Personal Injury Guide: Your Rights in Hollywood, Florida

Introduction: Why a Local Guide Matters to Hollywood, Florida Injury Victims

Hollywood, Florida sits between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, drawing residents and tourists to its beaches, Broadwalk, and year-round events. According to Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) 2022 crash statistics, Broward County recorded more than 41,000 traffic collisions, many occurring along busy corridors such as Hollywood Boulevard, Sheridan Street, and Federal Highway. Slip-and-falls at resorts, boating incidents near Port Everglades, and hurricane-related property hazards also generate personal injury claims in the city. If you or a loved one was hurt within the city limits or anywhere in Broward County, understanding how Florida personal injury law works—and how a personal injury lawyer Hollywood Florida can protect your rights—can mean the difference between fair compensation and unpaid medical bills.

This comprehensive 2,500+ word guide relies solely on authoritative authorities such as the Florida Statutes, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, published Florida appellate opinions, and data from state agencies. It slightly favors the perspective of injury victims while remaining strictly factual and professional. After reading, you will know:

• Key victim rights under Chapters 95 and 768, Florida Statutes

• Important deadlines (statute of limitations) for filing suit in Hollywood

• Florida’s comparative negligence and no-fault (PIP) rules

• Steps to preserve evidence and strengthen your claim

• When to contact a Hollywood accident attorney and how fees work

Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Florida

1. The Statute of Limitations—Florida Statutes §95.11(3)(a)

Under §95.11(3)(a), Florida Statutes, you generally have two years from the date of an accident (reduced from four years for injuries occurring on or after 3/24/2023) to file a negligence lawsuit. Missing this deadline can permanently bar recovery. Exceptions exist for wrongful death (§95.11(4)) and medical malpractice (§95.11(4)(b)), but never rely on an exception without legal advice.

2. Comparative Fault—Florida Statutes §768.81

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing. If 50% or less at fault, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault (§768.81(6), Fla. Stat.). Skilled counsel can contest insurer arguments that inflate your fault percentage.

3. No-Fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP)—§627.736

Florida’s No-Fault law (§627.736) requires most drivers to carry $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP). After a crash in Hollywood, your own PIP covers 80% of reasonable medical expenses and 60% of lost wages up to the policy limit—regardless of fault. You must seek initial medical treatment within 14 days to qualify (§627.736(1)(a)).

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Hollywood and Statewide

While every case is unique, the following categories frequently appear in Broward County circuit court dockets and Florida appellate decisions:

Auto, Motorcycle, and Pedestrian Accidents Intersections at Hollywood Boulevard & US-1 and Sheridan Street & I-95 see heavy traffic. Distracted driving, speeding, and rideshare collisions dominate local claims. Premises Liability (Slip, Trip & Fall) Hotels along the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk and shopping centers such as Sheridan Plaza must maintain safe premises under Florida’s premises liability doctrine. Boating and Jet Ski Accidents Intracoastal Waterway traffic peaks during tourist season, leading to collisions governed by both Florida boating statutes and federal maritime law. Medical Malpractice Memorial Regional Hospital and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital serve thousands yearly. Claims must satisfy presuit screening requirements in Chapter 766, Florida Statutes. Dog Bites Under §767.04, Fla. Stat., dog owners are strictly liable for bites occurring in public or when the victim is lawfully on private property. Product Liability Defective e-scooters and recalled auto parts also surface in South Florida litigation.

Florida Legal Protections & Injury Laws Explained

Duty, Breach, Causation, Damages

To prevail, plaintiffs must prove: (1) the defendant owed a duty, (2) breached that duty, (3) the breach caused injury, and (4) quantifiable damages. This four-part test is anchored in decades of Florida Supreme Court precedent (See McCain v. Fla. Power Corp., 593 So.2d 500 (Fla. 1992)).

Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages

• Economic: medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, lost earning capacity.

• Non-Economic: pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life.

Florida abolished most caps on non-economic damages in common negligence actions after Estate of McCall v. United States, 134 So.3d 894 (Fla. 2014) (medical malpractice caps struck down). However, sovereign immunity caps under §768.28 still limit claims against state agencies to $200,000 per person/$300,000 per incident without legislative bill passage.

Evidence Rules and Discovery

The Florida Rules of Civil Procedure allow discovery of medical records, accident reports, surveillance footage, and cellphone metadata. Broward County courts use mandatory e-filing and may require early mediation under the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit’s administrative orders.

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Florida

Seek Immediate Medical Care Visit Memorial Regional Hospital, Broward Health, or an urgent care within 14 days to preserve PIP benefits and document injuries. Report the Incident For vehicle crashes, call Hollywood Police Department or Florida Highway Patrol. Request the long-form crash report (mandatory if injuries or $500+ damage). Document Evidence Photograph the scene, gather witness contacts, save defective products, and keep damaged clothing. Notify Insurance Companies Cautiously Florida PIP requires notice, but recorded statements to an adverse insurer may be used against you under Fla. Stat. §90.803(18) (party admissions). Calculate Damages Maintain receipts, mileage logs for doctor visits, and employment records. Consult a Hollywood Accident Attorney An attorney can send preservation letters, engage experts, and file suit within statutory deadlines.

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

While minor property-only fender benders may not justify counsel, you should consult a lawyer if:

• You sustained permanent injury, significant scarring, or substantial medical bills exceeding PIP limits.

• The crash involved rideshare drivers (Uber/Lyft) or commercial trucks—these policies have higher limits and complex regulations.

• A government entity (e.g., City of Hollywood) may be liable, triggering §768.28 presuit notice requirements.

• The insurer denies or undervalues your claim.

• Fault is disputed and comparative negligence could reduce recovery.

Most Florida personal injury lawyers, including those in Hollywood, work on a contingent-fee basis regulated by Rule 4-1.5(f), Rules Regulating The Florida Bar. Typical fees are 33 1/3% of any recovery up to $1 million if settled before filing answer, increasing to 40% after certain litigation stages, subject to client consent.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Hospitals & Trauma Centers Near Hollywood

• Memorial Regional Hospital – 3501 Johnson St, Hollywood, FL 33021

• Broward Health Medical Center – 1600 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

• Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital – 1005 Joe DiMaggio Dr, Hollywood, FL 33021

Court Information

Most Hollywood personal injury lawsuits are filed in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court, Broward County Courthouse, 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Claims under $50,000 may qualify for County Civil jurisdiction, but strategic considerations often favor Circuit Court.

State & Local Agencies

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Crash Reports Florida Department of Financial Services – Consumer Services Florida Bar – How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer

Conclusion

Florida’s personal injury landscape combines short statutes of limitation, strict PIP deadlines, and complex comparative negligence rules. Hollywood’s unique mix of tourists, year-round traffic, and waterfront recreation only heightens the risk of accidents. Acting promptly—securing medical care, preserving evidence, and speaking with a qualified personal injury lawyer Hollywood Florida—gives you the best chance of obtaining full and fair Florida injury compensation.

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 about your individual 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.