Hurt in a Fort Lauderdale crash and suddenly juggling pain, medical bills, and calls from the insurance company? Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers step in to deal with the adjusters, fight for every dollar you’re owed, and you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
- 4.9★ | 2,000+ Local Reviews
- $2+ Billion Recovered for Injured Clients
- Since 1997 | Tens of Thousands of Families Helped
No pressure, no upfront fees, just real answers about your options and what we can do to help you move forward.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
After a crash, everything hits at once: pain, medical bills, missed work, and an insurance adjuster pushing you for a statement. That’s where our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help with:
- Insurance pressure: We deal directly with the adjusters so you don’t feel forced to talk or say something that hurts your claim later.
- Confusing rules: Florida insurance and court deadlines are tricky. We handle the paperwork, evidence, and negotiations so you don’t have to guess.
- Time limit: Most motor vehicle accident lawsuits in Florida have a two-year deadline, and evidence can disappear fast. We move quickly to protect your case.
Before you give a recorded statement or sign anything, call Steinger, Greene & Feiner. We know Fort Lauderdale’s roads, insurers, and courts, and we use that experience to fight for you.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Right after a crash, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Focusing on a few clear steps can protect your health, your rights, and your future claim.
- Step 1: Get to safety and check for injuries
Move to a safe spot if you can and call 911. If you’ve been injured in an accident scene, get medical care right away, even if you think you’re “okay.” That first visit creates an important record that links your injuries to the crash. - Step 2: Call the police and make a report
Ask for the Fort Lauderdale Police Department or Florida Highway Patrol to come to the scene. A formal accident report is a key piece of evidence for your insurance claim and any lawsuit later on. - Step 3: Collect information, but don’t admit fault
Exchange names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information with the other driver. Stay calm and polite, but don’t apologize or guess what happened. Simple phrases like “I’m not sure” are safer than offering opinions. - Step 4: Document the scene
Use your phone to take photos and videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, debris, and skid marks, traffic signals, signs, and weather, visible injuries. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. - Step 5: Be careful with insurance
Notify your insurance company that an accident occurred, but talk to a car crash attorney before you give a recorded statement or sign any forms. Insurance adjusters are trained to use your words to limit what they pay you. - Step 6: Keep it off social media and talk to a lawyer
Don’t post photos, videos, or comments about the crash or your injuries online. Those posts can be taken out of context and used against you. Instead, speak directly with an experienced car accident lawyer, where your conversations are confidential and focused on protecting your claim.
Even when you do everything right after a wreck, most crashes start with someone’s careless choice. Next, let’s look at some of the most common causes of car accidents we see in Fort Lauderdale.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
Broward County sees tens of thousands of crashes every year. In 2024 alone, preliminary data show around 38,339 crashes and 235 traffic deaths in Broward County. Many of these crashes trace back to the same dangerous choices:
- Speeding and aggressive driving – Tailgating, weaving through traffic, and driving too fast for conditions leave almost no time to react.
- Distracted driving – Phones, in-car screens, and other distractions pull eyes and attention off the road at the worst possible moment.
- Driving under the influence – Alcohol and drugs slow reaction times and judgment, putting everyone nearby at risk.
- Running red lights and stop signs – Intersection violations are a major source of serious side-impact crashes.
- Bad weather and poor visibility – South Florida rainstorms, glare, and slick roads make crashes more likely when drivers don’t slow down.
- Inexperience and mistakes – New or unfamiliar drivers, including tourists, may misjudge speed, distance, and lane changes.
- Vehicle and road defects – Brake failures, worn tires, standing water, and poorly maintained roads can turn a close call into a collision.
These risky behaviors show up in many different kinds of wrecks. No matter how your crash happened, chances are we’ve handled a case like it before.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Fort Lauderdale
Our car accident lawyers team represents residents and tourists hurt on I-95, the Turnpike, Everglades Parkway, and neighborhood streets across Broward County. We regularly handle cases involving:
- Rear-end collisions – Often causing neck and back injuries, even when vehicle damage looks “minor.” We work to prove the full impact of whiplash and similar trauma.
- Head-on crashes – High-force impacts that can lead to catastrophic injuries. We coordinate investigators and experts to show how the crash happened and what your future care will cost.
- Side-impact (T-bone) collisions – Little protection on the side of a vehicle means a higher risk of hip, leg, and spine injuries; we dig into intersection layout, signals, and right-of-way issues.
- Multi-vehicle and chain-reaction crashes – Pileups on busy Fort Lauderdale roads raise complex questions about who is responsible for the accident. We sort out the liability between multiple drivers and insurers.
- Parked-car and parking-lot accidents – Being hit while parked or backing out can still cause serious injury; we help track down at-fault drivers and pursue their insurance.
- Drunk-driving crashes – We use police reports, test results, and any criminal case to strengthen your civil claim for compensation.
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) accidents – Whether you were a passenger or in another vehicle, we untangle personal and company insurance coverage based on what the driver was doing on the app.
If your crash doesn’t fit neatly into one of these types of accidents, that’s okay. Every case is different, and we can walk you through how your specific accident might be evaluated and what options you may have.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance and Your Car Accident Claim
How PIP Works After a Crash
Florida uses a no-fault system, which means after most crashes, you first turn to your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, no matter who caused the accident. Most drivers must carry at least $10,000 in PIP, which can pay part of your medical bills and lost wages. To keep these benefits, you need to see a qualified medical provider within 14 days of your Fort Lauderdale accident. If you’re not diagnosed with an Emergency Medical Condition (EMC), your PIP medical benefits may be limited to $2,500 instead of the full $10,000.
When You Can Go Beyond PIP
PIP is only the starting point. If your injuries are serious and your losses go beyond what PIP covers, under the personal injury law, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and make a claim against the at-fault driver. That usually means going after their Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) coverage, if they have it, for the rest of your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
How Fault Can Reduce Your Compensation
Florida now follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re found partly at fault for the crash, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. And if you are more than 50% at fault, you may not be able to recover anything from the other driver’s insurer. Insurance companies know this and often try to push extra blame onto you to save money.
Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers deal with these insurance rules every day — PIP, EMC, BIL, and fault percentages. Some of our attorneys used to work for insurance companies, so we know the tactics they use to limit payouts. Before you accept a quick check or sign any release that could cut off your rights, talk to us about your options. Once you agree to a low settlement, you’re usually locked in, even if your injuries turn out to be worse than you thought.
Once we’ve sorted out which insurance coverages apply and pushed back against any attempts to blame you or limit your benefits, the next step is putting real numbers to what this crash has cost you.
Compensation and Damages
If you’ve been in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale and your injury results in medical and other expenses exceeding the scope of your PIP coverage, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover additional losses. These damages are generally divided into two main categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages aim to compensate you for the actual financial losses incurred, such as:
- Medical expenses above the PIP policy limit of $10,000, including hospital stays, surgeries, doctor’s visits, physical therapy, and long-term care.
- Lost wages exceeding the PIP limit of $10,000, covering both past income loss from missed work and potential future lost earnings if your injury affects your ability to work long-term.
- Property damage costs, such as vehicle repairs or replacement, along with any out-of-pocket costs for rentals or alternative transportation.
- Out-of-pocket expenses, such as prescriptions, assistive devices (like crutches or wheelchairs), and travel costs for medical appointments.
Non-economic damages cover losses that don’t have a direct monetary value but deeply affect your quality of life. These may include:
- Pain and suffering, both physical pain from the injury and emotional suffering caused by trauma.
- Mental anguish and emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life, if your injuries prevent you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed.
- Permanent disabilities or impairments, which may lead to a lifetime of altered living conditions or the need for ongoing medical support.
By highlighting both economic and non-economic damages, our team at Steinger, Greene & Feiner ensures you receive fair compensation that fully accounts for your immediate financial needs and the long-term impact on your quality of life.
Legal Strategies for Your Personal Injury Claim after an Accident
Every case is different, but most successful car accident claims move through a few key stages. Our job is to guide you through each step, protect you from insurance tactics, and build the strongest case we can for compensation.
Step 1: Free case review and getting your side of the story
We start by listening. You tell us how the crash happened, what injuries you’re dealing with, and what’s worrying you most right now. We answer your questions, explain your options, and if we move forward together, you pay no fees unless we win.
Step 2: We take over communication with insurance
Once you hire us, we notify the insurance companies that you’re represented. From that point on, they talk to us, not you. This helps prevent adjusters from using your words against you or pressuring you into a quick, low settlement.
Step 3: Investigation and evidence gathering
Our team digs into the details of your Fort Lauderdale crash. That can include:
- Getting the police report and all medical records
- Collecting photos, video, and witness statements
- Reviewing road and weather conditions at the time of the wreck
In more serious cases, we may bring in an accident reconstruction expert to analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and crash dynamics to help show how and why the collision happened.
Step 4: Proving your injuries and losses
We work with medical professionals and, when needed, other experts to document:
- The nature and extent of your physical injuries
- How long you may need treatment
- How the crash affects your work, daily life, and mental health
This helps us calculate the full value of your damages, not just the immediate bills.
Step 5: Building a demand and negotiating with insurers
Once we have the evidence and understand your medical outlook, we prepare a settlement demand package that lays out liability, your injuries, and your financial and non-financial losses. We then negotiate directly with the insurance companies to push for a fair settlement.
Step 6: Filing a lawsuit and preparing for court (if needed)
Many cases settle without going to trial. But if the insurance company refuses to be reasonable, we can file a lawsuit on your behalf. That may involve:
- Drafting and filing the complaint
- Taking depositions and exchanging evidence (discovery)
- Preparing you and your case for mediation, hearings, or trial
Throughout this process, our trial lawyers explain what’s happening in plain language and help you decide on the next step.
Step 7: Resolution and getting you paid
If your case settles or you win in court, we finalize the paperwork, address liens, and disburse funds. You’ll see exactly how the settlement is allocated, and we’re here to answer questions even after your case is resolved.
Not every claim will go through every step, and timelines vary. But from the first call to the final check, our focus stays the same: protecting your rights and fighting for compensation that reflects what this crash has truly cost you and your family.
Choosing the Right Car Accident Lawyer Near You
When you’ve been hurt in a crash, you want a local team that actually knows your streets and your courts. Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers at Steinger, Greene & Feiner have decades of combined experience fighting for injured people across Broward County. With a 4.9 average rating and hundreds of reviews, clients come to us because we treat their case like it’s our own and fight for the maximum compensation the law allows.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale or the surrounding area, having the right local legal team matters. You’ll want to work with attorneys who not only know Florida’s car accident laws but also understand the local court system and what it takes to achieve results in this area. Our experienced injury attorneys use this knowledge to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our Fort Lauderdale Law Office is Nearby and Rated 4.9 Stars
Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury law firm has received an average rating of 4.9 stars out of 5 with over 500 reviews. Our team works hard to ensure that every one of our clients leaves our Broward County law firm with the maximum check they deserve. See what clients in Fort Lauderdale and nearby areas are saying about our car accident lawyers here.
Client Testimonials
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I had the best experience with this firm. Cindy was my attorney and she helped me every step of the way. Her communication was always quick, and she truly went above and beyond for my case. She didn’t just fight for me once, but twice — … More and even found another policy along the way that made a huge difference.Really amazing experience overall. Highly recommend! -
Dear whoever this may concern, If you’re looking for a legal team that goes above and beyond anything you could ever expect, look no further than Steiner, Greene & Feiner. These folks don’t just fight for youthey go for the jugular … More in the best, most professional way possible. They made sure my pain and suffering were not just acknowledged but fully fought for.I want to give a special shout-out to Gary and Donna Scarcelli, two absolutely incredible people who truly care. You don’t meet many attorneys who treat you like family—who check on you, who make sure you’re okay, not just in the case, but as a person.This entire team is top-notch, relentless, compassionate, and dedicated. They exceeded every expectation I had. If you need someone in your corner, you will never find a better group than Steiner, Greene & Feiner.Thank you, Gary, Donna, and the whole team. You guys are simply amazing.SincerelyChristopher Liles
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I had the best experience with this firm. My attorney was Handel along with his team Monique and Samantha were all wonderful to work with. I always get a response to any questions within a timely manner and they provided fantastic directions … More with each step. My attorney fought for me to get the maximum compensation. Great customer service! Great team work. I highly recommend.
Speak with an Expert Car Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
If you have been injured in a car wreck in the Fort Lauderdale area, you have legal options. Our experienced auto accident attorneys at Steinger, Greene & Feiner know how to navigate local and state laws for you, and we are intimately familiar with the local court systems. The sooner you call our Fort Lauderdale auto accident lawyers following an accident, the sooner you’ll find relief.
Call Steinger, Greene & Feiner at (954) 302-7080 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with a Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney today. We also welcome you to our offices: 2727 NW 62nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309.
Our office is conveniently located near Cypress Creek Road, just west of I-95. We’re easy to reach whether you’re coming from downtown Fort Lauderdale or a nearby neighborhood like Oakland Park or Pompano Beach. Get Directions.
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Car Accident FAQs
As of March 2023, Florida laws reduced the statute of limitations for general negligence claims from four years to two years. Every Florida driver is required to carry personal injury protection insurance (PIP), which covers a percentage of your medical bills, lost income, and other out-of-pocket expenses after the accident. You may receive benefits from PIP regardless of who was at fault for the accident, but you may be eligible to also file a third-party insurance claim or lawsuit for expenses not covered by your PIP. If you were partially at-fault for the accident, you may not be entitled to full compensation for your expenses because of Florida’s full comparative negligence fault rule. This rule states that the plaintiff’s compensation amount will be reduced by a percentage that equals their share of fault for the accident.
No lawyer can tell you exactly how much you will receive for your car accident injuries, but they can help you estimate the amount you can seek in your lawsuit. Settlement amounts vary significantly based on factors like injury severity, available insurance, and fault. The amount of damages awarded to car accident victims may include past and future medical bills, past and future lost wages, car repair costs, and other expenses related to your injuries and property damage. The amount may also include a monetary value for any pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment in life you experienced.
Car accident victims who hire a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer receive higher settlements. On average, personal injury lawyers will earn their clients 3X more for clients. Steinger, Greene & Feiner also fights all the way to trial which could potentially earn even more for their clients.
No. Florida is a no-fault state, which means that you cannot lose your house as a consequence of a car accident in almost all cases. It would take some sort of egregious accident or extenuating circumstances for a driver to lose their home to pay settlement fees or damages.
Most Florida lawyers will work on a contingency fee basis. That means they will take no money until the personal injury case is won or settled. If the case is unsuccessful, you will not be billed at all. If the case is successful, the firm will take anywhere from 33% to 40% directly from the settlement amount, which means you still pay nothing out of pocket.
Yes! If you have been injured in a car accident, which caused pain and suffering and you are now forced to pay medical bills or make up for lost wages, you should hire a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney to help you get every penny you deserve from the car accident.
The average settlement amount for a car accident in Florida is $15,000, but some lawsuits settle for less and others for much more. Because Florida is a no-fault state, all accident attorneys and victims have to adhere to a certain set of principles. All Florida drivers are required to carry insurance that contains PIP (also called Personal Injury Protection). This means that each driver, regardless of fault, has up to $10,000 allocated for injuries provided by their insurance company. However, victims can sue insurance companies for more if the accident and injuries are severe.
In Florida, multiple parties may be responsible for compensating you after a traffic accident, including the at-fault driver, their insurance company, and, in some cases, other third parties such as vehicle manufacturers or employers if the driver was on duty. Identifying all liable parties is essential to ensure full compensation for your injuries and damages.
Florida’s “serious injury” threshold determines when a car accident victim can step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit for additional compensation. This threshold is met when injuries result in permanent disability, significant disfigurement, or the loss of bodily functions.
To secure maximum compensation, it’s crucial to gather strong evidence, such as medical records and accident reports, avoid accepting quick settlement offers from insurance companies, and work with a car accident attorney who can negotiate on your behalf and explore all legal avenues for recovery.