If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, you may see the medical bills piling up and wonder how youāll pay them while youāre out of work recovering. You deserve to have a legal advocate on your side to ease this burden. A Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney from Meldon Law will take on your fight like it were our own.
We serve our clients with compassion and integrity during one of the most challenging times of their lives. We understand how to seek the compensation you deserve under Florida law, and we are ready to fight to protect your rights.
As soon as your injuries are stable after a car accident, aĀ Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can help you. The team at Meldon Law works hard to stand up for injured car accident victims. To learn more about your legal options in Florida after a wreck, call us 24/7 or contact us online.
How Our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyers Can Help with Your Case
After a crash in Fort Lauderdale, you may be dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, missed work, medical bills, and calls from insurance adjusters. At Meldon Law, our team guides you through the process from your first call to the final settlement or verdict.
Step 1: We Listen to What Happened
Your case starts with a conversation. We take the time to understand where the crash occurred, how it happened, what injuries you suffered, and how the accident has affected your work, family, and daily life. From the beginning, our goal is to give you clear answers and compassionate guidance.
Step 2: We Identify the Key Issues in Your Claim
A Fort Lauderdale car accident case may involve distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, rideshare crashes, rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, uninsured drivers, or multi-vehicle crashes. We review the facts and determine what must be proven to hold the responsible party accountable.
Step 3: We Gather Local Evidence
Our team works to secure the evidence needed to support your claim. This may include Fort Lauderdale Police Department crash reports, Broward County records, witness statements, photos, videos, dashcam footage, vehicle damage, traffic camera footage, and evidence from crash scenes near I-95, US-1, Broward Boulevard, Sunrise Boulevard, Las Olas Boulevard, or other local roads.
Step 4: We Help Protect Your Florida PIP Claim
Florida car accident cases often begin with Personal Injury Protection coverage. We help you understand the importance of getting medical care quickly, documenting your injuries, and protecting your right to available no-fault benefits under Florida law.
Step 5: We Build Proof of Your Injuries and Losses
Insurance companies may try to minimize your injuries or argue that your treatment is unrelated to the crash. We collect and organize medical records, bills, treatment plans, lost wage documentation, repair estimates, and other proof showing how the accident affected your health and finances.
Step 6: We Analyze Fault Under Florida Law
Because Florida uses a modified comparative fault system, insurance companies may try to shift blame onto you. We push back with evidence that shows what really happened and work to protect your claim from unfair fault arguments.
Step 7: We Handle the Insurance Company
You do not have to deal with adjusters on your own. Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers handle communication with the insurance companies, respond to disputes, and work to prevent low settlement offers from undervaluing your case.
Step 8: We Negotiate for a Fair Settlement
Once we understand the full extent of your damages, we will prepare a strong demand for compensation. This may include medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning ability, pain and suffering, property damage, future care needs, and other losses caused by the crash.
Step 9: We Take Your Case to Court
Many car accident cases settle, but some require litigation. If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, Meldon Law can file a lawsuit and prepare your case for court. Our approach is built on a commitment to helping you pursue the best possible outcome.
If you were injured in a crash, contact Meldon Law today. An experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer from our team can review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward recovery.
Why You Should Hire Meldon Law for Your Case
When you suffer injuries in a car accident, Florida law allows you to seek compensation from the at-fault party or parties. You can accomplish this by filing a claim with the at-fault driverās insurance company or by hiring a Florida personal injury lawyer to fight against them in civil court. Serving injury victims isnāt just our job, itās our calling. So hereās why clients in Fort Lauderdale choose us!
We Fight to Get You Compensation
One of the biggest problems those who choose to represent themselves in a car accident claim will face is needing to understand the full value of their claim. The insurance company may offer you a quick settlement that youāll be eager to accept to cover your immediate expenses, but there may be future costs you did not anticipate.
Once you sign a lowball settlement agreement, you will be stuck covering those costs on your own.
On the other hand, a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer from Meldon Law will calculate your current and future damages, considering everything from the cost of medically necessary transportation to missed opportunities at work. We want to ensure your accident-related costs are covered now and in the future.
Meldon Law Gets Results
These are just some of the settlements and verdicts we obtained for our clients in 2023 in their auto accident claims:
We Can File Car Accident Wrongful Death Claims in Fort Lauderdale on Your Behalf
According to Florida Statutes § 768.19, a wrongful death claim can arise when an individual dies due to a āwrongful act, negligence, default, or breach of contract or warranty of any person.ā
Per Florida Statutes §768.21, the personal representative or executor of the decedentās estate may file the claim on behalf of any surviving family members. Those who may benefit include the decedentās spouse, children, parents, and dependent blood relatives.
Common damages in a wrongful death claim include medical costs, funeral and burial costs, lost income, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering. If you lost a loved one in a Fort Lauderdale car accident caused by someone elseās negligence, a wrongful death attorney in your area can help you understand how Floridaās wrongful death laws apply to your situation.
We Will Fight for You in Court
At Meldon Law, our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers secure justice for those injured due to the negligence of others. Suppose the insurance company fails to offer a satisfactory settlement. In that case, we will represent you in court, leveraging our experience and proven track record to pursue the best possible outcome. Our car accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale understand the complexities of Floridaās legal system and take a personalized approach to each case.
Meldon CARES About Your Recovery
At Meldon Law, our work is guided by the values behind Meldon CARES: compassion, accountability, reliability, excellence, and a success-driven approach. For Fort Lauderdale car accident victims, that means you are treated like a person with real concerns, not just another claim number.
Our team brings years of experience handling Florida injury cases and understands how local roads, insurers, medical documentation, and state laws can affect your recovery. From your first call, we focus on making the process easier, clearer, and less stressful.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations so you can understand your rights before making any decisions. We also handle car accident cases on a contingency-fee basis, which means you pay no attorneyās fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Damages Your Car Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Can Recover for You
The losses from car accident injuries can be devastating and life-changing. Your car accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale will collaborate with our spinal cord injury legal team, our catastrophic injury attorneys, and our traumatic brain injury lawyers to ensure your claim covers all economic and non-economic damages.Ā
Medical bills often cause economic hardship, especially when combined with other losses you may incur. Your Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney can pursue the following losses on your behalf:
Medical Costs
The extent of your medical costs will depend on the nature and severity of your injuries. If your injuries will require ongoing treatment, the cost of those future treatments may also be compensable, and your Fort Lauderdale car wreck attorney can help you estimate your future medical-related losses.
Lost Wages
Injuries from car accidents can force you to miss work for a significant time. Some injuries require extensive medical care, including surgery, and may be so severe that they require a strict rest period for days or weeks. Other injuries may prevent you from performing at your job, especially if your duties involve heavy lifting or physical activity.
If you suffer permanent impairments, you may be unable to return to the same job and must seek a lower-paying position. Our auto accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale, FL, can include all these past and future lost wages in your car accident losses.
Intangible Losses
In addition to financial losses, car accidents can cause many intangible losses (non-economic damages), like pain and suffering and emotional trauma. You may also experience a temporary or permanent loss of enjoyment of life if you have to limit your everyday activities significantly or change jobs or if you experience any long-lasting disabilities, disfigurement, or impairments. Rest assured that our car crash attorneys in Fort Lauderdale will calculate these losses to a T, fighting to maximize your settlement.Ā
Injured in a Car Accident? Contact a Fort Lauderdale Lawyer Today!
Call UsWho Can You Sue for Damages in a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Claim?
One or more parties may share fault in your car accident. For example, the at-fault driver could have been driving recklessly, but they also could have had a defective tire that contributed to the wreck. In such a case, both the driver and the tire manufacturer could be held liable.
Potentially negligent parties in a Fort Lauderdale car accident case may include the following:
- Drivers, when engaging in unsafe or inattentive behavior such as speeding, driving distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, disregarding traffic laws, or being reckless.
- Employers are responsible for the improper hiring or training of an employee who causes an accident while driving within the scope of their employment.
- Vehicle manufacturers or distributors, when a defect in a vehicle or one of its components, such as faulty brakes, causes an accident.
- Government entities are responsible for designing, constructing, or maintaining the road when an accident occurs due to hazardous road conditions, a lack of signage, or inadequate road maintenance.
When you consult with a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer from Meldon Law, we can help you identify the negligent parties and pursue a legal compensation claim. We will examine your caseās specific facts and advise you on proceeding. Our car accident injury lawyers know how to prove negligence and determine liability, and we will give you as much relevant information as possible.
Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents Our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorneys Represent
Various types of motor vehicle accidents can occur on Fort Lauderdale roads. Some common types of accident claims our Florida car accident lawyers represent include:
- Rear-end collisions: These occur when one vehicle hits another from behind, often due to unsafe driving, including tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden braking.
- Head-on collisions: These car accidents occur when the front ends of two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide. They often result when one driver crosses into opposing traffic or drives the wrong way on a one-way street.
- Side-impact collisions (T-bones): These accidents occur when the front end of one vehicle impacts the side of another. They often happen at intersections when one driver fails to yield the right-of-way or runs a red light.
- Sideswipes: When the sides of two vehicles come into contact while traveling parallel to each other, this is called a sideswipe accident. These accidents often happen during lane changes when drivers fail to check blind spots or improperly merge into another lane.
- Rollover accidents: Rollovers occur when a motor vehicle flips onto its side or roof and often involve larger vehicles with a comparatively high center of gravity, such as vans, trucks, and SUVs. They are commonly associated with speeding, aggressive maneuvers, abrupt swerving, or any accident that causes a vehicle to lose balance.
- Multi-vehicle pileups: These accidents involve multiple vehicles and often occur on highways or freeways. They frequently result from unfavorable weather, poor visibility, or chain reactions following an initial collision.
- Pedestrian or bicycle accidents: These accidents involve a vehicle colliding with a pedestrian or bicyclist. They often occur at crosswalks, intersections, or when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians or bicyclists who share the road.
- Hit-and-run accidents: Hit-and-run accidents refer to collisions in which one or more drivers leave the scene without stopping to provide information or assistance. This is illegal, per Florida Statutes § 316.06.
Itās important to remember that each accident is unique. Regardless of the type of accident youāve experienced, consulting with a Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney may benefit you. They can investigate the facts of your case and provide you with feedback regarding your legal rights and options.
Common Injuries Your Car Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Can Help You File a Claim for
Car accidents are associated with injuries that vary in severity depending on factors such as how fast each vehicle traveled, the points of impact, and if those involved were wearing seat belts. If another partyās negligence caused your accident, you may end up with serious injuries and serious bills that youāll need help covering.
The following are some common types of car accident injuries you may be able to get compensation for with the help of our car accident attorneys in Venice of America:
- Whiplash: This injury occurs when a personās head is forcefully jerked back and forth, causing strain on the neck muscles and ligaments.
- Broken bones: The impact and force exerted during a collision can lead to fractures, especially in the wrists, arms, legs, and ribs.
- Back injuries: The sudden impact of a car accident can result in back injuries, including herniated discs, spinal fractures, and strains.
- Head injuries: These range in severity from minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries.
- Soft tissue injuries: These injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons and can include sprains, strains, and bruises.
- Cuts and lacerations: Broken glass, sharp metal, or objects inside the vehicle can cause skin cuts and lacerations.
- Internal injuries: The impact of a car accident can cause damage to internal organs, leading to internal bleeding or organ damage.
- Psychological injuries: Car accidents can result in long-lasting psychological injuries, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Even if you donāt believe you are seriously injured after a car crash, getting medical assistance immediately is crucial. In some cases, injuries may not manifest symptoms right away, and prompt medical attention can help identify the injury and provide effective treatment.
If you donāt go to the emergency room, follow up with a medical professional to assess and treat your injuries as soon as possible. This will create a medical record, which your Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer will use to prove your claim.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?
As of March 24, 2023, Florida Statute § 95.11 states that the statute of limitations to file a car accident injury claim is two years from the date of the crash, with certain exceptions for minors and in other circumstances. Prior to that date, the time limit to file a claim in Florida was four years. Now the time limit is just half that.
Now more than ever, it is essential to consult a Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney as soon as possible if youāre considering filing a claim.
Failing to file a car accident injury claim within this critical two-year window will result in your forfeiting your right to recover compensation under Florida law in most cases. Contact a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer at Meldon Law as soon as possible, and have them handle your case!
Get a Free Consultation With a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer
Car accident injuries can change your life, and you should not have to bear the burden of your financial losses alone. When you have our personal injury law firm standing by your side, you wonāt have to.
Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys at Meldon Law can evaluate your losses and advise you on your best financial recovery options. Call our office or contact us online for a free consultation today.
Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorneys and Cases: FAQs
Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys frequently handle questions about the legal process, insurance claims, and what to expect in a car accident case. From understanding liability and coverage issues to maximizing your compensation, weāre here to provide clear answers and guidance. Explore our FAQs to learn more about your rights and options after an accident.
What Should I Do after a Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale?
After a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, your first step should always be ensuring safety. Check yourself and others for injuries, and call 911 right away if anyone needs medical help. Florida law also requires police involvement if the crash causes more than $500 in damage. If itās safe, move vehicles out of traffic to avoid additional accidents.
While at the scene, collect crucial evidence by taking photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any injuries. Be sure to exchange insurance and contact details with the other driver, and if possible, get witness statements. Cooperating with the police officer on-site is also key, as their report will be an essential part of your claim.
Once you leave the scene, itās critical to seek medical care within 14 days to preserve eligibility for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits and to create a record of your injuries. Even if you donāt feel seriously hurt, some injuries may not appear until later. Notify your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process. To protect your rights and pursue fair compensation, itās wise to speak with a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer at Meldon Law as soon as possible. An experienced attorney from our firm will guide you through the legal process, handle communications with insurers, and help you focus on recovery.
What Is Floridaās 14-Day Accident Rule?
Under Floridaās 14-Day Accident Rule, enacted in 2013 as part of Statute 627.736, individuals seeking Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits must receive initial medical care within 14 days of the car accident. This requirement ensures eligibility for PIP coverage, which helps cover medical expenses and other related costs.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Meldon Law Car Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale?
You donāt have to pay up front any attorney fees for an auto accident case since Meldon Lawās Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers take cases on a contingency fee basis. Only when we are successful in getting you compensation do we get paid. Regardless of your financial circumstances, our strategy guarantees that you have access to high-quality legal counsel. We also offer complimentary consultations to review your case and determine the best course of action.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Case in Fort Lauderdale?
The time it takes to settle a car accident case in Fort Lauderdale depends on various factors unique to each situation. The process may range from a few weeks to several months or even longer, depending on the severity of your injuries, the time needed for recovery, the complexity of the investigation, and the compensation being pursued. At Meldon Law, we work diligently to close cases efficiently while ensuring you get full compensation.
Meldon Law
Address: 1 E Broward Blvd Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, United States
Phone: 352-373-8000
Opening Hours: Call Us 24/7 For Legal Help
