Personal Injury Lawyer Guide — Tamarac, Florida

Introduction: Why a Local Guide Matters to Tamarac Injury Victims

Tamarac, Florida—situated in north-central Broward County—sees tens of thousands of commuters each day on the Florida Turnpike, Commercial Boulevard (State Road 870), and University Drive (State Road 817). With busy corridors, numerous construction zones, and year-round tourism, accidents ranging from fender-benders to serious slip-and-falls occur more often than residents might expect. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Broward County recorded more than 34,000 traffic crashes in 2022 alone. Many of those incidents generated personal injury claims that had to comply with Florida-specific statutes, deadlines, and court rules. This comprehensive guide favors the rights of injury victims while remaining strictly factual. It explains how Florida personal injury law applies in Tamarac, cites controlling statutes, and outlines practical steps to protect your claim. Whether you were rear-ended on McNab Road, hurt in a fall at the Tamarac Community Center, or struck by a driver visiting Fort Lauderdale beach, understanding these rules can be the difference between full compensation and an unpaid medical bill.

Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Florida

What Counts as a “Personal Injury”?

A personal injury occurs when someone suffers bodily harm because another person or entity breached a legal duty of care. Under Florida common law and statutory law, victims may seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses if they can prove negligence, strict liability, or intentional misconduct.

The Florida Statute of Limitations

Under Fla. Stat. § 95.11(3)(a), most negligence-based personal injury lawsuits must be filed within four years of the date of injury. Wrongful death actions have a two-year limit under Fla. Stat. § 95.11(4)(d). Missing these deadlines typically bars recovery, so timely action is critical.

Comparative Negligence

Florida follows a “pure comparative negligence” system codified in Fla. Stat. § 768.81. Damages are reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault. If you are found 20 percent responsible for a crash on Pine Island Road, your award is reduced by 20 percent, but you can still recover 80 percent.

No-Fault Insurance Rules

Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Law (Fla. Stat. §§ 627.730–627.7405) requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. After a vehicle collision, each driver’s own PIP insurer generally covers up to $10,000 in medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault. However, victims may step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver if they suffer a “significant and permanent” injury as defined by Fla. Stat. § 627.737(2).

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Florida

Motor Vehicle Collisions

Traffic crashes remain the leading cause of injury claims statewide. In Tamarac, congested intersections such as Commercial Boulevard & University Drive often see rear-end and side-impact collisions. Victims may seek damages beyond PIP once they meet Florida’s serious injury threshold.

Slip, Trip, and Fall Incidents

Florida premises liability law requires property owners to maintain reasonably safe conditions. Under Fla. Stat. § 768.0755, plaintiffs in slip-and-fall cases occurring on “transitory foreign substances” must prove the business had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition. Documenting spills at local groceries like Publix on Pine Island Road quickly is therefore essential.

Medical Malpractice

Patients injured at facilities such as University Hospital and Medical Center must navigate Florida’s presuit screening requirements under Fla. Stat. § 766.106, including a mandatory expert affidavit before filing suit.

Dog Bites

Florida imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites that occur in public places or while the victim is lawfully on private property (Fla. Stat. § 767.04).

Negligent Security

Property owners in Broward County can be liable for failing to provide adequate lighting or security measures that could have prevented foreseeable criminal acts.

Florida Legal Protections & Injury Laws

Damages Available

• Economic Damages: Medical bills, future treatment, lost wages, and property damage.

• Non-Economic Damages: Pain, suffering, disability, loss of consortium.

• Punitive Damages: Available under Fla. Stat. § 768.72 when the defendant’s conduct was intentional or grossly negligent, capped by § 768.73.

Presuit Requirements for Certain Cases

Medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, and claims against government entities each have specific notice or screening procedures.

Claims Against Government Entities

Suing a city-owned vehicle or a Broward County agency? Under Fla. Stat. § 768.28, claimants must file a notice with the Department of Financial Services within three years, and damages are capped at $200,000 per person ($300,000 per incident) absent legislative claims bills.

Discovery Rules

Florida Rules of Civil Procedure allow interrogatories, depositions, and expert disclosures. Rule 1.442 governs proposals for settlement (offers of judgment), which can shift attorney’s fees if not accepted and later beaten at trial.

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Florida

• Seek Medical Attention Immediately. Prompt treatment at facilities like University Hospital and Medical Center not only protects your health but creates documented evidence.

• Report the Incident. File a police report for auto accidents or an incident report with the property owner for falls.

• Preserve Evidence. Photograph the scene, injuries, and any hazardous condition. Save medical bills and pay stubs.

• Notify Insurance. Florida PIP claims require medical care within 14 days or benefits may be reduced under Fla. Stat. § 627.736(1)(a).

• Avoid Recorded Statements Without Counsel. Insurance adjusters may use your words against you.

• Consult a Licensed Florida Attorney. The Florida Bar regulates attorney licensure, and only Florida-admitted lawyers may give legal advice on state law.

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

Indicators You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer

• Your injuries are significant or permanent.

• Liability is disputed or multiple parties are involved.

• The insurance company offers a low settlement or denies your claim.

• You have questions about Florida’s complex no-fault or comparative negligence rules.

An experienced personal injury lawyer in Tamarac, Florida can investigate, negotiate, and, if necessary, litigate to protect your rights.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Courthouses Serving Tamarac

• Broward County Central Courthouse: 201 S.E. Sixth Street, Fort Lauderdale (civil filings over $30,000).

• West Satellite Courthouse: 100 N. Pine Island Road, Plantation (county civil & small claims).

Medical Providers & Rehabilitation

• University Hospital and Medical Center – 7201 N University Dr, Tamarac.

• Broward Health Coral Springs – 3000 Coral Hills Dr, Coral Springs.

Victim Assistance & Support

The Broward County Victim Services program offers counseling and compensation application help.

Authoritative References

Florida Statutes Official Website Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service Fourth District Court of Appeal Opinions

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and individual facts matter. Always consult a licensed Florida attorney for guidance on your specific 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.