Car Accident Lawyer
South Florida roads are among the most dangerous in the country. Broward County sees thousands of car accidents every year — on I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, on busy corridors like Sample Road and University Drive, and on neighborhood streets. When a crash happens, injuries are serious, medical bills pile up fast, and insurers start working against you immediately.
Eric A. Hernandez is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. He spent years building federal cases and learning how insurance companies challenge evidence and minimize claims. Now he uses that knowledge to protect injury victims across Coral Springs, Broward County, and South Florida.
Call HLM Injury Lawyers at (305) 842-2100 for a free consultation. No fee unless we win.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Coral Springs and Broward County
Most car accidents are caused by driver behavior. The most common causes our firm sees:
Distracted Driving: Texting, adjusting GPS, or looking away for a second at speed is a leading cause of crashes on roads like Sample Road and Atlantic Blvd.
Drunk and Impaired Driving: Impaired drivers cause devastating crashes throughout Broward County, especially late at night on US-441 and University Drive.
Speeding: Exceeding limits on I-95 and the Turnpike drastically reduces the ability to stop in time.
Running Red Lights: Intersections along Wiles Road, Coral Ridge Drive, and Atlantic Blvd see frequent crashes from drivers who run red lights.
Aggressive Driving and Tailgating: Road rage and tailgating lead to rear-end and chain-reaction crashes throughout South Florida.
Failure to Yield: Crashes happen in parking lots, on-ramps, and unmarked intersections when drivers fail to yield.
Unsafe Lane Changes: Sudden lane changes without signaling catch other drivers with little time to react.
Drowsy Driving: Fatigued drivers drift between lanes and sometimes fall asleep at highway speeds.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents cause injuries ranging from minor soreness to life-altering conditions:
Whiplash and Neck Injuries: The most common rear-end crash injury, causing pain and limited neck mobility — sometimes for months.
Herniated Discs: Collision forces push spinal discs out of place, pressing on nerves and causing back and leg pain with delayed onset.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Even without losing consciousness, a blow to the head can cause a concussion or serious brain injury. Symptoms like headaches and memory problems may not appear right away.
Broken Bones: Fractured ribs, arms, legs, and facial bones are common in moderate to severe crashes and often require surgery.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord damage can cause partial or complete paralysis — among the most catastrophic crash outcomes.
Internal Injuries: Blunt force can damage organs with no visible wound; these injuries are life-threatening if not caught quickly.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears may not appear on X-rays but cause real pain and limit your ability to work.
Wrongful Death: Surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim when a crash is fatal.
See a doctor immediately after any crash, even if you feel fine. TBI and herniated discs often have delayed symptoms, and waiting can damage both your health and your legal claim.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Florida
Step 1 — Call 911: Report the accident. A police report is an official record critical to your claim.
Step 2 — Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Florida law requires treatment within 14 days to qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. Missing this deadline can cost you coverage you paid for.
Step 3 — Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and skid marks before evidence disappears.
Step 4 — Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, license, insurance, and registration, plus witness contact information.
Step 5 — Do Not Give a Recorded Statement: Decline any request from the other driver’s insurer. Anything you say can be used against your claim.
Step 6 — Contact an Attorney Before Signing Anything: Do not sign any releases without speaking to a lawyer. Once you accept a settlement, you typically cannot seek more.
Understanding Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Laws
Florida is a no-fault state. Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays initial medical bills up to $10,000, regardless of fault. Florida law requires $10,000 in PIP and $10,000 in property damage liability — but does not require bodily injury (BI) liability coverage, leaving many victims exposed.
To sue the at-fault driver, your injuries must meet Florida’s serious injury threshold: a significant or permanent injury, significant scarring, or death.
Because so many Florida drivers carry no BI coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is critical. Eric Hernandez will review all available coverage to make sure nothing is left on the table.
Florida’s 2-Year Deadline — Do Not Wait
Under HB 837, Florida’s 2023 tort reform law reduced the statute of limitations for negligence claims — including car accidents — from four years to two years.
Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and insurers use delay tactics. Eric Hernandez moves quickly to secure accident reports, gather witness statements, and build a strong record before critical details are lost.
Do not wait. Call (305) 842-2100 today.
Why Hire Eric Hernandez for Your Car Accident Case
A Prosecutor’s Perspective: Eric served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Florida and clerked for Chief Justice Charles T. Wells of the Florida Supreme Court. He knows how insurers minimize payouts — and how to dismantle those strategies.
Direct Attorney Access: You work directly with Eric — not a case manager or paralegal.
Trial-Ready Representation: With 25+ years of trial experience and admission to the U.S. Supreme Court Bar, Eric is prepared to take your case to a jury. Insurers know this, and it matters in negotiations.
Bilingual Service — English and Spanish: Eric serves Spanish-speaking clients throughout Coral Springs, Broward County, and South Florida.
No Fee Unless We Win: No upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my car accident case worth?
Every case is different. Value depends on your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available coverage. Eric will give you a straightforward assessment at your free consultation.
What if the other driver has no insurance?
Bodily injury coverage is not required in Florida, so this is common. Your own UM/UIM coverage may be your primary source of compensation. Eric will review all policies to identify every recovery option.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?
Injuries that seem minor — soft tissue injuries, herniated discs, concussions — are frequently underestimated. A free consultation will help you understand your claim’s value before you sign anything.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Florida?
Under Florida’s 2023 tort reform law, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Earlier deadlines apply to claims involving government vehicles. Contact an attorney promptly.
What if I was partially at fault?
Florida’s modified comparative negligence system lets you recover compensation if you were partially at fault — unless you were 51% or more responsible. Insurers will try to shift blame onto you; an attorney protects you from that tactic.
How long does a car accident case take to settle?
Straightforward cases may resolve in a few months; cases with serious injuries or disputed liability take longer. Eric will keep you informed and will not pressure you into a low offer.
Contact HLM Injury Lawyers — Free Consultation
If you were injured in a car accident in Coral Springs or anywhere in Broward County, do not handle the insurance company on your own. Call HLM Injury Lawyers at (305) 842-2100 or fill out the free consultation form on our website. Eric Hernandez will review your case personally, at no charge and with no obligation.
There is no fee unless we win. HLM Injury Lawyers proudly serves Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek, Margate, Tamarac, Pompano Beach, and communities throughout Broward County and South Florida.