No one ever expects to be seriously hurt in a motor vehicle accident, but even the safest drivers can be hit by careless motorists who ignore the rules of the road and break traffic laws. The Broward County auto accident lawyers at The Cochran Firm South Florida, serving Miami, Ft Lauderdale, and the Gulf Coast, want you to know that you do not have to face the life-changing consequences of a serious auto accident alone. Our South Florida auto accident attorneys are here to instruct you on the smart steps you can take to help your family get through this turmoil and preserve your quality of life. When you contact our Broward County accident attorneys for guidance, you will receive experienced legal advice and effective help in seeking the compensation you need to get back on your feet.
If you or a family member has suffered severe injuries, such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and back injuries, or reconstructive surgery, as a result of a serious auto accident, you need substantial funds to cover expensive medical bills, lost income, property damage, and all expenses related to the accident. Instead of wondering what you should do next, you can talk to an auto accident lawyer in Miami, Ft Lauderdale, or the Gulf Coast and get answers to all your questions.
It is hard enough to deal with doctors and concentrate on finding the best medical care. Let us handle the accident claim against the insurance company so you can be there for your family as a much-needed source of strength during this difficult time. Make sure you gather all of the information pertaining to the accident, including the accident report, witness information, and medical reports. Set up your no-cost consultation with one of our South Florida accident lawyers right away, and let us take it from there.
Being involved in an auto accident can be overwhelming, but understanding your rights in the state of Florida is essential. At The Cochran Firm South Florida, our dedicated attorneys in Broward County are here to guide you every step of the way and ensure you make informed decisions to protect your future.
From the moment we take your auto accident case, our legal team begins a thorough investigation into the accident. We analyze the scene, assess road conditions, and review traffic patterns that may have contributed to the crash. Our investigators gather critical evidence, including:
We collaborate with accident reconstruction experts to reconstruct the events and determine fault. This meticulous approach strengthens your case and prepares us to counter any insurance company arguments.
Insurance companies often rush to offer settlements that seem appealing but fall short of covering your full losses. These offers typically overlook the following:
Our experienced auto accident attorneys in Broward County, FL carefully evaluate settlement offers to ensure they reflect the full scope of your damages. If negotiations fail to produce a fair outcome, we’re ready to take your case to trial to secure the compensation you deserve.
Florida's no-fault insurance system mandates that your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers your initial medical expenses and lost wages up to $10,000, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, in accidents involving significant harm, these damages often exceed this limit. Our personal injury attorneys in Broward County can help you determine when you can step outside the no-fault system to pursue additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
To file a lawsuit for the full measure of your damages, you must be able to prove you suffered a "serious injury." Under Florida Statute 627.737, this is legally defined as an injury resulting in:
Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence laws, you can recover compensation if you’re less than 50% at fault for the accident. We work diligently to establish liability, identifying factors such as:
In some cases, we may pursue claims against employers or vehicle owners under vicarious liability principles.
Our attorneys have experience handling claims arising from a wide variety of negligent behaviors. We investigate the specific cause of your crash to hold the responsible parties accountable. Common causes include:
The physics of a collision can greatly influence the severity and type of injuries sustained. Our firm is equipped to handle the unique complexities of any motor vehicle accident case, including:
Accurate medical documentation is a cornerstone of your case. We work closely with healthcare providers to ensure all injuries and treatments are properly recorded, including potential long-term complications. By consulting medical experts, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact on your future, which strengthens your claim.
When valuing your auto accident case in Broward County, we pursue two main categories of damages: economic and non-economic. Our goal is to secure a settlement or verdict that accounts for every way the accident has impacted your life.
These are direct, verifiable financial losses you have incurred. We calculate these using medical bills, receipts, and employment records. They include:
Current and Future Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, medication, and any ongoing care you may need.
Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you lost while unable to work during your recovery.
Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or diminish your ability to earn a living in the future, we seek compensation for this projected loss of income.
Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
These damages compensate you for intangible losses that do not have a specific price tag but significantly affect your quality of life. These may include:
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
Mental Anguish: This covers conditions like anxiety, depression, fear, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from the accident.
Loss of Consortium: Compensation available to your spouse for the negative impact the injuries have had on your marital relationship.
Yes. The insurance company for the at-fault driver has one goal: to pay you as little as possible. They have adjusters and lawyers trained to minimize your claim. Hiring an experienced attorney levels the playing field. We know their tactics and how to fight back to demand a settlement that covers not just your current bills, but your future needs as well.
Call a lawyer first. Your first conversation after an accident should be with someone who is on your side. We can advise you on exactly how to report the accident to your insurer without saying anything that could be misinterpreted or used against you later. We then handle all future communications so you can focus on recovery.
It costs you nothing upfront to hire our firm for your auto accident case. We handle all car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means we only collect a fee as a percentage of the total money we recover for you. If we do not win your case, you owe us absolutely nothing.
The timeline varies greatly depending on the complexity of the case. A straightforward case might settle in a few months, while a complex case that goes to trial could take a year or more. Our goal is to resolve your case as efficiently as possible, but we will never sacrifice the value of your claim for a quick settlement.
Be aware: the statute of limitations in Florida has recently changed. For most car accidents, you now have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. If you miss this strict deadline, you will lose your right to seek compensation forever. It is crucial to contact an attorney quickly to protect your rights.
The "51 percent rule" refers to Florida's modified comparative negligence law. It means you cannot recover any compensation if you are found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident. If you are found to be 50% or less at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you have $100,000 in damages but are found 20% at fault, your award would be reduced by 20% to $80,000.
There is no "average" settlement amount, as every case is unique. The value of a settlement depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the total cost of your medical bills and lost wages, the amount of available insurance coverage, and the strength of the evidence proving the other party's fault. An experienced attorney can evaluate these factors to determine what a fair settlement would be for your specific case.
Insurance adjusters look for reasons to devalue or deny your claim. They will look for any inconsistencies in your story, delays in seeking medical treatment, pre-existing injuries, and any statements you make that could suggest you share fault for the accident. This is why it is so important to let your auto accident attorney handle all communications with them.
By having the auto accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm South Florida in Broward County, Miami, Ft Lauderdale, or the Gulf Coast on your side, you greatly improve your odds of getting the financial damages you need and deserve. We will inform you of your rights and review all the details of your case to determine an estimate of what may be fair compensation for your losses.
Once we complete a thorough investigation and assemble crucial evidence, our accident attorneys will fight aggressively until we get the insurance companies to pay what is fair for your personal injury claim. We can account for related expenses you may not even be aware of yet, such as loss of future income, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering. In cases of wrongful death, we can often secure damages for funeral and burial expenses, in addition to emotional suffering for the loss of a loved one. We will not rest until your family is fully compensated with a proper amount that will allow you to move forward from this experience.
For help getting the compensation you deserve after a serious car, truck, or other motor vehicle accident, please contact the auto accident lawyers at The Cochran Firm South Florida in Broward County, Ft Lauderdale, or the Gulf Coast today. Our results-oriented Broward County accident attorneys and support team will use their many years of legal experience to get your family just compensation for devastating injuries.
