Personal Injury Guide for Victims in Lighthouse Point, Florida

Introduction: Why Lighthouse Point Residents Need a Florida-Specific Personal Injury Guide

Lighthouse Point, a coastal community of roughly 11,000 residents in Broward County, sees a steady flow of traffic along Federal Highway (U.S.-1), NE 36th Street, and the nearby Intracoastal Waterway. With boating, cycling, and year-round tourism, accidents can—and do—happen. If you are searching for a personal injury lawyer Lighthouse Point Florida, understanding the relevant statutes, deadlines, and local resources is crucial. This guide provides strictly factual, Florida-specific information designed to empower injury victims while remaining professional and evidence-based.

Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Florida

Negligence and Duty of Care

Most personal injury cases in Florida arise under the theory of negligence. To prevail, an injured plaintiff must prove four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. Florida courts have consistently recognized that motorists, property owners, and product manufacturers owe a duty of reasonable care to avoid foreseeable harm (see McCain v. Florida Power Corp., 593 So. 2d 500, Fla. 1992).

Florida’s Comparative Negligence Rule (Fla. Stat. § 768.81)

Florida follows a pure comparative negligence system. Under Florida Statute § 768.81, an injured person’s compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault, but recovery is not barred unless the plaintiff is 100% responsible. For instance, if a jury finds you 20% at fault and sets damages at $100,000, you may still recover $80,000.

Statute of Limitations (Fla. Stat. § 95.11)

General negligence claims: Four years from the date of injury under Florida Statute § 95.11(3)(a).

• Medical malpractice: Two years from when the injury is discovered or should have been discovered (Fla. Stat. § 95.11(4)(b)), with a four-year outer limit and a seven-year cap for fraud or concealment.

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

Missing these deadlines generally bars recovery, so Lighthouse Point residents should act promptly.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Florida

Motor Vehicle Collisions on U.S.-1 and Local Streets

U.S.-1 borders Lighthouse Point and records a high volume of daily traffic, according to Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) counts. Rear-end crashes, side-swipes near NE 44th Street, and intersection collisions at Sample Road are frequent sources of claims.

Boating Accidents on the Intracoastal Waterway

Florida leads the nation in registered vessels, and Broward County ranks among the top counties for boating incidents, per the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission annual report. Common causes include operator inattention, excessive speed, and alcohol impairment.

Slip, Trip, and Fall Injuries

Under Florida’s “premises liability” doctrine, property owners must maintain reasonably safe conditions. Falls in marinas, grocery stores, and waterfront restaurants in Lighthouse Point can result in serious fractures or head injuries.

Medical Malpractice

Broward Health North in nearby Deerfield Beach and Holy Cross Health in Fort Lauderdale serve Lighthouse Point residents. Diagnostic errors, surgical mistakes, and medication mix-ups may trigger malpractice actions governed by Chapter 766, Florida Statutes.

Dog Bites

Florida imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites occurring in public or lawfully on private property (Fla. Stat. § 767.04). Comparative negligence may still reduce damages if the victim provoked the animal.

Florida Legal Protections & Injury Laws

No-Fault Auto Insurance (Fla. Stat. § 627.736)

Florida is a no-fault state for motor vehicle accidents. Drivers must carry $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP). PIP pays 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages up to policy limits, regardless of fault. An injured person must seek initial treatment within 14 days (Fla. Stat. § 627.736(1)(a)). Serious injuries—defined in Fla. Stat. § 627.737(2)—allow victims to pursue claims against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering outside the no-fault framework.

Collateral Source Rule (Fla. Stat. § 768.76)

Florida permits certain deductions for collateral source payments but excludes those that must be repaid (e.g., health insurance liens). An experienced lighthouse point accident attorney can negotiate reductions to maximize net recovery.

Caps on Damages

Florida currently places no statutory cap on economic or non-economic damages in standard negligence actions. The Florida Supreme Court struck down medical malpractice non-economic caps as unconstitutional in Estate of McCall v. United States, 134 So. 3d 894 (Fla. 2014).

Punitive Damages (Fla. Stat. § 768.72 & § 768.73)

• Punitive damages require “clear and convincing” evidence of intentional misconduct or gross negligence.

• Typically capped at three times compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater, with exceptions for specific misconduct.

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Florida

Seek Immediate Medical Attention Local EMS may transport serious trauma cases to Broward Health North, a Florida Department of Health–designated Level II trauma center. Document the Scene Take photos, video, and names of witnesses. In boating accidents, file Form FWCDLE 146 with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission if required. Notify Relevant Parties • Motor vehicles: Exchange insurance and submit a crash report if damages exceed $500 (Fla. Stat. § 316.066). • Premises: Inform the property manager and request an incident report. Preserve Evidence Keep damaged property, clothing, and medical records. Avoid social media posts about the accident. Comply With Insurance Deadlines PIP claims must be submitted promptly—preferably within days—to avoid denial. Contact a Qualified Attorney A personal injury lawyer Lighthouse Point Florida can calculate damages, communicate with insurers, and file suit within statutory deadlines.

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

Serious or Permanent Injuries

If injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold—death, significant permanent loss of function, or scarring—consult counsel to pursue pain and suffering outside PIP.

Disputed Liability or Comparative Fault

Florida’s pure comparative fault makes every percentage point critical. Early investigation by counsel can preserve evidence and minimize unfounded fault allegations.

Insurance Bad Faith

Under Fla. Stat. § 624.155, insurers may be liable for acting in bad faith. An attorney can draft the mandatory Civil Remedy Notice and litigate if the insurer fails to cure.

Contingency Fees and Florida Bar Rules

Personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee regulated by Rule 4-1.5(f), Rules Regulating The Florida Bar: 33⅓% up to $1 million if settled pre-suit, 40% thereafter, with court approval required for minors.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Broward Clerk of Courts – North Regional Courthouse (Deerfield Beach) Official filings for Lighthouse Point civil actions under $30,000 may be handled here before transferring to the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Civil Division in Fort Lauderdale for higher amounts. City of Lighthouse Point Police Department Obtain traffic or incident reports at 3701 NE 22nd Ave., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064. Hospital Contacts Broward Health North Trauma Center: 954-941-8300 Holy Cross Health: 954-771-8000 Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service – Call 800-342-8011 or visit Florida Bar LRS. Self-Help & Court Forms – Florida Courts Self-Help.

Authoritative References

Florida Statutes Official Site Florida Department of Health – Trauma Centers FDOT Traffic Data Portal

Legal Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and the application of law depends on specific facts. Always consult a licensed Florida attorney before making legal decisions.

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.