An unexpected injury can affect a person’s health, ability to work and financial stability. A Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney can investigate what happened, identify potentially responsible parties, preserve relevant evidence and communicate with insurance companies. If another party’s negligence caused an injury, contact Jacobson Injury Firm today for a free consultation about the circumstances of the claim.
This gap between what the law actually says and what many drivers assume becomes important the moment a crash happens. Insurance adjusters, and sometimes even responding officers, default to blaming the cyclist for riding in the roadway without checking whether one of the statutory exceptions applied.
Personal Injury Claims in Fort Lauderdale
A personal injury claim may arise when another person’s negligent or wrongful conduct causes someone to suffer harm. These claims can result from car crashes, truck accidents, motorcycle collisions, unsafe property conditions and other incidents..
A negligence claim generally requires evidence showing that another party’s conduct caused the injury and resulting losses. Police reports, photographs, medical records, witness statements, video footage and other documents may help establish what happened.
The circumstances of each case are different. The investigation may also need to consider whether more than one person or business could share responsibility for the injury.
Types of Injury Cases
Personal injury claims can involve many different situations. Jacobson Injury Firm handles serious injury matters involving:
- Car accidents caused by negligent or reckless drivers
- Truck accidents involving commercial vehicles
- Motorcycle accidents resulting in serious injuries
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents involving vehicles
- Premises liability claims involving dangerous property conditions
- Rideshare accidents involving services such as Uber or Lyft
- Catastrophic injuries that have lasting effects on a person’s life
- Wrongful death claims arising from fatal injuries caused by negligence
The evidence required can vary depending on the type of accident. A commercial truck crash, for example, may involve trucking records and multiple potentially responsible parties, while a property injury may focus on the condition of the premises and whether the property owner had notice of the hazard.
For accident-related claims, official crash records from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles crash report system may provide important information about reported collisions.
How Does a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorney Reviews Fault?
A Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney can review the facts and evidence surrounding an incident to help determine who may be responsible. Depending on the case, this may include photographs, accident reports, medical records, witness accounts, video recordings, vehicle information, property records, or other documentation.
An insurance company’s initial position does not necessarily establish who was legally responsible. Evidence may show that another person or business contributed to the incident.
Florida’s comparative fault law can also affect a claim. Under Florida Statutes § 768.81, a person’s recovery in a negligence action can be reduced based on that person’s share of fault. A party found more than 50% at fault for their own harm generally cannot recover damages under the statute.
What Compensation May Be Available?
An injury can create financial and personal losses that continue after the accident. Depending on the circumstances, a claim may involve compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional harm
- Disability or disfigurement
The damages available in a particular case depend on the facts, the nature of the injury and the evidence supporting the claimed losses. Medical expenses may represent only part of the financial impact when an injury affects a person’s ability to work or perform normal activities.
What Should Someone Do After an Injury?
Medical attention should be sought after an accident, particularly when an injury is suspected. Medical records can document the condition and treatment following the incident.
An injured person should also preserve information related to the accident. This may include photographs, accident reports, medical records, bills, insurance information and witness contact information.
Insurance companies may also request information about an accident or injury. Before providing detailed statements, an injured person should understand what information is being requested and how it relates to the claim.
How Long Does a Personal Injury Claim Take?
There is no single timeline for every personal injury claim. The length of a case can depend on the severity of the injuries, the available evidence, whether fault is disputed, the parties involved and whether the claim is resolved through negotiation or litigation.
Some claims may resolve through an insurance settlement. Others may require a lawsuit when the parties cannot agree on responsibility or the value of the claim.
The filing deadline is another factor that should not be overlooked. Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, an action founded on negligence generally must be commenced within two years. The statute contains different deadlines and exceptions for other types of claims, so the applicable deadline depends on the circumstances.
When Should Someone Contact an Attorney?
Legal guidance can be useful when an injury is serious, fault is disputed, several parties may be involved or an insurance company is questioning the claim. An early review can also help identify evidence that may be relevant to the case.
Jacobson Injury Firm takes a hands-on approach to personal injury matters, with Attorney Adam Jacobson personally handling cases from the initial consultation through resolution.
If someone has been injured because of another party’s negligence, a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney can review the circumstances, explain the available options and help pursue the claim. Contact Jacobson Injury Firm today to schedule a free consultation and discuss the next steps.
