Injury Lawyer Near Me: Hollywood, Florida Personal Injury

Introduction: Why Hollywood, Florida Residents Need a Clear Personal Injury Guide

From the bustling shops on Hollywood Boulevard to the busy traffic corridors of Interstate 95 and U.S. 1, Hollywood, Florida is a vibrant Broward County city that unfortunately sees its share of accidents. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), Broward County reported more than 41,000 traffic crashes in 2022 alone. Whether an injury occurs on the waves at Hollywood Beach, in a slip-and-fall at the Yellow Green Farmers Market, or on the job at one of the city’s many hotels, Florida law provides avenues for compensation—and strict rules you must follow. This 2,500-plus-word guide is designed to help injury victims—and their families—understand “what happens next.” It explains your rights under key Florida statutes such as Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a) (statute of limitations) and § 768.81 (comparative negligence), details the no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance constraints, and walks you step-by-step through the legal process in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit (Broward County). While we slightly favor the interests of injured people, every statement is grounded in verifiable authority.

1. Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Florida

1.1 The Right to Seek Damages

Florida follows a tort-based system for most personal injury claims. If another person or entity breaches a duty of care and that breach causes you harm, you may recover damages for:

• Past and future medical expenses

• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

• Pain, suffering, mental anguish, and inconvenience (non-economic damages)

• Property damage (e.g., vehicle repairs)

• In wrongful-death cases, additional damages available under Florida Statutes § 768.21

1.2 Statute of Limitations—Do Not Miss the Deadline

The statute of limitations for negligence-based personal injury claims in Florida is two years from the date of injury under Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a) (shortened from four years by legislative amendment effective March 24, 2023). Wrongful-death actions carry a separate two-year deadline. Medical-malpractice cases have complex notice requirements and a two-year limitations clock that can be tolled in limited circumstances. If you file even one day late, your case may be dismissed with prejudice.

1.3 Comparative Negligence: § 768.81

Florida uses a modified comparative negligence system (sometimes called 51-percent bar) codified in § 768.81. If you are 50 percent or less at fault, your damages are reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. If you are 51 percent or more at fault, you recover nothing. Understanding this standard is critical when negotiating with insurers or presenting evidence to a jury in the Broward County courthouse.

1.4 No-Fault PIP Rules for Motor-Vehicle Crashes

For most motor-vehicle accidents, the Florida No-Fault Insurance Law (§ 627.736) requires each driver’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) carrier to cover up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. You must seek initial medical treatment within 14 days or your PIP benefits drop to $2,500.

2. Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Hollywood, Florida

2.1 Motor-Vehicle Collisions on I-95 and Hollywood Boulevard

I-95’s high-speed lanes and Hollywood Boulevard’s frequent lane shifts are hotspots for rear-end collisions, motorcycle spills, and pedestrian strikes. PIP applies initially, but claims may exceed the $10,000 cap. If you sustain a serious injury as defined by § 627.737—such as significant and permanent loss of a bodily function—you may file a liability claim against the at-fault driver’s BI (bodily-injury) coverage or sue directly.

2.2 Premises Liability: Slips, Trips, and Falls

Florida property owners owe invitees a duty of reasonable care. Spilled drinks on the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk or uneven flooring at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino can create hazards. Under § 768.0755, a plaintiff in a transitory substance case must prove the business establishment had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition and failed to remedy it.

2.3 Boating and Water-Sport Accidents

Hollywood’s Intracoastal Waterway invites recreational boating. Operators must adhere to Chapter 327 of the Florida Statutes. Negligent operation, lack of life-jackets, or intoxication can lead to personal injury claims and potential punitive damages under § 768.72 when “intentional misconduct” or “gross negligence” is proven by clear and convincing evidence.

2.4 Workplace Injuries and Third-Party Claims

Most employees are limited to workers’ compensation benefits under Chapter 440, but if a third party—such as a subcontractor or defective equipment manufacturer—contributes to the injury, you may file a separate negligence action within the two-year statute of limitations.

2.5 Hurricane-Related Injuries

During hurricane season, falling debris and structural failures cause injuries. Property owners may be liable for negligent maintenance if they had actual or constructive notice of a dangerous condition pre-storm. Claims often involve expert testimony and building-code evidence.

3. Florida Legal Protections & Injury Laws

3.1 Duty, Breach, Causation, Damages

Every negligence case must establish four elements:

• Duty (legal obligation)

• Breach (failure to meet duty)

• Causation (breach caused injury)

• Damages (monetary loss)

Florida Pattern Jury Instructions provide standardized language a Broward County jury will hear when deciding your case.

3.2 Evidence Rules and Discovery

Florida’s Evidence Code (Chapter 90) governs admissibility. Personal injury plaintiffs often rely on:

• Medical records and expert testimony

• Accident or police reports from the Hollywood Police Department

• Surveillance or dash-cam footage

• Cell-phone records to establish distracted driving

Discovery is controlled by the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, notably Rule 1.280 (discovery scope) and Rule 1.340 (interrogatories). Broward County Circuit Civil actions typically follow a Case Management Order with deadlines for fact and expert discovery.

3.3 Damage Caps—Mostly Abolished

Florida’s previous medical-malpractice noneconomic damage caps were struck down in North Broward Hosp. Dist. v. Kalitan, 219 So.3d 49 (Fla. 2017). Except for sovereign-immunity cases under § 768.28 (limited to $200,000 per person/$300,000 per incident unless claims bill), there are currently no statutory caps on noneconomic damages in standard negligence claims.

3.4 Punitive Damages

Per § 768.72, punitive damages require proof of intentional misconduct or gross negligence. The Legislature limits the amount to three times the compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater, except in certain cases such as intoxicated driving where caps are lifted.

4. Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Florida

4.1 Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

Your health is paramount and timely medical care strengthens your claim. Memorial Regional Hospital, located at 3501 Johnson Street, is the largest trauma center near downtown Hollywood.

4.2 Report the Incident

For motor-vehicle crashes, call 911 and obtain a Long-Form Crash Report if injuries or $500 damage occur (Florida Statutes § 316.066). For falls or other premises incidents, insist the property owner generate a written incident report and photograph the hazard.

4.3 Preserve Evidence

• Take photographs and video of the scene, injuries, and property damage.

• Collect witness names and contact information.

• Keep damaged items (e.g., torn clothing, defective products).

4.4 Notify Your Insurers

Most auto policies require prompt notice and cooperation. Failure may void coverage. When speaking with the other party’s carrier, provide only basic facts; recorded statements can be used against you.

4.5 Calculate Damages & Track Expenses

Maintain a dedicated folder or digital spreadsheet for:

• Medical bills, pharmacy receipts

• Proof of lost wages (paystubs, tax returns, employer letters)

• Transportation costs to doctor appointments

4.6 Avoid Social Media Pitfalls

Defense counsel often subpoena public social-media posts. Photographs of you dancing on Hollywood Beach may undermine injury severity. Adjust privacy settings and refrain from posting about the case.

4.7 Consult an Attorney Before the Statute Runs

An experienced personal injury lawyer Hollywood Florida residents trust will help calculate damages, negotiate with insurers, and file suit within the two-year deadline. Under Florida Bar rules, attorneys may offer free consultations and contingency-fee arrangements capped at 33⅓ percent to 40 percent depending on litigation stage (Rule Regulating The Florida Bar 4-1.5).

5. When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

5.1 Disputed Liability

If the other party blames you or multiple vehicles are involved, a lawyer can gather black-box data, subpoena phone records, and hire accident reconstructionists.

5.2 Severe or Permanent Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and complex fractures often exceed PIP limits and involve lifelong care. A seasoned Hollywood accident attorney will project future costs using life-care planners and economists.

5.3 Insurance Bad-Faith Concerns

Under § 624.155, insurers must settle claims in good faith. Failure invites a separate bad-faith action after meeting civil-remedy-notice prerequisites filed with the Florida Department of Financial Services.

5.4 Government Defendants

Claims against the City of Hollywood require pre-suit notice within three years under § 768.28(6) and cannot be filed until a 180-day investigation period expires—deadlines a lawyer will track.

6. Local Resources & Next Steps

6.1 Medical Facilities

Memorial Regional Hospital Level 1 Trauma Center

• Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital for pediatric injuries

6.2 Law Enforcement & Public Records

• Hollywood Police Department Records Unit – 3250 Hollywood Blvd.

• Broward County Clerk of Courts (Seventeenth Judicial Circuit) – access docket information and e-filing portal.

6.3 Court Venues

Most personal injury lawsuits arising in Hollywood are filed in the Broward County Circuit Court, Central Courthouse, 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale. Claims under $50,000 may fall within County Court jurisdiction.

6.4 Additional Authoritative Links

Florida Statutes Chapter 768 (Negligence) Civil Remedy Notice Portal – Florida Department of Financial Services

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and their application varies by specific facts. Consult a licensed Florida attorney for advice about your situation.

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.