Personal Injury Guide – Lighthouse Point, Florida

Introduction: Why Lighthouse Point Residents Need a Focused Personal Injury Guide

Lighthouse Point, a coastal city of roughly 11,000 residents in northeastern Broward County, enjoys year-round boating, proximity to U.S.-1, and easy access to commercial hubs such as Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Unfortunately, these conveniences also create unique accident risks—busy traffic on Federal Highway, frequent bicycle and pedestrian activity along NE 36th Street, and seasonal influxes of tourists and delivery drivers. If you live, work, or vacation here and suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you will confront distinctly Florida-specific legal rules that differ from those in other states. This guide explains those rules, the timeline imposed by recent changes to Florida law, and the practical steps Lighthouse Point victims should follow to seek compensation.

Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Florida

The Legal Definition of Negligence

Under Fla. Stat. §768.81, negligence occurs when a party breaches a legal duty and causes damages. Florida courts require proof of duty, breach, causation, and damages. Because Florida follows a modified comparative negligence standard (more detail below), an injured person may still recover even when partially at fault—provided his or her share of fault does not exceed 50% for causes of action accruing after March 24, 2023.

Statute of Limitations — Know Your Deadline

Florida recently amended Fla. Stat. §95.11(4). For general negligence claims arising on or after March 24, 2023, the filing deadline is two years. Medical malpractice remains two years from reasonable discovery, and wrongful death actions under Fla. Stat. §95.11(4)(d) must also be filed within two years. Missing the statute of limitations almost always bars recovery, so Lighthouse Point victims should track the exact date of injury or discovery.

Comparative Negligence in Florida

Under Fla. Stat. §768.81(6), Florida moved from pure to modified comparative negligence. If a plaintiff’s fault exceeds 50%, he or she is barred from any recovery. If the plaintiff is 50% or less at fault, the award is reduced proportionally. Example: A jury awards $100,000 but assigns the plaintiff 30% fault. The net recovery becomes $70,000. This rule underscores the importance of gathering evidence quickly so the defense cannot overstate your responsibility.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Lighthouse Point and Across Florida

Motor Vehicle Collisions

Traffic on NE 36th Street and Federal Highway often involves high-speed merging and frequent left-turn accidents. Florida is a No-Fault state for auto insurance: under Fla. Stat. §627.736, every driver must carry $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP pays up to 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages regardless of fault, but serious injury thresholds under §627.737 determine when you may pursue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering.

Premises Liability (Slip-and-Fall)

Retail centers along Sample Road and marina walkways present slippery surfaces. Property owners owe patrons a duty to maintain reasonably safe premises and to warn of concealed dangers (Fla. Stat. §768.0755 for transitory foreign substances in business establishments).

Boating and Maritime Accidents

The Intracoastal Waterway and Hillsboro Inlet are crowded with vessels. While federal maritime law often applies, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) statistics show Broward County consistently ranks among the top ten for boating accidents. Victims may bring negligence claims against operators for excessive speed, intoxication, or failure to keep a proper lookout.

Dog Bites

Under Fla. Stat. §767.04, dog owners are strictly liable for bites occurring in public places or when the victim is lawfully on private property, subject to comparative negligence if the victim provoked the dog.

Hurricane-Related Injuries

After storms, loose debris and downed power lines create hazards. Contractors and property managers can be liable for negligent removal or failure to secure roofing materials under general negligence principles.

Florida Legal Protections & Key Injury Laws

Damages You Can Recover

• Economic damages: Medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity (Fla. Stat. §768.21 for wrongful death).

• Non-economic damages: Pain, suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life.

• Punitive damages: Allowed under Fla. Stat. §768.72 when the defendant’s conduct was intentional or grossly negligent; capped at three times compensatory damages or $500,000 in most cases (§768.73).

Evidence Rules and Pre-Suit Requirements

Florida’s Evidence Code (Chapter 90) governs admissibility. In medical malpractice, pre-suit investigation and a corroborating medical expert affidavit are required under Fla. Stat. §§766.102–106.

Attorney Licensing and Fees

Attorneys must be members in good standing of the Florida Bar (Florida Bar Official Site). Contingency fee contracts must comply with Rule 4-1.5(f) of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, including client’s Statement of Client’s Rights, limiting the percentage that may be charged.

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Florida

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Broward Health North in Deerfield Beach and Holy Cross Health in Fort Lauderdale are the nearest level-I and level-II trauma centers. Prompt treatment preserves health and documents causation—vital when insurers later dispute your injuries.

2. Report the Incident

Auto accidents: Call 911 and request the Lighthouse Point Police Department or Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Obtain the Florida Traffic Crash Report.

• Premises incidents: Ask the manager for a written incident report; photograph the hazard before it is cleaned or repaired.

• Boating accidents: Report to the FWC or U.S. Coast Guard if injuries exceed $2,000 or a victim disappears, per Fla. Stat. §327.30.

3. Document Everything

• Take high-resolution photos and video of injuries, vehicle damage, weather conditions, and skid marks.

• Collect names, phone numbers, and statements from eyewitnesses.

• Save medical records, diagnostic imaging, and all receipts.

• Start a pain diary noting daily limitations and emotional distress.

4. Notify Relevant Insurers

For auto injuries, file your PIP claim within 14 days under §627.736(1)(a). Failure to seek treatment within that window reduces PIP benefits from $10,000 to $2,500 in non-emergency care.

5. Beware Early Settlement Offers

Insurance adjusters may present quick, low-ball offers to close the claim before full medical bills accrue. Florida law allows victims to rescind releases obtained by fraud or mutual mistake, but doing so can be difficult. Consult counsel before signing.

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

Recognizing Complex Injury Scenarios

Certain cases almost always warrant legal representation:

• Catastrophic injuries (spinal cord, Traumatic Brain Injury, amputations).

• Commercial defendants such as trucking companies that remove electronic logging data swiftly.

• Multiple-vehicle collisions where fault allocation is contested.

• Government entities (e.g., City of Lighthouse Point) requiring pre-suit notice under Fla. Stat. §768.28(6).

Statutory Fee Shifting

In some cases—namely uninsured/underinsured motorist disputes—Fla. Stat. §627.428 may allow recovery of attorney’s fees when the insurer wrongfully denies benefits, bolstering the victim’s leverage.

Case Management

An experienced personal injury lawyer Lighthouse Point Florida can manage:

• Pre-suit investigations and preservation letters under Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.280.

• Filing the Complaint in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit (Broward County).

• Discovery, including depositions, subpoenas, and Rule 1.360 medical examinations.

• Mediation pursuant to the Seventeenth Circuit’s Administrative Orders requiring early ADR.

Local Resources & Next Steps for Lighthouse Point Residents

Emergency and Medical Facilities

• Broward Health North, 201 E. Sample Rd, Deerfield Beach, FL 33064

• Holy Cross Health, 4725 N. Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

• Lighthouse Point Fire Rescue (non-emergency): (954) 941-2624

Court and Government Contacts

• Broward County Courthouse, 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale – Clerk’s personal injury division.

• Lighthouse Point Police Department Records Unit for accident reports.

Broward County Clerk of Courts Online Portal for docket access.

Support Groups & Advocacy

• Brain Injury Association of Florida – Broward Chapter.

• MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Southeast Florida Office.

Florida Department of Health’s Injury Prevention Section (State Injury Prevention Resources).

Conclusion

Florida’s evolving injury laws—shorter statutes of limitation, modified comparative fault, and strict pre-suit rules—make it risky to navigate a claim alone. Lighthouse Point residents face additional complexities from boating traffic, hurricane debris, and congested arterials. Acting promptly to secure medical care, preserve evidence, and understand legal deadlines will significantly improve your chances of fair compensation.

Legal Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different. You should consult a licensed Florida attorney to obtain advice regarding your individual 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.