Car Accident Attorney Fort Lauderdale

A car accident attorney represents victims of motor vehicle collisions to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by another driver's negligence. South Florida — including Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Monroe counties — consistently ranks among the most dangerous regions in the United States for motor vehicle accidents, with thousands of crashes occurring each year on I-95, the Turnpike, US-1, and local roads. Stewart Valencia P.A. is a Fort Lauderdale car accident law firm representing injured victims throughout South Florida. Attorney Stewart Valencia has an AV Preeminent rating, 28+ years of litigation experience, and has tried more than 100 cases to verdict. Call (954) 924-0200 for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions: Car Accident Attorney in Fort Lauderdale

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Broward County?

Immediately after a car accident: Call 911 and report the accident — a police report is essential for your claim. Check for injuries and seek medical treatment even if you feel fine (injuries may not be immediately apparent). Exchange information with all drivers: name, license, insurance, and registration. Photograph all vehicles, road conditions, injuries, and any relevant signage. Get witness contact information. Do not admit fault or apologize — even a casual "I'm sorry" can be used against you. Contact a car accident attorney before speaking with the other driver's insurance company.

How does Florida's no-fault insurance (PIP) affect my car accident claim?

Florida is a no-fault state, meaning your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers your medical bills up to $10,000 and 60% of lost wages — regardless of who caused the accident. However, to step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver for additional compensation, your injuries must meet Florida's "serious injury" threshold: significant and permanent loss of a bodily function, permanent injury, significant scarring or disfigurement, or death. You must also seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to preserve PIP benefits.

What is the statute of limitations for car accident claims in Florida?

Under Florida law (modified in 2023), the statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from car accidents is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, claims involving government vehicles may have shorter notice requirements (often 3 years for the notice of claim). Missing the deadline permanently bars your right to recover. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident to preserve your rights and the evidence.

What compensation can I recover after a car accident in Florida?

After a car accident in Florida, you may be entitled to recover: Medical expenses (past and future) including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and therapy; Lost wages and diminished earning capacity; Property damage to your vehicle; Pain and suffering; Loss of enjoyment of life; Emotional distress; Loss of consortium; and Punitive damages if the at-fault driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs or acted with intentional misconduct. A car accident attorney evaluates all potential damages to maximize your recovery.

Should I accept the insurance company's settlement offer after a car accident?

No — almost never without consulting an attorney first. Insurance companies are businesses that aim to minimize payouts. Their initial settlement offer is almost always far below the true value of your case. Once you sign a release, you permanently waive all future claims against the at-fault driver — even if your injuries worsen or require additional surgery. An experienced car accident attorney negotiates aggressively on your behalf and has the trial experience to litigate if the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation.

Why choose Stewart Valencia P.A. as your car accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale?

Attorney Stewart Valencia is not a settlement mill — he is an AV Preeminent-rated trial lawyer with 100+ cases tried to verdict. Insurance companies know he will take a case to trial, which gives him significant negotiating leverage. He provides full bilingual service in English and Spanish, serves all of South Florida from his Fort Lauderdale office, and accepts car accident cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless he recovers for you. Call (954) 924-0200 or (305) 792-8580 for a free consultation.

Serving Car Accident Victims Throughout Broward County and South Florida

Stewart Valencia P.A. represents car accident victims from Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, and all Broward County municipalities. The firm also handles cases in Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Monroe counties. Car accident cases in Broward County are filed in the Broward County Circuit Court, 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale. Call (954) 924-0200 for a free consultation — we come to you if you cannot travel.