A Hollywood Car Accident Lawyer Explains the Causes and Types of Car Accidents in Florida

As Hollywood car accident attorneys know, car accidents are an unfortunate reality for Florida drivers, due to the state’s bustling urban centers, growing population, and high volume of visitors. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), hundreds of thousands of crashes occur each year, with a significant number of car accident injuries resulting in fatalities. Understanding the types of car accidents you might encounter can help you stay vigilant on the road and know what to do if you’re involved in an auto accident.

This blog, from a seasoned Hollywood, FL car accident lawyer, explores some of the most common types of car accidents in Florida, their causes, and the unique legal considerations for each. It also explains the types of seemingly minor injuries and serious injuries caused by these incidents and the importance of legal representation for injury victims seeking compensation.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end accidents occur when one vehicle hits the back of another, often due to following too closely, distracted driving, or sudden stops.

Common Causes

• Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or adjusting the car’s controls.
• Tailgating: Failing to maintain a safe following distance.
• Sudden Stops: Abrupt braking due to high traffic or unexpected hazards.

Challenges & Legal Considerations

Determining fault in rear-end collisions is often straightforward because the driver in the back is usually presumed to be at fault. However, complications arise if the front driver stopped suddenly for no apparent reason or due to mechanical failure. Additional challenges may include proving injuries from the crash, especially if the damage seems minor.

T-Bone Accidents

T-bone accidents, also called side-impact collisions, occur when one vehicle crashes into the side of another, forming a “T” shape. These often happen at intersections when one driver fails to yield, disregards a stop sign, or runs a red light.

Common Causes

• Failure to Yield the Right of Way
• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
• Speeding through Intersections

Challenges & Legal Considerations

The angle of impact in T-bone accidents places drivers and passengers at greater risk of serious injury compared to other crash types. Determining fault can be complex, especially if both parties assert they had the right of way. A Hollywood car accident lawyer can establish liability through eyewitness accounts, traffic camera footage, police reports, and accident reconstruction experts.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are among the deadliest types of car accidents. They occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide, often due to one driver veering into the other’s lane.

Common Causes

• Impaired Driving (e.g., alcohol or drugs)
• Driver Fatigue
• Wrong-Way Driving on Highways
• Poor Road Conditions

Challenges & Legal Considerations

Proving fault in head-on collisions requires thorough investigation since these cases often result in significant damages and injuries, including fatalities. Families of victims may need to file wrongful death claims. Drivers in Florida are also expected to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which may come into play for medical expenses.

Sideswipe Accidents

Sideswipe accidents happen when two vehicles traveling parallel to each other make contact. While they are usually less severe than T-bone or head-on crashes, they can cause loss of control, leading to more serious secondary accidents.

Common Causes

• Improper Lane Changes
• Failing to Check Blind Spots
• Aggressive Driving or Road Rage

Challenges & Legal Considerations

Fault in sideswipe accidents can be disputed, with each driver potentially blaming the other. Video evidence from traffic cameras or dashcams can be instrumental in resolving these disputes.

Multi-Vehicle Pileups

Multi-vehicle pileups, or chain-reaction crashes, occur when three or more vehicles are involved in a series of collisions. These typically happen on highways and during conditions of poor visibility, such as heavy rain or fog.

Common Causes

• Tailgating in Congested Traffic
• Sudden Stops on Highways
• Slippery Roads During Rainstorms

Challenges & Legal Considerations

Determining fault in a pileup can be extremely complicated, as multiple drivers may share liability. Florida’s comparative negligence laws might apply, assigning fault percentages to each driver involved. Victims in these accidents need experienced attorneys who can untangle the web of insurance claims and liability.

Parking Lot Accidents

Although parking lot accidents usually occur at slower speeds, they still pose risks for injury and vehicle damage. They often happen when drivers back out of spaces, fail to obey traffic flow indicators, or simply don’t pay attention.

Common Causes

• Backing Out Without Looking
• Driving Too Fast in Parking Areas
• Ignoring Right-of-Way Rules

Challenges & Legal Considerations

Because these accidents take place on private property, insurance claims can become more complex. Florida law doesn’t require the police to investigate minor parking lot accidents, leaving it up to the parties to exchange information. Securing witness statements or surveillance footage may be necessary.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents occur when a driver flees the scene without addressing damages, exchanging information, or helping any injured parties. Florida has some of the stiffest penalties for hit-and-run drivers, including 3rd degree felony charges if injuries are involved.

Common Causes

• Fear of Legal Repercussions
• Driving Without Insurance
• Impaired Driving

Challenges & Legal Considerations

Identifying the at-fault driver is the most significant legal challenge in hit-and-run cases. Victims may need to rely on police investigations, surveillance footage, or eyewitness accounts. Florida law also requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which may be vital in hit-and-run claims.

Common Car Accident Injuries in Broward County, Palm Beach County & Miami-Dade County

Throughout South Florida, car accidents can result in various injuries, ranging from minor to life-changing.

• Broken Bones: Fractures are a frequent result of car accidents due to the force of impact. Broken bones often require surgery, physical therapy, and extended recovery, leading to mounting medical bills.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and whiplash are common injuries that can cause ongoing pain and limit your mobility.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Head trauma, including concussions and more severe traumatic brain injuries, can affect cognitive function and overall well-being both immediately and in the long term.
• Spinal Injuries: Herniated discs and other spinal injuries may result in chronic pain or even partial paralysis, significantly impacting a victim’s ability to work or enjoy life.
• Financial Challenges: Injuries often lead to lost income during recovery, further stressing victims who are already dealing with medical expenses.

To address the challenges involved in seeking medical and financial compensation after a Florida car accident, victims should consult experienced personal injury attorneys who can protect their rights and seek the resources they need to cover mounting medical bills and lost income.

Frequently Asked Questions About Injury Claims, Car Accident Representation & Insurance Coverage in an Auto Accident Case

What should I do immediately after a motor vehicle accident?

After a motor vehicle accident in South Florida, prioritize your safety and call 911 to report the incident. Seek medical attention, even if you think you are uninjured, as some symptoms appear later. Remain at the accident scene to gather evidence, such as photos, contact information for witnesses, and insurance details of the at-fault driver. Finally, consult experienced car accident attorneys in Hollywood, FL, to understand your rights and options.

How can Hollywood car accident attorneys help with my case?

A Hollywood, FL car accident attorney can guide you through each step of the legal process, working closely with you to gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and seek appropriate compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Who pays my medical bills after a motor vehicle accident?

Florida is a no-fault state, meaning your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers your initial medical bills regardless of fault. However, if the expenses exceed your PIP coverage, you may pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. A legal team can assist in seeking additional compensation to cover these costs.

Can I seek compensation for lost wages after an accident?

Yes, if your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost wages. A Hollywood car accident attorney can help calculate the total value of your financial losses and include them in your claim against the at-fault driver or the insurance company.

What if someone else’s negligence caused the auto accident?

If someone else’s negligence caused the accident, you may file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for your damages, which can include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced legal team can evaluate your case and fight for the compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life.

How is fault determined in a motor vehicle accident?

Fault is determined by reviewing evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photos of the scene, and traffic laws. Personal injury lawyers can build a strong case by thoroughly investigating the circumstances and proving the at-fault driver’s negligence.

What is fair compensation, and how is it calculated?

Fair compensation is the monetary reimbursement you receive for your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. The total value depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the circumstances of the accident. A legal team can pursue an appropriate settlement for you, based on the details of your auto accident.

Do I need auto accident attorneys to file a claim with an insurance company?

While you can file a claim on your own, an experienced Hollywood car accident attorney can protect your rights and pursue fair compensation, knowing that insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. During a free consultation, they will listen to the details of your car accident and tailor an approach to building a robust car accident claim.

Can I still file a lawsuit if I partially caused the accident?

Yes, in Florida, you can still attempt to recover compensation even if you are partially at fault due to the state’s comparative negligence laws. However, your settlement might be reduced by your percentage of fault. Consulting experienced attorneys in Hollywood, FL can help you understand how this applies to your case.

How does state law affect personal injury cases in Florida?

The statute of limitations, a law that sets a strict deadline for filing a lawsuit after your injury, significantly impacts car accident cases. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your chance to seek compensation, no matter how compelling your car accident case.

As of March 24, 2023, a new law reduced this window to two years from four years, drastically shortening the time injured individuals have to file claims. Therefore, consulting a car accident law firm as soon as possible is more important than ever.

For example, if you were injured in a car accident on July 1, 2025, you would need to file a lawsuit by July 1, 2027, under the new two-year rule. Exceptions exist for certain cases, like medical malpractice or injuries involving minors, but the general rule now applies.

How does comparative negligence work in Florida?

Comparative negligence determines the allocation of fault among the parties involved in a car accident. Florida follows modified comparative negligence:

1. A percentage of fault is assigned to each party involved in the accident.
2. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
3. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you are barred from recovering compensation altogether.

This system was changed under Florida’s Tort Reform Act of 2023. Previously, the state followed a “pure comparative negligence” model, where you could recover damages even if you were 99% at fault. Now, with the 50% threshold in place, the stakes for determining fault in a car accident claim are higher.

An Example of Fault Allocation

Imagine you’re in a car accident, and the damages total $100,000. The court finds you 30% at fault because you were speeding, while the other driver was 70% at fault for running a red light. Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence system, your compensation would be reduced by 30%, meaning you would be eligible to receive $70,000.

However, if the percentages were reversed and you were found 70% at fault, you would receive nothing, as your fault exceeds the 50% limit.

Why Fault Percentage Matters

The percentage of fault not only impacts your financial recovery but also influences the legal strategies your attorney might use. For example, your lawyer may focus on evidence, like traffic camera footage or witness testimony, to demonstrate that the other party bears the majority of the blame.

How much does it cost to hire a Hollywood car accident lawyer?

A Hollywood car accident lawyer works on a contingency basis, which means you do not pay a fee unless they win your case. At Cohen & Cohen Law, we focus exclusively on personal injury law and offer a free case evaluation to discuss your case and determine an approach to seeking damages. Whether your car accident occurred in Broward County, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach County, you can trust us with your car accident claim. Our car accident law firm does not charge a fee until we win your case. Contact us today at (800)-33COHEN(800)-33COHEN to schedule your free consultation.

A Seasoned Car Accident Lawyer Explains Why Legal Representation Matters in a South Florida Car Crash

Regardless of the type of accident, for car accident victims, retaining knowledgeable legal representation can make a world of difference in these personal injury claims. From understanding Florida’s no-fault insurance laws to gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies, a personal injury attorney can protect your rights and fight to maximize your compensation.

Cohen & Cohen Law, a Hollywood law firm that has been helping accident victims seek justice and compensation for over 55 years, is here to be the experience you need and the representation you can trust. Our Hollywood car attorneys understand the nuances of Florida law and fight tirelessly for our clients throughout South Florida.

Contact Cohen & Cohen Law — Personal Injury Attorneys Serving South Florida for More Than 55 Years

Car accidents can happen to anyone, but understanding the various types and their unique challenges can help you stay prepared. Whether you’re commuting through Miami’s crowded streets or driving across Florida’s scenic highways, you must remain vigilant.

Have you been searching online for a “Hollywood, FL car accident lawyer,” “Hollywood car accident lawyer,” or “Hollywood, FL personal injury attorney?”

At Cohen & Cohen Law, our legal team has been representing and assisting clients in car accident cases for 55 years. Whether caused by driver negligence, disobeying traffic laws, distracted driving, or another reason, we have seen it all. Let our personal injury law firm handle the insurance company and other involved parties as we fight for compensation for your medical expenses and other damages.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, don’t wait to seek help. Call Cohen & Cohen Law at (800)-33COHEN(800)-33COHEN or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation today.

Copyright © 2025. Cohen and Cohen Law. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

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