Personal Injury Rights Guide for Coral Springs, Florida

Introduction: Why Coral Springs Victims Need a Local, Statute-Focused Guide

Coral Springs, a vibrant city in northwest Broward County, is home to more than 130,000 residents and tens of thousands of daily commuters along the Sawgrass Expressway (SR 869), University Drive, and Sample Road. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Crash Facts, Broward County consistently records over 40,000 traffic collisions a year—many occurring within or near Coral Springs city limits. Add seasonal tourism, hurricane-related hazards, and booming construction, and the risk of serious accidents rises sharply. This comprehensive guide explains how Florida personal injury law applies to Coral Springs residents and visitors. It highlights your legal rights, specific Florida statutes, local procedures, and practical steps backed by authoritative sources. The content favors protecting injury victims—without overstating or speculating—so you can make informed choices after an accident.

Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Florida

Negligence and Duty of Care

Under Florida common law and Chapter 768, Florida Statutes, every person and business owes a duty of reasonable care to others. When that duty is breached and causes injury, the wrongdoer (the defendant) can be held liable for economic and non-economic damages.

Comparative Negligence: Fla. Stat. § 768.81

Florida applies a “modified comparative negligence” system. If you are found partially at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault; however, under the 2023 tort reform amendments to § 768.81, a claimant who is more than 50% at fault generally cannot recover damages — except in medical malpractice cases, which retain pure comparative negligence.

Statute of Limitations: Fla. Stat. § 95.11(4)(a)

Most negligence-based personal injury claims in Florida must be filed within two years of the date of the injury (reduced from four years effective March 24, 2023). Missing this deadline almost always bars recovery. Claims against state or local government entities in Coral Springs require a presuit notice under § 768.28(6) and have additional timing rules.

No-Fault and PIP Rules: Fla. Stat. § 627.736

Florida is a no-fault state for motor vehicle accidents. All drivers must carry at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP pays 80% of reasonable medical expenses and 60% of lost wages up to policy limits, regardless of fault. To step outside this system and sue an at-fault driver, you must meet the “serious injury” threshold of § 627.737, such as significant and permanent loss of bodily function or scarring.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Coral Springs

1. Motor Vehicle Collisions

The Sawgrass Expressway and University Drive frequently host multi-vehicle pile-ups and high-speed crashes. Data from the Broward County Clerk of Courts Traffic Division show tens of thousands of moving violations filed annually, underscoring local risk.

• Car and SUV Accidents — distracted driving, speeding, DUI.

• Motorcycle Wrecks — high incidence of catastrophic injuries.

• Pedestrian & Bicycle Collisions — increased near Coral Springs High School and local parks.

2. Slip, Trip, and Fall Incidents

Shopping centers like Coral Square Mall and outdoor venues along the Covered Bridge and Turtle Run pathways must keep premises reasonably safe (Fla. Stat. § 768.0755). Failure to clean spills or fix uneven walking surfaces can create liability.

3. Medical Malpractice

Local hospitals—Broward Health Coral Springs and HCA Florida Northwest Hospital—treat thousands each year. If substandard care causes injury, Florida’s Medical Malpractice Act (Ch. 766) imposes a two-year statute of limitations and presuit screening requirements.

4. Product Liability

From defective vehicle airbags to faulty household electronics, manufacturers may face strict liability if a product is unreasonably dangerous and injures a Coral Springs consumer.

5. Dog Bites

Under Fla. Stat. § 767.04, dog owners are strictly liable for bites occurring in public places or when the victim lawfully occupies private property—common in suburban neighborhoods like Kensington and Heron Bay.

Florida Legal Protections & Injury Laws

Key Statutes Every Coral Springs Victim Should Know

• Fla. Stat. § 768.21 — wrongful death damages.

• Fla. Stat. § 627.737 — thresholds to sue beyond PIP.

• Fla. Stat. § 768.72 — pleading punitive damages standards.

• Florida Rules of Civil Procedure 1.350 — discovery requests for documents.

Caps on Damages

Florida imposes no caps on economic damages (medical bills, lost earnings). Non-economic damages in ordinary negligence cases are also uncapped after the Florida Supreme Court’s decision in Estate of McCall v. United States, 134 So. 3d 894 (Fla. 2014), which struck down statutory caps in medical malpractice wrongful death cases as unconstitutional.

Attorney Ethics and Licensing

All personal injury lawyers practicing in Coral Springs must be members in good standing with the Florida Bar. Rules Regulating the Florida Bar 4-1.5 govern contingency fees, generally limited to 33⅓% of recovery before filing suit and 40% after filing.

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Florida

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Whether at Northwest Medical Center’s Level II trauma unit or an urgent care clinic on Wiles Road, prompt diagnosis both safeguards health and documents injury.

2. Report the Incident

• Auto crashes: Call 911; obtain a Florida Traffic Crash Report (Form HSMV 90010S) if property damage exceeds $500 or anyone is hurt.

• Slip and falls: File an incident report with store management; retain a copy.

3. Preserve Evidence

• Take timestamped photos of the scene, hazards, and injuries.

• Identify witnesses; record statements or contact info.

• Secure damaged products or vehicles for inspection.

4. Notify Insurance Carriers Promptly

Fla. Stat. § 627.736(1)(a) requires PIP claims to be filed within 14 days of the crash to receive benefits. Late notice can void coverage.

5. Keep a Symptom Journal

Document pain levels, missed workdays, medical appointments, and out-of-pocket expenses. These records strengthen damage calculations.

6. Avoid Social Media Pitfalls

Defense counsel may request public posts under Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.350. Photos or comments minimizing your injury can undermine a claim.

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

Indicators You Need a Coral Springs Accident Attorney

• Severe or permanent injuries exceeding PIP limits.

• Liability disputes or comparative fault allegations.

• Government defendants (e.g., Coral Springs city vehicle).

• Medical malpractice with mandatory presuit requirements.

• Wrongful death claims under Fla. Stat. § 768.16–768.26.

An experienced personal injury lawyer in Coral Springs, Florida can:

• Calculate full economic and non-economic damages.

• Comply with filing deadlines and statutory notice rules.

• Negotiate with insurers using admissible medical evidence.

• File suit in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court, Broward County, if necessary.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Emergency & Medical Facilities

• Broward Health Coral Springs — 3000 Coral Hills Dr.

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

• Florida Department of Health – Broward — immunization and rehabilitation services.

Court & Government Contacts

• Broward County Courthouse (Central) — personal injury civil filings.

• Coral Springs Police Department Records — obtain accident reports.

• City of Coral Springs Risk Management — for claims against municipal entities pursuant to § 768.28.

Statewide Victim Assistance

The Florida Attorney General Victim Services Program offers restitution assistance, while the Florida Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund may reimburse certain expenses after violent crimes.

Legal Disclaimer

This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently, and the application of the law depends on individual circumstances. You should consult a licensed Florida attorney for advice 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.