Serving Fort Lauderdale and all of Broward County
Fort Lauderdale & Broward County Personal Injury Lawyer
For nearly two decades I defended insurance companies. Now I represent only injured people, in Fort Lauderdale and across Broward County. I personally handle every case I take, in English or Spanish, and I know where insurers look to pay less.
— Emanuel Galimidi, former insurance-defense attorney
Office: Miami, Florida · I meet Broward clients by video, by phone, or in person
I was hurt in Fort Lauderdale or elsewhere in Broward. What happens with my claim?
Before filing, I check which law applies and which court and county are proper. An injury in Broward doesn't always mean the lawsuit belongs there. Some cases belong in federal court in Fort Lauderdale. What you do in the first days matters most: get medical care, get the crash report and save evidence before it's gone. The case review is free, and there are no fees or costs unless we recover for you.
Broward courts
Where Broward injury cases are heard
A Broward injury case is heard either in state court, in Florida's 17th Judicial Circuit, or in federal court, at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in Fort Lauderdale.
State court
The 17th Judicial Circuit's main courthouse is the Broward County Courthouse at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale. There are regional courthouses in Deerfield Beach, Hollywood and Plantation.
In state court, claims for $50,000 or less, not counting interest, court costs and attorney's fees, generally go to county court. Larger claims generally go to circuit court (§ 34.01).
I'm currently litigating a case in Broward against a large entertainment venue.
Sources: 17th Judicial Circuit: court locations · Broward Clerk of Courts: locations · § 34.01, Fla. Stat.
Federal court
The Southern District of Florida sits in Fort Lauderdale at the U.S. Federal Building and Courthouse, 299 East Broward Boulevard. Some injury cases belong there, depending on who the parties are and what the claims are.
I've tried cases in this courthouse. In one federal case in Fort Lauderdale over the sinking of a yacht, the court ruled for my client after a bench trial.
Every case is different; past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Broward crash data
What Broward's crash data shows
From 2017 to 2021, Broward County had over 300,000 crashes. Nearly 1,000 were fatal, and over 4,000 involved incapacitating injuries, according to the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).
Crashes involving pedestrians were nearly 15 times more likely to result in severe injury.
Crashes involving cyclists were over six times as likely to be severe.
of crashes that kill or seriously injure someone happen on only 6% of Broward's streets.
of those crashes happen between 3 and 9 p.m.
What this means for you
Serious crashes cluster on a small share of busy streets and in the late afternoon and evening. If you were hurt then, photograph the lighting, the signals and the crosswalk, note any business or traffic cameras, and get witness names and numbers before people leave.
Sources: Broward MPO: Safety · Broward Safety Action Plan
Crash reports
Who has your crash report in Broward
Your Broward crash report is held by the agency that investigated the crash: the Broward Sheriff's Office, a city police department, or the Florida Highway Patrol.
Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO)
Request BSO reports for crashes its deputies investigated. For other crashes, contact the agency that investigated.
Source: Broward Sheriff's Office
City police
Fort Lauderdale and other cities have their own police departments. Fort Lauderdale Police crash reports are available on the Florida Crash Portal, or from FLPD's Records Unit in person or by mail, with an affidavit.
Source: Fort Lauderdale Police: records
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)
FHP's Davie District covers Broward and patrols I-95, I-75 and I-595. FHP Troop K patrols Florida's Turnpike.
Sources: FHP Troop L · FHP Troop K
How to get it
- Online: The state's Florida Crash Portal sells official crash reports from Florida law enforcement agencies. A report can take up to 10 days to show up. If it isn't there after that, contact the agency that investigated.
Sources: Florida Crash Portal · FLHSMV: traffic crash reports
- The first 60 days: Crash reports with personal information are confidential for 60 days after they're filed. The people involved and their authorized representatives can request them sooner by meeting identification and sworn-statement requirements. Some access restrictions continue after that.
Sources: § 316.066, Fla. Stat. · FLHSMV: traffic crash reports
- If I take your case: I get the report for you, and I check it for mistakes about who did what.
Broward situations
Three Broward situations, and what to do
These three situations tie to Broward's airport, port and beaches, and in each one key evidence can disappear fast.
Hurt in an Uber or Lyft at FLL or Port Everglades
Which insurance pays after an Uber or Lyft crash depends on the trip phase: app off, app on and waiting for a ride, or on a trip.
Save: Screenshots of the trip and the receipt, the driver's name and plate, and the terminal or exact pickup spot.
I look into: The rideshare company's coverage for that trip phase, every driver's policy, and your own PIP and uninsured-motorist coverage.
Uber & Lyft accidents → If your Uber or Lyft claim was denied →
A fall at a beach hotel, condo or vacation rental
A fall at a hotel, condo or vacation rental in Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood can be a claim against the owner or manager, even if you've already gone home. If you live out of state, the claim can move forward after you leave, and you can keep treating with your own doctors.
Save: Photos of the spot and your shoes, the booking confirmation, any incident report, and the names of staff you spoke with.
I look into: Who owns and manages the property, video before it's recorded over, and earlier complaints or repairs.
Slip & fall → Short-term rentals → Injured visiting Florida →
Hit while walking or biking on A1A, Las Olas or Federal Highway
Broward MPO data shows pedestrian and bicycle crashes are far more likely to be severe (see the data above). Your own auto policy's PIP and uninsured-motorist coverage may help, even though you weren't in a car.
Save: Ask nearby businesses for their camera video right away, because it can be recorded over quickly. Photograph the crosswalk, the signals and the lighting.
I look into: The driver's insurance, any commercial vehicle or employer involved, and how the road and crossing were designed and lit.
Case types
Broward cases I handle
I handle these injury cases across Broward County.
Car accidents
Rear-end, side-impact and highway crashes.
Truck accidents
Semis, delivery vans and port trucks.
Motorcycle accidents
PIP doesn't cover riders, so other coverage matters more.
Uber & Lyft accidents
Passengers, drivers and people hit by a rideshare car.
Pedestrian accidents
Hit in a crosswalk, a parking lot or near the beach.
Bicycle accidents
When passing a cyclist in the same lane or an unseparated bike lane, Florida drivers must leave at least 3 feet.
Slip and fall
Falls in stores, condos, hotels and restaurants.
Short-term rentals
Airbnb and Vrbo pool decks, stairs, balconies and docks.
Wrongful death
When a family loses someone to another's carelessness.
Catastrophic injury
Brain and spinal cord injuries, amputations and severe burns.
Florida law
Florida deadlines and rules
Four Florida rules shape most Broward injury claims.
14 days to get care
If PIP applies to you, Florida's no-fault insurance generally pays medical benefits only if you get initial care within 14 days of the crash (§ 627.736). Coverage limits apply. Don't wait to see if the pain goes away.
2 years to file
Most Florida negligence claims arising after March 24, 2023 must be filed within 2 years (§ 95.11(5)(a)). Other deadlines may apply.
The 50% rule
In most Florida negligence lawsuits filed after March 24, 2023, your share of fault reduces what you recover, and if you're more than 50% at fault for your own harm, you recover nothing (§ 768.81). Medical negligence cases are an exception.
Your own policy can pay
If the driver who hit you has little or no insurance, your own uninsured-motorist coverage may pay. Report the crash to your own insurer on time, and review your coverage before you give anyone a recorded statement.
Wondering what your claim is worth? Start here →
Next steps
What to do in the first days
Get checked within 14 days
Go to the ER, urgent care or your doctor. Tell them every part that hurts.
Get the crash report
Write down which agency came to the scene and the report number.
Save the evidence
Photos of the vehicles, the scene and your injuries. Witness names and numbers. Screenshots of any rideshare trip.
Talk to a lawyer first
Before you give the other side's insurer a recorded statement or sign a release. Don't miss notice deadlines or your duty to cooperate with your own insurer.
Areas we serve
Broward cities I serve
I represent injured people throughout Broward County, including in these cities:
- Fort Lauderdale
- Hollywood
- Pembroke Pines
- Miramar
- Coral Springs
- Pompano Beach
- Davie
- Plantation
- Sunrise
- Weston
- Deerfield Beach
- Lauderhill
- Tamarac
- Margate
- Coconut Creek
- Hallandale Beach
- Dania Beach
- Oakland Park
- Cooper City
- Parkland
- Wilton Manors
- Lauderdale Lakes
- North Lauderdale
- Lighthouse Point
- Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Track record
Results from a lawyer who knows the other side
The firm has recovered real money for injured Floridians, including confidential settlements and settlements for the most the policy pays.
Each case is different and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.See more results →
Client reviews
What clients say
“They brought exceptional legal skill, compassion, and genuine care to our case. We never felt like just another client. This firm didn’t just represent us — they stood beside us. We will always be grateful.”
— Tony Neal · Google“The kind of attorney everyone hopes to find — honest, thorough, dedicated. My situation didn’t even become a case, yet he patiently walked me through every option.”
— Rev. Sonia · Avvo“Emanuel is a very detailed professional. His communication skills are excellent. Thank you!!”
— Jorge Sanchez · Google“Emanuel is a talented attorney and an even better person. His clients will always come first, and he always acts with the utmost integrity. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with a personal injury case in South Florida.”
— Robert Meyer · GoogleReviews reflect individual clients’ experiences. Prospective clients may not obtain the same or similar results. Reviews are from the firm’s Google and Avvo profiles.
Questions people ask
Fort Lauderdale & Broward FAQ
Do I have to come to Miami?
No. We can meet by video or phone, and if your injuries keep you from traveling, I'll come to you.
How much does it cost?
You pay nothing up front. My fee comes out of the money I get for you (this is called a contingency fee). The case review is free, and you pay no attorney fees or costs unless the firm wins money for you.
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes. I'm bilingual and can handle your case in Spanish from start to finish.
How long do I have to file?
Most Florida negligence claims arising after March 24, 2023 must be filed within 2 years (§ 95.11(5)(a)). Other claims, including claims under your own insurance policy, can have different deadlines. Claims against the government require written notice and a waiting period before a lawsuit (§ 768.28). Don't wait to find out which applies to you.
Which court will my case be in?
Often a Broward court, in the 17th Judicial Circuit, but it depends on the venue rules for your claim. For ordinary damages claims, county court generally handles up to $50,000, not counting interest, court costs and attorney's fees. Larger claims generally go to circuit court. Some cases belong in federal court, at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in Fort Lauderdale.
Tell me what happened. The case review is free.
You'll talk to me, a senior attorney who spent nearly two decades working for the insurance companies. Not a case manager. No fees or costs unless we recover for you.
Call 786-442-2873