Fort Lauderdale packs beach traffic, cruise passengers, airport travelers, and daily commuters into a few busy corridors, and when someone's carelessness causes an injury, the person hurt is left with the bills. Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers represents injured people throughout Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, from our Pompano Beach office just up the road. A meeting with our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys is free of charge; the firm is available 24/7, and our fee is drawn only from compensation we obtain.
Video from businesses, hotel incident reports, and other proof from a Fort Lauderdale injury can disappear within days. Call 561-800-8000, and our team can start preserving that evidence right away.
Which Fort Lauderdale Injury Claims Do We Take On?
We take on the injury claims Fort Lauderdale residents and visitors face most, and each kind of case raises different coverage questions and evidence needs. Our team has been recognized for successful legal representation in claims like these.
Claims we handle in Fort Lauderdale include:
- Car accidents on I-95, I-595, Federal Highway, and Broward Boulevard
- Truck accidents involving freight moving to and from Port Everglades
- Motorcycle accidents along A1A and the beach corridors
- Pedestrian accidents downtown, on Las Olas Boulevard, and near the beach
- Bus accidents involving county transit, shuttles, and charter coaches
- Hit-and-run crashes where the driver flees the scene
- Slip and falls and other premises injuries at stores, hotels, and condos
- Brain injuries and other serious injuries with long recoveries
- Wrongful death claims brought on behalf of grieving families
Every one of these claims has its own rules about who pays and what must be proven. We sort that out early so the case is aimed at the right parties and policies from the start.
How Does a Fort Lauderdale Injury Claim Move From Start to Finish?
A Fort Lauderdale injury claim moves through a series of stages, and the decisions made in the first few weeks often shape what an insurer is willing to pay. Each stage includes tasks that injured people rarely know how to handle while they are recovering.
Opening the Claim
We notify the insurers, open personal injury protection claims where they apply, and make sure no one gives a recorded statement that could be used against you. Early organization keeps medical bills moving while the larger case is built.
Building the Proof
Our team gathers crash and incident reports, video, photos, and statements from witnesses who saw what happened. We also obtain medical records that tie each injury to the incident.
Putting a Value on the Claim
Once treatment is far enough along, we calculate past and future losses, including care you will still need. A demand built on that full picture gives the insurer less room to argue.
Negotiation and Litigation
Many cases resolve through negotiation, and Florida courts often send cases to mediation before trial. When an insurer still refuses to be fair, we file suit in Broward County circuit court, part of Florida's 17th Judicial Circuit.
Where Do Fort Lauderdale Injuries Happen?
Injuries in Fort Lauderdale tend to cluster around the city's busiest roads, tourist areas, and commercial hubs. Knowing the location helps us find cameras, identify the agency that responded, and figure out which property owners or businesses may share responsibility.
I-95, I-595, and the Interchanges
Heavy commuter and freight traffic meets at the interstate interchanges, where sudden slowdowns and lane changes cause serious crashes. Many of these crashes are investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol rather than city police.
Las Olas Boulevard and Downtown
Restaurants, nightlife, and office towers bring crowds of drivers and pedestrians into tight streets. Turning vehicles, parking garages, and crowded sidewalks create risks for people on foot and in cars.
A1A and the Beach
Beachgoers, cyclists, and drivers searching for parking share A1A along the ocean. Hotels, condos, and restaurants nearby add falls and other property injuries to the mix.
Port Everglades and the Airport Area
Trucks, rental cars, shuttles, and rideshare vehicles crowd the roads around the port and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Drivers unfamiliar with the area make sudden turns that lead to collisions.
What Documents Should You Bring to Your First Meeting?
Bringing the right documents to your first meeting lets our team evaluate your claim quickly and spot problems an insurer may try to use. Do not worry if you do not have everything, since we can request many records for you.
Helpful documents to bring include:
- The crash or incident report number, or the agency that responded
- Photos and videos of the scene, your injuries, and any damaged property
- Medical records, bills, and the names of your doctors
- Your own insurance policy and any letters from insurance companies
- Pay stubs or other proof of missed work
- Names and phone numbers of witnesses
If you are unsure whether you even need a lawyer, reviewing the questions to ask before hiring one can help you decide. We are glad to answer those questions during a free consultation.
What Is a Fort Lauderdale Injury Claim Worth?
The value of a Fort Lauderdale injury claim depends on how badly you were hurt, how the injury affects your life, and how much insurance is available. Insurers rarely volunteer the highest number, so the value has to be proven.
The table below shows several factors that move a claim's value and the proof we use for each.
| Factor | Why it matters | Proof we gather |
|---|---|---|
| Severity of the injury | Surgery, permanent limits, and long recoveries raise the value of a claim | Imaging, surgical records, and treating doctor opinions |
| Future medical needs | Ongoing therapy and later procedures can exceed the bills already paid | Treatment plans and cost estimates from providers |
| Effect on work | Missed time and reduced earning ability are recoverable losses | Pay records, tax returns, and employer statements |
| Strength of the liability evidence | Clear proof of fault leaves an insurer less room to negotiate | Reports, video, witness statements, and scene photos |
| Available insurance | Policy limits often cap what can realistically be collected | Policy disclosures and searches for additional coverage |
Each factor can be argued in either direction, which is why the evidence behind it matters as much as the injury itself.
Factors That Raise or Lower Value
Serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and spinal damage generally lead to larger claims. Clear liability, strong medical documentation, and available policy limits also matter.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering can be a large part of a serious claim, but it must be shown through medical records, testimony, and examples from daily life. In most car crash cases, section 627.737 requires proof of a permanent injury before these damages are available.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Having an old injury does not prevent you from bringing a personal injury claim when the new incident made it worse. Medical records from before and after help show how much the incident changed your condition.
Shared Fault and Filing Deadlines in Broward County
Under section 768.81(6), whatever share of fault a Broward jury assigns to you is taken off the award, and a share above half ends the claim. Insurers in Broward County often argue speed, distraction, or poor judgment to raise that percentage.
An I-595 Example
Suppose a driver merges into your lane on I-595, and your damages are valued at $340,000. If a jury assigns you 15% of the fault for following too closely, your recovery is $289,000.
Your Deadline
Injuries on or after March 24, 2023, usually must be brought to court within two years under section 95.11(5)(a). Claims against the city or county require written notice first, and other exceptions can change the timeline.
Reports and Social Media
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department investigates most incidents in the city, and the Florida Highway Patrol handles many interstate crashes. It also helps to avoid discussing the accident online, since posts and photos can be used against you.
Results Built on Preparation and Persistence
Many of our clients came to us facing surgery, months of therapy, and time away from work. These are some of the recoveries we secured to help them rebuild:
- $794,000 for left ankle surgery and spine injuries
- $500,000 for a brain injury and orthopedic injuries
- $200,000 for a lumbar injury
- $120,000 for spinal injuries
How much any claim brings depends on its own medical proof, facts, and coverage, so these results do not predict a future outcome.
What Fort Lauderdale Clients Get With Frankl Kominsky
Fort Lauderdale clients choose Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers because we treat every claim as one that could go to trial, which is often what it takes to get an insurer to pay fairly. Our Pompano Beach office on West McNab Road is a short drive north, and we also meet by phone or video.
What clients can expect:
- A lawyer who personally leads the case and keeps them updated
- Over $250 million recovered for injured clients
- 60+ years of combined injury law experience
- An A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
- Recognition from Super Lawyers and National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
- Media coverage from the Sun Sentinel, CBS, and NBC
- Staff fluent in Spanish and Creole
Schedule your free case review by calling 561-800-8000.
Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Questions
Will my Fort Lauderdale injury case go to mediation?
Many Florida injury lawsuits go through mediation, where a neutral mediator helps both sides try to reach a settlement before trial. Mediation is not binding unless both sides agree to a settlement, and your lawyer attends with you to evaluate any offer.
How do contingency fees work in a Florida injury case?
Under a contingency fee agreement, a Florida injury lawyer is paid a percentage of the recovery rather than an hourly rate. If there is no recovery, the client generally owes no attorney fee, and the written agreement explains how case costs are handled.
What happens if the person who injured me dies before the case is resolved?
In Florida, an injury claim generally does not end because the at-fault person dies. The claim can usually proceed against that person's estate and any insurance coverage that was in place.
Can I bring a claim for an injury at a Fort Lauderdale beach or city park?
Yes, if a hazard the city should have fixed caused your injury at a Fort Lauderdale beach facility or park, the City of Fort Lauderdale may be responsible. These claims require written notice to the city and are subject to the limits on government liability in section 768.28.
How soon will I receive money after my case settles?
After a Florida injury case settles, the release must be signed, the payment processed, and any medical liens resolved before funds are distributed. The timing varies, and your lawyer should explain each step and the amounts deducted.
Moving Forward in Fort Lauderdale
An injury can turn ordinary routines in Fort Lauderdale into a string of appointments, missed shifts, and unanswered questions. You should not have to sort out the insurance side while you heal.
Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers is ready to carry that load for you. One call to 561-800-8000, any time of day, gets you a free conversation with a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney about where your case stands.