An accident can happen in seconds. The recovery, physical, financial, and emotional, can take years. And from the moment that crash happened, the insurance company began building its case against you.
at bechert & Associates, we level the playing field. our trial attorneys bring 30 years of litigation experience to every personal injury case, including the perspective of having worked inside the broward county state attorney's office and having defended major insurance carriers. we know how they think. we know how they fight. and we know how to win.
we represent injured clients in pompano beach, fort lauderdale, boca raton, and all of broward county, palm beach county, and miami- dade county.
Personal Injury Cases We Handle in South Florida
Car Accidents
Car accidents are the most common cause of serious injury in Broward County. Even a seemingly
minor collision can cause whiplash, traumatic brain injury, spinal damage, and long-term disabilities that
derail careers and families. Florida's modified comparative fault system means even if you were
partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. We handle all aspects of your claim, from
evidence preservation to negotiating with insurance adjusters to trial preparation.
Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Accidents involving commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, and delivery vehicles are among the most
catastrophic on Florida roads. These cases are complex, involving multiple potentially liable parties including
the driver, trucking company, cargo loader, and vehicle manufacturer. Federal trucking regulations, black box data,
and driver logs all play a critical role. We move quickly to preserve this evidence before it disappears.
Slip and Fall / Premises Liability
Property owners in Florida have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. When they fail,
leaving wet floors unmarked, broken steps unrepaired, or parking lots poorly lit, and you are injured
as a result, they are liable. These cases require swift action to document the dangerous condition
before it is repaired. If you were injured on someone else's property, call us immediately.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users in South Florida. When a car turns left without
seeing a motorcycle, when a driver fails to yield, or when road defects send a rider off course, the
consequences are catastrophic. Insurance companies often try to shift blame to the motorcycle rider.
We have the trial experience to counter these tactics and hold negligent drivers accountable.
Wrongful Death
When a negligent act takes a life, the financial and emotional impact on surviving family members is
devastating. Florida law allows immediate family members to pursue a wrongful death claim to recover
damages for lost income, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and more. These cases carry strict
filing deadlines. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence, please contact us
immediately.
Dog Bites
Florida is a strict liability state for dog bites. If you or your child was bitten or attacked by a dog, the
owner is legally responsible for your injuries regardless of whether the dog had previously shown
aggression. We handle all aspects of dog bite claims, from documenting injuries to dealing with
homeowners' insurance carriers.
Rideshare Accidents (Uber / Lyft)
Rideshare accidents involve complex insurance scenarios, Uber and Lyft provide different levels of
coverage depending on whether a driver was actively carrying a passenger, waiting for a match, or
offline. We understand these coverage tiers and know exactly how to maximize your recovery whether
you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian.
What Compensation Can I Recover for My Personal Injury in Florida?
Florida personal injury victims may be entitled to recover compensation for all of the following,
depending on their specific circumstances:
• Medical expenses, past, current, and future (including surgery, rehabilitation, therapy, and ongoing care)
• Lost wages - income you were unable to earn while recovering
• Loss of future earning capacity - if your injuries have permanently limited your ability to work
• Pain and suffering - physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life - activities and experiences you can no longer participate in
• Property damage - repair or replacement of your vehicle and other property
• Wrongful death damages - for families who have lost a loved one due to negligence
We conduct a thorough damages analysis for every client to ensure we pursue the full amount you are
entitled to, not just the easy number the insurance company wants to hand you.
Motor Vehicle Accident
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Car accidents
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Truck / 18 - wheeler accidents
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Motorcycle accidents
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Uber/ Lyft accidents
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Rear-end collisions
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Hit and run accidents
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DUI accidents
Scooter Accident
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Pedestrian accidents
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Bicycle accidents
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E-scooter accidents
Slip & Fall / Premises Liability
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Slip & fall (wet floors, spills)
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Trip and fall (cracked sidewalks)
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Negligent security (assaults at properties)
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Swimming pool accidents
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Hotel / resort injuries
Workplace & Construction Accidents
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Construction Accidents
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Falls from heights
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Equipment injuries
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Workers' compensation claims
Nursing Home Abuse / Neglect
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Neglect
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Abuse
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Falls in facilities
Wrongful Death
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A death must have occurred
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The death was caused by another person's negligence or intent to cause harm
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Family members are directly financially impacted by the death of a loved one
Dog Bites & Animal Attacks
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Dog Bites
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Animal Attacks
Boating & Water Accidents
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Boat Collisions
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Jet ski accidents
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Marina / dock injuries
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DUI
Product Liability
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Defective products
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Dangerous drugs
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Faulty vehicles / airbags
FAQ
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida?
As of 2023, Florida's statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident or injury. This deadline is strict, if you miss it, you lose your right to sue entirely.
Wrongful death claims also have a two-year deadline from the date of death. Some claims against
government entities have even shorter deadlines (notice requirements as short as three years). Do not wait, contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
What is Florida's modified comparative fault rule and how does it affect my case?
Under Florida's modified comparative fault law (effective March 2023), you can recover
compensation as long as you are found to be less than 51% at fault for your accident. Your recovery is
reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault and your damages are
$100,000, you recover $80,000. If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.
Insurance companies aggressively argue that injured victims share more blame than they do, this is
exactly why an experienced attorney is essential.
Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?
Almost never. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their first offer is typically a fraction of
what your claim is actually worth. Once you accept a settlement, you waive all future rights to additional compensation, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than initially believed. Before accepting any offer, have your case evaluated by an attorney. The consultation is free, and the
difference in recovery can be tens of thousands of dollars.
How much is my personal injury case worth in Florida?
Every personal injury case is unique. Value depends on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of
fault, your medical treatment and costs, your lost income, and whether your injuries are permanent.
Cases involving serious injuries, clear liability, and high insurance coverage can be worth hundreds of
thousands or millions of dollars. Minor soft-tissue cases with full recovery may be worth less. We
provide a thorough case evaluation and honest assessment of value not inflated promises.
What is Florida's no-fault insurance law and how does it affect my claim?
Florida is a no-fault insurance state. This means your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage
pays your initial medical bills and lost wages, up to $10,000, regardless of who caused the
accident. However, to bring a claim against the at-fault driver for damages beyond your PIP coverage, you must meet Florida's serious injury threshold: a significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, permanent injury, significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, or death. Most serious accident cases meet this threshold.
Do I have to pay taxes on my personal injury settlement in Florida?
Generally, compensation received for personal physical injuries is not taxable under federal law.
Compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages related to a physical injury is
typically excluded from gross income. However, punitive damages and any settlement amounts for lost wages may have tax implications. We recommend consulting a tax professional regarding the specific tax treatment of your settlement.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Florida?
Immediately after an accident: (1) Call 911 and ensure everyone is safe. (2) Seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Symptoms from injuries like whiplash and traumatic brain injury can be delayed.
(3) Document the scene with photos, the vehicles, road conditions, injuries, and any visible hazards.
(4) Get contact information from all drivers and witnesses. (5) Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney. (6) Call Bechert & Associates at (954) 941-8363 for a free case evaluation.
What if the driver who hit me did not have insurance?
Florida requires all drivers to carry minimum insurance. However, uninsured and underinsured
drivers are unfortunately common in South Florida. If the driver who hit you has no insurance, you may still have options: your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, or claims against other responsible parties (such as an employer if the driver was working). UM/UIM coverage is critical in Florida and we strongly recommend all clients carry it.
How long does a personal injury case take in Florida?
Timeline varies significantly by case complexity. Cases that settle pre-litigation (without filing a
lawsuit) often resolve in 6 to 18 months. Cases that proceed to litigation typically take 18 to 36 months or longer, particularly if they proceed to trial. Reaching maximum medical improvement before settling is important, you want to know the full extent of your injuries before releasing your claims. We keep you informed throughout every step of the process.
Can I still file a personal injury claim if I was a passenger in the accident?
Yes. As a passenger, you bear no fault for the collision between drivers. You have the right to file
claims against the at-fault driver(s) and potentially against the driver of the vehicle you were in,
depending on the circumstances. You also have access to PIP benefits through the policy of the vehicle you were in. Passengers in accidents often have strong claims, contact us to discuss your specific situation.