Florida Personal Injury Law Guide – Pembroke Pines

Estimated reading time: 13 min read

Introduction: Why Every Pembroke Pines Resident Should Know Florida Personal Injury Law

Pembroke Pines is one of the fastest-growing cities in Broward County, and with growth comes heavier traffic, busy retail centers, and active waterways. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) 2022 Crash Facts, Broward County recorded more than 41,000 traffic crashes, resulting in over 20,000 injuries and 237 fatalities. Slip-and-fall incidents are also common in the city’s shopping malls and residential communities. If you are hurt in any type of accident here, understanding your legal rights under Florida personal injury law can spell the difference between fair compensation and costly out-of-pocket expenses. This comprehensive guide—written for victims and families in Pembroke Pines—covers:

• Florida’s updated statute of limitations (generally two years for negligence after March 24, 2023)

• The modified comparative negligence rule and how fault is allocated

• Mandatory Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance and other state-specific coverage requirements

• Actionable, step-by-step advice after auto accidents, slip and falls, boating mishaps, workplace injuries, defective products, and wrongful death

• Local resources, court locations, and when to call an experienced pembroke pines accident attorney

Remember, this material is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For personalized guidance, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation.

Understanding Florida Personal Injury Law

1. Statute of Limitations

Section 95.11(4)(a) of the Florida Statutes now sets a two-year deadline (reduced from four years by HB 837, effective March 24, 2023) to file negligence lawsuits, including most car accident and slip-and-fall claims. Certain causes of action differ:

• Medical malpractice: Two years from discovery but no more than four years after the incident, with narrow exceptions.

• Wrongful death: Two years from the date of death (Fla. Stat. § 95.11(4)(d)).

• Claims against state or local governments: Presuit notice within three years (wrongful death two) under Fla. Stat. § 768.28.

Missing these deadlines can forever bar recovery, so act promptly.

2. Modified Comparative Negligence (50 % Bar Rule)

Florida shifted from pure to modified comparative negligence in 2023. Under Fla. Stat. § 768.81, an injured person who is more than 50 % at fault cannot recover damages (medical malpractice cases remain under the old pure system). If you are 25 % responsible, your award is reduced by 25 %. Insurance adjusters often exploit this rule, so careful evidence gathering is crucial.

3. Mandatory PIP and Bodily Injury Coverage

Florida is a “no-fault” auto insurance state. Fla. Stat. § 627.736 requires every driver to maintain at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP), covering 80 % of reasonable medical expenses and 60 % of lost wages, regardless of fault—unless the injury is not treated within 14 days. To sue for pain and suffering, you must meet the “serious injury” threshold (significant or permanent loss of a bodily function, permanent injury, significant scarring/disfigurement, or death).

Although bodily injury (BI) liability coverage is not mandatory for most private vehicles, many businesses—such as rideshare or trucking companies—operate under higher insurance requirements under federal and state regulations.

4. Worker’s Compensation & Employer Liability

Florida employers with four or more employees (or any construction company) must carry worker’s compensation insurance under Fla. Stat. § 440. If you are hurt on the job in Pembroke Pines, you typically cannot sue your employer directly but may pursue benefits for medical care and lost wages. Third-party lawsuits—against negligent drivers, product manufacturers, or property owners—are still possible.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Florida

1. Motor Vehicle Accidents

• Cars & SUVs: Rear-end collisions on Pines Boulevard and high-speed crashes on I-75 generate many injury claims. Prove negligence by showing duty, breach, causation, and damages.

• Motorcycles: Riders face higher catastrophic injury rates; eye-witness statements and helmet usage records can influence comparative fault.

• Pedestrians & Bicyclists: Pembroke Pines was part of Broward County’s 943 pedestrian crashes in 2022. Crosswalk surveillance footage can be decisive.

2. Slip, Trip & Fall

Supermarkets, HOA clubhouses, and shopping centers must keep premises reasonably safe. Under Fla. Stat. § 768.0755, the plaintiff must prove the business had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition (e.g., wet floor present long enough that it should have been discovered).

3. Boating & Jet Ski Accidents

South Florida’s canals and coastal waters make boating popular, but operator inattention and intoxication cause serious injuries. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) requires accident reporting within 48 hours if someone is injured beyond immediate first aid.

4. Workplace Injuries & Construction Accidents

Fast-growing housing developments in Pembroke Pines place construction workers at risk for falls and machinery accidents. While worker’s compensation offers immediate benefits, defective equipment claims may provide additional recovery.

5. Defective Products

Florida follows strict liability for dangerous products—if a consumer product was unreasonably dangerous when it left the manufacturer’s control, you need not prove negligence.

6. Wrongful Death

When negligence causes death, the decedent’s personal representative can pursue damages for funeral costs, lost support, and mental pain and suffering on behalf of survivors under Fla. Stat. § 768.21.

Florida Legal Protections & Recent Court Rulings

1. Damage Caps

• Medical Malpractice: While statutory caps on noneconomic damages were largely struck down in North Broward Hosp. Dist. v. Kalitan, 219 So.3d 49 (Fla. 2017), certain caps still apply in lawsuits against sovereign entities.

• Punitive Damages: Limited to three times compensatory damages or $500,000 in most negligence cases (Fla. Stat. § 768.73), unless defendant’s intent or substance abuse involvement is proven.

2. Recent Precedent Impacting Injury Claims

• Wilsonart, LLC v. Lopez, 308 So. 3d 961 (Fla. 2020) clarified summary judgment standards, making it slightly harder for plaintiffs to avoid dismissal without solid evidence.

• Lieupo v. Simon’s Trucking Inc., 286 So. 3d 143 (Fla. 2019) confirmed that noneconomic damages are available for injuries to pets or wildlife in pollution cases.

3. Sovereign Immunity Nuances

Suing a city or state agency (e.g., unsafe roadway design by FDOT) is possible under Fla. Stat. § 768.28 but damages are capped at $200,000 per person, $300,000 per incident without legislative claims bill approval.

Steps to Take After an Injury in Pembroke Pines

1. Seek Immediate Medical Care

Call 911 or visit Memorial Hospital Pembroke. Under PIP, failure to obtain treatment within 14 days can forfeit benefits.

2. Report the Accident

• Auto collision: Notify Pembroke Pines Police Department or the Broward Sheriff’s Office if injuries, death, or property damage over $500 occur. Obtain the Driver Exchange of Information.

• Premises injury: Demand a written incident report from the store manager.

• Boating accident: File with FWC within required timeframe.

3. Document Everything

• Photograph vehicle damage, hazardous conditions, and visible injuries.

• Collect witness names, phone numbers, and email addresses.

• Save medical bills, diagnostic imaging, and prescription receipts.

• Preserve physical evidence (torn clothing, defective product).

• Track lost wages—request employer wage verification letters.

4. Notify Insurers but Watch Your Words

Florida insurers may record calls. Provide basic facts only; avoid speculative statements about fault or injuries until you consult counsel.

5. Consult a Qualified Personal Injury Lawyer

A seasoned personal injury lawyer Florida helps you:

• Investigate liability and identify all insurance policies

• Retain medical and accident reconstruction experts

• Negotiate with aggressive adjusters under the new comparative fault regime

• File suit within statutory deadlines and handle discovery

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

You may think minor injuries don’t warrant an attorney. However, call a pembroke pines accident attorney immediately if:

• Medical bills exceed $10,000 PIP coverage

• You’re facing surgery, permanent impairment, or time off work

• Liability is disputed, or multiple vehicles are involved

• A government entity or rideshare company (Uber/Lyft) is at fault

• An insurer quickly offers a settlement before you finish treatment

Louis Law Group’s bilingual team has recovered millions for Florida injury victims. We advance case costs, work on contingency (no fee unless you win), and give every client direct attorney access—not just paralegals.

Local Resources & Next Steps

• FLHSMV Broward Regional Office: 3718-3 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33311

• Broward County Clerk of Courts (South Satellite): 3550 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, FL 33021 – File civil actions up to $50,000 in County Court or unlimited in Circuit Court.

Florida Department of Financial Services – Consumer Services: Hotline for insurance complaints: myfloridacfo.com

• Legal Aid Service of Broward County: Free or low-cost assistance for qualifying residents.

• Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service: 1-800-342-8011

Accidents happen, but suffering without full compensation shouldn’t be one of them. If you’ve been injured in Florida, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation today.

Legal Disclaimer

This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can change, and application varies by specific facts. Consult a licensed Florida attorney to evaluate your individual situation.