assist you:
Legal Advice
Our car accident lawyer can explain your rights and options under the law. They can explain the applicable laws and regulations, such as insurance requirements and statutes of limitations.
Gathering Evidence
Our lawyers can collect and preserve crucial evidence related to your accident, including accident reports, witness statements, photographs, medical records, and other documentation to support your claim.
Assessing Liability
Your attorney will investigate the accident to determine fault and liability for your injuries and damages. They may also work with accident reconstruction experts to establish liability.
Calculating Damages
Our lawyers can help you assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. This determines the value of your claim.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. A lawyer from our firm can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to recover fair compensation.
Filing Legal Documents
Your attorney will handle all the necessary paperwork, such as filing a claim with the insurance company, court documents, and any other required legal filings.
Representing You in Court
If your case cannot settle through negotiations or alternative dispute resolution methods, your lawyer can represent you in court, presenting your case to a judge and jury.
Mediation and Settlement
Many car accident cases settle out of court through mediation or negotiation. An experienced lawyer from Kaiser Romanello, P.A., can achieve a favorable settlement and protect your rights.
Handling Legal Deadlines
Strict time limits apply to car accident lawsuits. Missing these deadlines could jeopardize your ability to seek compensation. Your lawyer will meet all deadlines.
Providing Emotional Support
Your car accident lawyer can offer support and guidance, helping you navigate the emotionally challenging legal process while you focus on your recovery.
Understanding of Personal Injury Law
Car accident lawyers understand personal injury law and the nuances of handling such cases. They can use their knowledge and experience to your advantage.
Contingency Fee Arrangement
Our car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win your case. This can make legal representation more accessible to those who may not have the funds to pay upfront legal fees.
Contact the Hollywood Car Accident Lawyers at Kaiser Romanello, P.A., Today
Don’t face the aftermath of a car accident alone. Your path to justice and compensation begins with a simple step – reaching out to Kaiser Romanello, P.A.. Our experienced car accident lawyers in Hollywood, Florida, are here to fight for your rights, provide legal guidance, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at (844) 877-8679 or through our online form for your free consultation. Let us handle your case while you focus on your recovery. We will prioritize your well-being, and we’re ready to champion your cause.
