Personal Injury Lawyer Guide—Coral Springs, Florida

Introduction: Why Coral Springs Residents Need a Local Personal Injury Guide

Coral Springs, located in northwest Broward County, is known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, proximity to major highways such as the Sawgrass Expressway (SR 869) and Florida’s Turnpike, and busy retail corridors like University Drive and Sample Road. Unfortunately, the same roads and commercial hubs that keep the city thriving can also be hotspots for motor-vehicle collisions, slip-and-fall incidents, and other accidents. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), Broward County reported more than 34,000 traffic crashes in 2023, a portion of which occurred within Coral Springs city limits. When injuries happen, victims often face mounting medical bills, calls from insurance adjusters, and confusion about Florida’s complex personal injury laws.

This comprehensive guide is tailored to Coral Springs injury victims seeking clear, factual information about their legal rights. It references authoritative sources—including the Florida Statutes and Florida court rules—to help you understand how to protect your claim. While the guide slightly favors the victim’s viewpoint, it remains evidence-based and professional throughout.

Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Florida

Negligence and Duty of Care

Most Florida personal injury cases rest on the theory of negligence. To recover damages, you must prove:

• The defendant owed you a duty of care (e.g., a driver must follow traffic laws; a store must keep aisles reasonably safe).

• The defendant breached that duty.

• The breach caused your injuries (causation).

• You sustained legally recognizable damages (medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.).

Comparative Negligence—Fla. Stat. § 768.81

Florida applies a “pure” comparative negligence standard under Florida Statutes § 768.81. If you are partially at fault, your damages award is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if a jury finds you 20% at fault in a $100,000 case, your recovery is limited to $80,000. Comparative negligence rarely bars recovery entirely, making it essential to gather evidence that minimizes your own fault.

Statute of Limitations—Fla. Stat. § 95.11

Under Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), personal injury plaintiffs generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit (effective March 24, 2023; previously four years). A separate two-year deadline applies to wrongful-death claims (§ 95.11(4)(d)). Missing these deadlines usually results in permanent loss of the right to sue.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Florida

1. Motor-Vehicle Accidents

Broward County’s dense traffic and varied mix of passenger cars, rideshare vehicles, and commercial trucks make collisions a daily risk. Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Law (Florida Statutes §§ 627.730–627.7405) requires drivers to carry $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which pays 80% of reasonable medical expenses and 60% of lost wages regardless of fault—up to the policy limit. However, victims with serious injuries may step outside the no-fault system and file a liability claim against the at-fault driver for additional damages.

2. Premises Liability (Slip, Trip, and Fall)

Retail centers such as Coral Square Mall and big-box stores along Wiles Road must keep their premises safe. Under Florida Statutes § 768.0755, plaintiffs in slip-and-fall cases involving “transitory foreign substances” (e.g., spilled liquids) must prove that the business had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition and failed to correct it.

3. Medical Malpractice

Hospitals serving Coral Springs—including Broward Health Coral Springs and HCA Florida Northwest Hospital—are not immune from medical errors. Medical malpractice claims require proof that a healthcare provider’s breach of the prevailing professional standard of care caused injury. Strict pre-suit screening, expert affidavit requirements, and a two-year statute of limitations (§ 95.11(4)(b)) apply.

4. Product Liability

Manufacturers and distributors can be held liable for defective or unreasonably dangerous products reaching Coral Springs consumers. Claims may proceed under theories of negligence, strict liability, or breach of warranty.

5. Dog Bites

Florida imposes strict liability on dog owners under Florida Statutes § 767.04, making them responsible for injuries their pets cause—even if the dog had no prior history of aggression—so long as the victim was lawfully on the premises.

Florida Legal Protections & Injury Laws

Mandatory Auto Insurance and PIP Benefits

Florida drivers must maintain:

• $10,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

• $10,000 Property Damage Liability (PDL)

PIP claims must be filed within 14 days of the accident to secure benefits. Treatment obtained after 14 days is generally not reimbursable.

Serious Injury Threshold

To bypass PIP and sue an at-fault driver for pain and suffering, a victim must meet one of the serious injury criteria outlined in § 627.737(2), including:

• Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function

• Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability

• Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement

• Death

Damage Caps

Florida generally has no caps on economic or non-economic damages in ordinary negligence cases. However, punitive damages are capped at three times compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater (§ 768.73).

Attorney Fees and Contingency Arrangements

Florida Rule 4-1.5(f)(4)(B) of the Rules of Professional Conduct permits contingency fees in personal injury cases, commonly 33⅓% to 40% depending on whether litigation is filed. Written fee agreements are mandatory.

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Florida

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Prompt medical treatment protects your health and creates essential documentation. Coral Springs residents have several nearby facilities, including:

• Broward Health Coral Springs – 3000 Coral Hills Dr.

• HCA Florida Northwest Hospital – 2801 N. State Rd. 7

Record every provider you see; keep copies of diagnostic imaging, prescriptions, and discharge summaries.

2. Preserve Evidence

Photograph the accident scene, injuries, and property damage. Save surveillance footage when available and collect witness contact information. In slip-and-fall cases, note time, weather, and floor conditions.

3. Notify Your Insurance Carrier

Florida insurance policies require prompt notice of a claim. For auto accidents, report within 24–48 hours when possible. Provide basic facts; avoid recorded statements before consulting counsel.

4. Track Expenses and Losses

Maintain a dedicated injury file with medical bills, pharmacy receipts, mileage logs, pay stubs, and any out-of-pocket costs linked to the incident.

5. Avoid Social Media Pitfalls

Insurance adjusters sometimes monitor public profiles to dispute the severity of injuries. Consider setting accounts to private and refrain from posting accident-related updates.

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

Complexities of Insurance Negotiations

PIP benefits are limited, and liability insurers may undervalue pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Coral Springs, Florida can calculate full damages, coordinate liens, and negotiate effectively.

Deadlines and Procedural Rules

Lawsuits in Broward County are filed in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. Procedural missteps—such as improper service of process or missed discovery deadlines—can jeopardize a claim. Legal counsel ensures compliance with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.

Evidence Preservation and Expert Testimony

Skilled attorneys often retain accident reconstructionists, vocational experts, or medical specialists to strengthen causation and damages. Early involvement prevents critical evidence from disappearing.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Coral Springs Police Department (CSPD)

Crash reports are typically available within 10 days at CSPD’s Records Unit, 2801 Coral Springs Dr. These reports are vital for verifying liability.

Florida Courts E-Filing Portal

All civil pleadings must be filed electronically. Familiarity with the portal streamlines litigation in Broward County.

Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service

Victims without counsel may obtain a 30-minute consultation with a licensed attorney for a small fee. Still, many personal injury firms—such as Louis Law Group—offer free consultations.

Authoritative References

Florida Statutes § 768.81 – Comparative Fault Florida Statutes § 95.11 – Limitations of Actions FLHSMV – Traffic Crash Facts & Reports Florida Bar – Access to Justice Resources

Legal Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult a licensed Florida attorney regarding 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.