Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Sunrise, FL

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Sunrise, Florida?

  The Sunrise Police Department can be reached at (954) 764-4357 (HELP) for non-emergencies.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Sunrise, Florida?

  To get a copy of a police report, visit the Sunrise Police Department Records Unit at the address below. The unit is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Before visiting, call (954) 746-3500 to inquire if the report you need is available for release and the fee you need to pay. Police reports become available five working days after the incident. If you can't visit in person, you can also mail your report copy request to the same address below. Enclose a stamped and self-addressed envelope, and the money order or check for the fees.

  Sunrise Police Department Records Unit - 1st Floor City of Sunrise Public Safety Building 10440 W. Oakland Park Blvd. Sunrise, FL 33351

• Can you sue the owner of a business establishment in Sunrise if their employee failed to remedy a dangerous situation that led to your slip and fall?

  Yes, you can file a personal injury claim against the business owner even if they are not directly at fault for your injury. Florida laws put strict liability on employers for their employee’s wrongful acts while on duty. It is recommended that you consult with a personal injury lawyer in Sunrise to determine if your situation constitutes strict liability for the owner.

• What is considered “serious bodily injury,” and why is this important in personal injury cases in Sunrise?

  Sustaining a serious bodily injury after an accident in Sunrise can make you eligible to claim compensation for pain and suffering according to Florida Statute 627.737. A serious bodily injury is defined as a physical condition causing the impairment or loss of function of a body organ or member, risk of death, or serious disfigurement. Some injuries that are considered serious include loss of a limb, paralysis, spinal injuries, and broken bones.

• How are damages awarded in a Sunrise personal injury case if multiple parties are at fault?

  When more than one party is to blame for an accident in Sunrise, pure comparative negligence rules are applied to determine the compensation award. These rules allow at-fault parties to still recover damages but in proportion to their share of fault. For example, if your damages amount to $50,000 but it was proven that you are 20% at fault, your award will also be reduced by 20% to $40,000.

• In Sunrise, who is responsible for injury-related expenses if your vehicle crashed with an animal?

  Under Florida laws, you or your insurance company should cover damages if you hit livestock that is in a legally free-roam area, a wild animal, or a domestic animal. Note that you can use your PIP coverage to pay for medical expenses if you hit a wild animal in Sunrise. However, a pet or livestock owner may be liable for your damages if they negligently let their animal run free or roam where they shouldn't be and caused the collision.

• What is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Sunrise?

  According to Florida Statute 95, you have up to four years from the date the injury occurred to file your personal injury claim in Sunrise. If the claim stems from medical malpractice, you need to file it within two years from the date the cause of action happened or was discovered. For injuries that resulted in a wrongful death, the claim must be filed within two years of the victim's passing.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.