We all like to think we can enjoy our daily routine without encountering accidents or injuries. Unfortunately, even the safest, most careful people may still fall victim to injury because of the negligence of others. As a result, their lives are turned upside down with searing pain and trips to the doctor. Their injuries keep them from doing their jobs or furthering their careers, leaving them with unpaid bills. They never wanted to be in this situation. Unfortunately, someone’s lack of attention, failure to keep an area safe, or reckless behavior put their life and livelihood at risk.
Does all of this sound familiar? Has an accident that wasn’t your fault left you with debilitating injuries? Did an unsafe area in a store or other public area cause you to slip and fall? Or, maybe your employer made your workplace more dangerous in an endeavor to save money.
Whatever the cause of your injury, you may be entitled to compensation. You can file a claim or sue the responsible party if a person or entity acted negligently.
Filing a Claim Can Be Complicated
You’re dealing with pain, and you seem to have an endless stream of doctor’s or specialist’s appointments scheduled. The last thing you want is the hassle of filing a claim or initiating litigation. Let’s face it. Most people don’t know all of the work that a personal injury claim involves. And, if you’re dealing with an insurance company, they will try to get you to settle for much less than you deserve. This is actually how they make a profit.
Is English your second language? You may have additional barriers to securing a fair claim. Trying to understand complex legal or insurance company jargon may be overwhelming. Insurance companies know this and often use it to their advantage. They may employ an arsenal of technical terms to confuse you and pressure you into accepting a low-ball offer.
Of course, you don’t have to go about this alone. The Ward Law Group helps both English- and Spanish-speaking individuals in and around Pembroke Pines. We get to know you and your situation. We handle the paperwork and communicate with your insurance company or the other party using the information provided. If your personal injury case goes to litigation, you will be represented by our experienced team, which has secured millions for our clients.
Personal Injury Statistics for Pembroke Pines, Florida
If you spend time on Pines Boulevard or driving on I-75, you’ve encountered your fair share of lousy drivers. You probably didn’t know that in 2016, a team at Cambridge Mobile Telematics designated Pembroke Pines as one of the most dangerous cities in the nation to drive in. According to an article in the Broward Palm Beach New Times, only Jersey City, NJ, ranked as more dangerous.
The article listed a slew of dangerous driving habits of which residents of Pembroke Pines were guilty. These included hard turning, harsh braking, and distracted driving. Think about it. It’s even safer to drive in big-city Miami.
Furthermore, car and truck accidents make up many personal injury claims. Of course, this isn’t the only type of injury that deserves compensation. Say a worker hastily put up a display in the Pembroke Lakes Mall. Unfortunately, it made the area a tripping hazard. A personal injury attorney can also handle a slip-and-fall injury.
Whatever the cause of your injury, The Ward Law Group will work hard for you. We help clients get the money they need to recover from injuries and support their families in Pembroke Pines and other areas in Broward County.
Types of Personal Injuries
The Ward Law Group represents clients who suffer injuries during:
- Car accidents
- Bike accidents
- Truck accidents
- Boat accidents
- Bus accidents
- Uber and rideshare accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian hit by a vehicle
- Uninsured driver accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Road rage encounters
- Slip and fall injuries
- Product liability
- Premises liability
- Warehouse accidents
- Workers compensation claims
- And more…
Given the various accidents mentioned, you are probably wondering what types of injuries can justify a personal injury claim. We have helped those who suffer from:
- Broken bones—such as arms, ankles, hips, or collarbones
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Ligament and tendon damage
- Bruising or scarring
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated discs
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Damage to internal organs
- Head and neck injuries
- Loss of senses (e.g., blindness or deafness)
- Wrongful death
- Psychological issues resulting from the accident or injuries
- And more…
These injuries may prevent you from supporting your family and disrupt your quality of life or time with loved ones. Contact The Ward Law Group to find out how we can hold the negligent party accountable for interrupting your life!
Florida Law & Personal Injury Compensation
Florida has “no-fault” car accident compensation laws if you were involved in a car accident. You must file a claim with your insurance company immediately after the accident. Your policy's personal injury protection (PIP) clause covers a predetermined amount for your injuries. If the cost of your injuries goes beyond the PIP coverage, you can sue the other party for the extra expenses.
Other personal injuries may be a little more complicated. For example, if you were injured on the job, you must notify your supervisor immediately. Then, you must fill out a First Notice of Injury form with as much detailed information as possible. According to Florida law, your claim may be rejected if you wait more than 30 days to notify your workplace.
Also, in Florida, you have four years from the incident date to file a lawsuit in the civil courts. Florida also has “pure comparative negligence” laws. If the case is taken to court and the jury finds you in any way responsible for the injury, you cannot settle for the total amount you requested. For example, say you were injured in a car accident and sued for $50,000. The jury determined that you were 20% responsible for the accident. This means that you will only receive a $40,000 settlement.
Does that sound complicated? This is precisely why you need an experienced personal injury lawyer to guide you through the legal process's twists and turns.
Maximizing Your Claim: Immediate Steps to Take After an Accident
You’ll want to ensure you are safe and out of harm’s way with any injury. In the case of an auto accident, shut off your car and, if possible, move away from any traffic. For a slip-and-fall injury, make sure that you don’t put yourself into a situation that makes your injuries worse.
As soon as possible, call 911 or your local emergency number. If you feel any pain or suspect injuries, then seek treatment immediately. Even if you don’t notice any signs of pain, you should still get checked out by your doctor a day or two after the incident. After all, some injuries may not exhibit symptoms until days—even weeks—after an accident. If you don’t get checked out by a doctor right after an accident, it may jeopardize your chances for a successful claim.
Also, take pictures of the accident scene. If you can’t do it yourself, ask someone to send them to you. Ensure you obtain any witnesses' contact information—name, phone number, and address. Their accounts of the accident may be a deciding factor in the other party’s negligence.
If you believe your injury resulted from someone else’s negligent behavior, consider enlisting the help of a personal injury attorney. It’s not always easy to prove that the other party was at fault for your injury. And, let’s face it, the paperwork, communications with the insurance company, and litigation can be too complicated to handle independently. It’s okay to request outside assistance.
The Ward Law Group Wants to Help You
We have the experience and expertise to get you the compensation you deserve. Why hunt for another piece of paperwork or make another irritating phone call? You can focus on recovering from your injuries while we do all the legal legwork.
Rely on our experience to settle a claim fairly. We will sift through the information and present it in such a way that proves you deserve money for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, plus more.
Remember, the law limits the time you have to file a claim. Call The Ward Law Group today and secure a successful financial future!