Hollywood, Florida Personal Injury Attorneys Near You

Introduction: Why This Guide Matters to Hollywood, Florida Residents

Every year, thousands of people are injured on Broward County roadways, in retail stores along Hollywood Boulevard, or while enjoying the sun at the iconic Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), Broward County reported more than 41,000 traffic crashes in 2022 alone. If you live or vacation in Hollywood, Florida, and suffer harm because someone else failed to act responsibly, Florida law allows you to seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. This 2,500-plus-word guide explains your rights under Florida’s personal injury framework, outlines local resources, and shows why hiring a personal injury lawyer Hollywood Florida can significantly impact your recovery. Goal of this Guide: Provide factual, Florida-specific information—slightly favoring injured victims—so you can make informed decisions after any accident in Hollywood, Florida.

Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Florida

Florida’s personal injury system is built on statutes, case law, and procedural rules that balance victims’ rights with defendants’ defenses. While every claim is fact-specific, several core principles apply statewide.

1. Statute of Limitations

For general negligence actions filed after March 24, 2023, Florida imposes a two-year statute of limitations. See Florida Statutes §95.11(4)(a) (as amended by Ch. 2023-15, Laws of Fla.). This means you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date of injury, or your claim is likely barred. Certain exceptions exist—such as medical malpractice presuit periods or injuries to minors—but these must be evaluated by a licensed attorney.

2. Comparative Fault Rules

Florida shifted from “pure” to “modified” comparative negligence in 2023. Under Florida Statutes §768.81(6), an injury victim can recover damages reduced by their percentage of fault, but recovery is barred if the victim is found more than 50% responsible (except in medical malpractice cases, which remain pure comparative). This highlights the importance of gathering evidence early so liability is accurately assigned.

3. Mandatory No-Fault (PIP) Benefits

Because Florida is a no-fault state for motor-vehicle accidents, drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) under Florida Statutes §627.736. PIP pays up to 80% of reasonable medical expenses and 60% of lost wages (up to $10,000) regardless of fault. To step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver, you must suffer a significant and permanent injury as defined by §627.737(2).

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Florida

Motor Vehicle Collisions

I-95, U.S. 1, and the Florida Turnpike all cut through or near Hollywood, creating a high likelihood of multi-vehicle crashes, especially during tourist season. The prevalence of rideshare services and commercial trucks adds complexity to liability analyses.

• Car Accidents: Rear-end collisions on Sheridan Street or Hollywood Boulevard.

• Motorcycle Accidents: Lane-splitting issues on A1A near the beach areas.

• Truck Crashes: Jackknife incidents on I-595 interchange affecting Hollywood commuters.

Premises Liability

Retail centers like the Oakwood Plaza and Aventura Mall’s Broward satellite stores attract shoppers year-round. Slip-and-fall hazards—wet floors, uneven pavement—frequently trigger premises liability claims. Property owners must maintain safe conditions under Florida’s business invitee duty of care standard.

Tourist & Beach-Related Injuries

Hollywood Beach Broadwalk hosts millions of visitors annually. Skateboard collisions, bicycle accidents, or inadequate lighting can result in serious injuries. Victims may need to address unique issues such as out-of-state health insurance or venue selection clauses in rental agreements.

Hurricane & Storm-Related Incidents

Broward County’s coastal location exposes Hollywood to hurricanes and tropical storms. Falling debris, electrocution from downed power lines, and carbon-monoxide poisoning from generators are all actionable if tied to negligence (e.g., negligent maintenance by property managers).

Medical Malpractice

Hospitals such as Memorial Regional Hospital and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital serve Hollywood residents. Claims for misdiagnosis or surgical error follow a separate presuit investigation under Florida Statutes §§766.106–766.1065.

Florida Legal Protections & Injury Laws

Damages You May Recover

• Economic Damages: Medical bills, rehabilitation, lost earnings, property damage.

• Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life.

• Punitive Damages: Only if defendant acted with intentional misconduct or gross negligence (Florida Statutes §768.72).

Caps on Damages

Florida generally does not cap economic or non-economic damages in most negligence cases. However, caps exist in certain sovereign immunity claims (Florida Statutes §768.28(5)): $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident against state and local governments unless the legislature authorizes more.

Attorney’s Fees and Costs

Many Hollywood accident attorneys work on contingency fees regulated by Rule 4-1.5 of the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct. Fees are typically 33⅓% before suit and 40% after filing if the case is contested, but always confirm the fee schedule in writing.

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Florida

1. Prioritize Medical Attention

Immediate treatment protects both your health and your claim. Under §627.736, PIP benefits require that you seek qualifying medical care within 14 days of a vehicle accident.

2. Report the Incident

• Traffic Crashes: Call law enforcement. For crashes involving injury, Florida law (§316.065) mandates a written crash report.

• Premises Accidents: Notify property management and request an incident report.

3. Document Everything

Use your smartphone to photograph hazards, road conditions, vehicle positions, and visible injuries. Save medical invoices, prescription receipts, and correspondence with insurers.

4. Preserve Evidence

Secure surveillance video quickly; many Hollywood businesses overwrite footage within days. Your attorney can send preservation letters under Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.380(e) to prevent spoliation.

5. Avoid Insurance Traps

The at-fault insurer may request a recorded statement. Florida law does not require you to provide one to the adverse carrier. Politely decline until you have counsel.

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

While minor fender-benders may be resolved through PIP alone, you should consult a Hollywood accident attorney when:

• Medical bills exceed $10,000 or injuries are long-term.

• Liability is disputed or you may share fault.

• The defendant is a commercial entity, rideshare company, or government office.

• The insurance adjuster offers a quick, low settlement.

An attorney licensed by the Florida Bar can investigate, negotiate, and, if necessary, file suit. Civil actions are governed by the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, including discovery, depositions, and potential mediation under Rule 1.700.

Local Resources & Next Steps for Hollywood Residents

• Memorial Regional Hospital: Level I trauma center at 3501 Johnson Street, Hollywood.

• Hollywood Police Department Records Unit: 3250 Hollywood Boulevard for crash reports.

• Broward County Courthouse – South Regional: 3550 Hollywood Boulevard; small claims up to $8,000 and county civil up to $50,000 are filed here.

Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service: 800-342-8011 or online portal.

Being proactive—filing claims within statutory deadlines, documenting losses, and consulting counsel—positions you for maximum Florida injury compensation.

Checklist Before Calling an Attorney

• Gather police or incident reports.

• Assemble medical records and bills.

• Create a journal detailing pain levels and missed work.

• List all insurance policies (auto, health, homeowner’s).

Legal Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your facts matter. Always consult a licensed Florida attorney before taking action.

If you were injured due to someone else's negligence, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and legal consultation.