Parkland Car Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured in a car accident in Parkland, you may be entitled to compensation. The Parkland car accident attorneys at Zimmerman & Frachtman, P.A. can help you get the compensation you deserve. We have been helping car accident victims in Parkland and throughout Florida for nearly 30 years. We have the knowledge, skills, and resources to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your claim.

Call (954) 504-6577 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys in Parkland.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

A car accident, also known as a traffic accident or motor vehicle accident (MVA), is an event in which a motor vehicle collides with another vehicle, object, pedestrian, or animal, resulting in damage, injuries, or fatalities. Car accidents can range from minor fender benders to severe, high-impact crashes. They can happen on roads, highways, streets, and parking lots, and can involve various types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. 

Common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of accidents, distracted driving occurs when a driver diverts their attention away from the road. Common distractions include texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or using in-car entertainment systems.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver's reaction time and increases the severity of accidents. Speeding contributes to many accidents and fatalities on the road.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications impairs a driver's judgment, reflexes, and decision-making, making them more likely to be involved in an accident.
• Reckless Driving: This includes aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and ignoring traffic laws. These actions can lead to accidents and road rage incidents.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Disobeying traffic signals and signs can lead to dangerous collisions at intersections.
• Fatigue: Driving while drowsy or fatigued can impair a driver's alertness and reaction time, leading to accidents, especially on long road trips.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Novice drivers, especially teenagers, may lack the skills and experience needed to navigate complex driving situations safely.
• Mechanical Failures: Vehicle malfunctions, such as brake failures, tire blowouts, and engine problems, can lead to accidents.
• Aggressive Driving: Aggressive behaviors like road rage, tailgating, and aggressive passing maneuvers can lead to accidents.
• Failure to Yield Right of Way: Failing to yield the right of way at intersections or during lane changes can result in accidents.
• Construction Zones: Accidents can happen in construction zones due to reduced lanes, unclear signage, and changing road conditions.
• Medical Emergencies: Sudden health issues like heart attacks, seizures, or blackouts while driving can lead to accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather, such as rain, snow, ice, fog, and heavy winds, can reduce visibility and road traction, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and insufficient signage can contribute to accidents.

Florida Car Accident Laws

Florida is a no-fault insurance state. This means that after an accident, each driver's own insurance company is generally responsible for paying their medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is mandatory for Florida drivers, and it covers these expenses.

Florida drivers are required to have a minimum level of insurance coverage to cover property damage and personal injury. The minimum coverage requirements include $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL).

Florida has a "serious injury threshold" that allows individuals to file a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance and seek compensation outside the no-fault system. To do so, the injured party must meet specific criteria for what the state considers a "serious injury."

The serious injury threshold typically involves the following conditions:

• Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
• Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability
• Permanent or significant scarring or disfigurement

If an individual's injuries meet one or more of these criteria, they may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for additional compensation beyond what is covered by their own PIP insurance. This lawsuit can seek damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other losses that exceed the PIP limits.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Parkland

Knowing what to do after a car accident can help protect your rights and improve your chances of getting compensation for your injuries. Here are some steps to take after a car accident in Parkland:

• Check for injuries: Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 for emergency medical help.
• Move to safety: If you can, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
• Call the police: Call the police and report the accident. The police will create an accident report, which can be useful when filing an insurance claim or lawsuit.
• Exchange information: Get the names, contact information, and insurance information of the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Also, get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
• Take pictures: Take pictures of the accident scene, including the damage to the vehicles, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
• Get medical attention: Even if you don’t think you are injured, it is important to get a medical evaluation after a car accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash and traumatic brain injuries, may not have symptoms right away. A medical evaluation can help identify any hidden injuries and ensure you get the treatment you need.
• Report the accident to your insurance company: Call your insurance company and report the accident. Provide them with the basic details of the accident, but do not give a recorded statement or admit fault.
• Keep a file: Keep a file with all the documents related to the accident, including the accident report, medical records, and any correspondence with the insurance company.
• Call a car accident attorney: An experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate the claims process and ensure your rights are protected.

Following these steps can make a significant difference in the aftermath of a car accident. Acting swiftly and efficiently not only helps in documenting the incident accurately but also strengthens your position when dealing with insurance adjusters and legal representatives.

How to Deal with Insurance After a Car Accident 

After a car accident in Parkland, you will likely have to deal with the insurance company. Here are some tips for dealing with the insurance company after a car accident:

• Report the accident: Call your insurance company and report the accident. Provide them with the basic details of the accident, but do not give a recorded statement or admit fault.
• Get a copy of the accident report: The insurance company will want a copy of the accident report. Make sure to get a copy of the accident report and provide it to the insurance company.
• Get a medical evaluation: Even if you don’t think you are injured, it is important to get a medical evaluation after a car accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash and traumatic brain injuries, may not have symptoms right away. A medical evaluation can help identify any hidden injuries and ensure you get the treatment you need.
• Follow your doctor’s orders: Follow your doctor’s orders and get the treatment you need. If you fail to get the treatment you need, the insurance company may argue that you are not as injured as you claim.
• Keep a file: Keep a file with all the documents related to the accident, including the accident report, medical records, and any correspondence with the insurance company.
• Do not give a recorded statement: The insurance company may ask you to give a recorded statement. You are not required to give a recorded statement, and it is generally not in your best interest to do so. The insurance company may try to use your statement against you and argue that you are partially or fully at fault for the accident.
• Do not accept the first settlement offer: The insurance company may offer you a settlement shortly after the accident. However, the first settlement offer is usually much lower than what your claim is worth. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you determine the value of your claim and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.

Navigating insurance claims can be a complex and exhausting process for those unfamiliar with the system. Insurance companies often seek to minimize payouts; thus, knowing your rights and understanding the tactics they employ can prove beneficial in securing a fair settlement.

Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer 

Car accident victims in Parkland are not required to hire a lawyer. However, hiring a car accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. Here are some reasons why you need a car accident lawyer in Parkland:

• Investigate the accident: An experienced car accident lawyer can investigate the accident and gather evidence to prove liability. This may include reviewing the accident report, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts.
• Calculate the value of your claim: An experienced car accident lawyer can help you determine the value of your claim. This may include calculating the cost of medical treatment, estimating future medical expenses, and determining the impact of the injuries on your life.
• Negotiate with the insurance company: The insurance company is not on your side. They will try to pay you as little as possible for your claim. An experienced car accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company and fight for your rights.
• File a lawsuit: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, an experienced car accident lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf. Filing a lawsuit can help put pressure on the insurance company and improve your chances of getting a fair settlement.
• Represent you in court: Most car accident claims in Parkland are settled out of court. However, if your claim goes to court, an experienced car accident lawyer can represent you in court and fight for your rights.

Beyond the essential legal support, having knowledgeable attorneys like those at Zimmerman & Frachtman, P.A. means you are choosing a dedicated team who understands the intricacies of local ordinances and insurance challenges specific to Parkland.

Understanding Collision Factors Unique to Parkland

Parkland, known for its residential beauty and community-driven lifestyle, is not immune to traffic hurdles that can result in accidents. One of the unique factors affecting collisions in this area includes its mix of suburban and semi-rural roads, which often have varying speed limits and traffic volumes. Residents and visitors alike must acclimate to swift transitions from densely to sparsely populated areas. Many local roads offer limited visibility due to scenic parks and sprawling trees, requiring enhanced driver attentiveness, especially during early morning and dusk.

Another local consideration is the influx of tourist and commuter traffic from nearby urban centers, particularly during peak vacation periods and weekends. This surge can lead to increased congestion on typically quiet roads, demanding patience and cautious navigation. With several popular tourist attractions around Parkland, drivers should be prepared for erratic driving commonly associated with unfamiliarity. These local conditions underline drivers' need to exercise increased caution and apply defensive driving techniques tailored to the Parkland traverse.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Claim?

One common mistake is failing to report the accident to your insurance company promptly, which can complicate your ability to receive compensation. Another frequent oversight is accepting the first settlement offer without consulting a lawyer. Insurers often aim to minimize payouts with quick, low-value offers. It’s crucial to have a professional review the full impact of your injuries and losses. Additionally, not seeking medical attention immediately can be detrimental; some injuries may not be evident right away but can become serious later. Documentation is another critical element; failing to record all relevant accident details, from witness statements to photographic evidence, could weaken your claim. These errors can be mitigated by professional legal guidance.

Is Hiring a Lawyer Worth It for a Minor Accident?

Even in minor accidents, hiring a lawyer can be beneficial and potentially save you from future legal troubles. While it might seem straightforward, minor accidents can lead to hidden damages or injuries that manifest over time. Attorneys are skilled in uncovering the full breadth of potential issues that might not be apparent immediately. Moreover, insurance companies may attempt to dispute your claims or the severity of damage to reduce compensation. Having a lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to negotiate on your behalf and fight for rightful compensation. They provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on recovery rather than legal complexities.

What if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

Encountering an uninsured driver in an accident can be challenging, but options are available. Initially, your own policy's uninsured motorist coverage may offer relief. This optional coverage can compensate for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages typically sought from the at-fault driver's insurance. It's vital to report the incident to law enforcement to document liability. Partnering with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can also expand potential strategies for compensation, whether through your insurer or other legal avenues. Experts in local accident law, like those at Zimmerman & Frachtman, P.A., can offer invaluable assistance in navigating these complex proceedings.

How Can I Prove Another Driver Was Negligent?

Proving another driver's negligence involves compiling comprehensive evidence and demonstrating how their actions, or lack thereof, breached the expected duty of care. Essential elements include police reports documenting the accident scene and behavior, witness testimonies offering third-party perspectives, and photographic evidence illustrating the accident's aftermath. An attorney can further bolster your position by reconstructing the accident or consulting expert testimonies. Establishing prior incidents of reckless behavior or recorded traffic violations of the other driver can also support claims of negligence. Zimmerman & Frachtman, P.A. can provide the resources and proficiency necessary to gather this information efficiently, bolstering your efforts to hold the negligent party accountable.